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Coffee, Kicks, and Community: Inside Blend's Unique Concept
Blend Coffee and Kicks is revolutionizing the coffee scene with its unique hybrid concept, seamlessly blending coffee culture, sneaker enthusiasm, and a strong sense of local community in a way that's completely new to the North American market.
From Healing to Juicing: How Rhonda Faison Turned Love Into a Business at Pike Place Market
Rhonda Faison didn’t plan to become a juice bar owner. In fact, she once dreamed of being a doctor. But life had other plans. After her brother became a quadriplegic, Rhonda—who had been working in emergency medicine—found herself questioning her career path. While caring for him, she started researching plant medicine as a way to help him feel better without the overload of prescriptions. That personal mission sparked something much bigger.
A Fresh Soul in Spokane: How Michael C. Brown is Feeding Futures and Building Community
In Spokane’s East Central neighborhood, Fresh Soul isn’t just serving Southern classics—it’s serving purpose. At the heart of it all is Michael C. Brown, founder of the Spokane Eastside Reunion Association and the visionary behind this powerful community hub. What looks like a cozy restaurant on the outside is actually a life-changing job training program for youth, complete with resume workshops, financial literacy, and a 99% job placement rate.
MUVA Seattle: Where Motherhood and Creativity Thrive Side by Side
When you step into MUVA, nestled on the 3rd floor of Seattle’s Columbia Tower, you can feel the energy shift. It's not just an art space—it's a movement. Founded by Jonarra Swanson, MUVA was born from her own experiences as a single mother navigating the art world.
Akeem Ali Brings the Energy to Tacoma with Innovative Change Makers
The South Sound was lit as rising star Akeem Ali brought his signature blend of smooth lyrics and vibrant stage presence to Jazzbones in Tacoma. Presented by the Innovative Change Makers (ICM), the event wasn’t just another night out—it was a celebration of community, connection, and pure joy.
Jazz Highlights Black-Owned Lender Denkyem Co-Op on Good Day Seattle
Yesterday morning, Jazz from Seattle returned to Good Day Seattle on FOX13 for a second week as she fills in for Besa Gordon, who is currently on leave. During the interview with host Erin Mayovsky, Jazz highlighted Denkyem Co-Op, a Black-led community development financial institution.
All White Everything: PapaBlack DaVinci Brings Culture and Class to Bellevue’s Mirra this Memorial Day Weekend 5/25/2025
If you're looking for the move this Memorial Day Weekend, look no further than Bellevue. PapaBlack DaVinci is hosting his first-ever All White Party on Sunday, May 25th at Mirra, and according to him—it’s going to be “some energy in Bellevue you don’t want to miss.”
AEW's Nick Wayne Talks Legacy, Blood Loss & Big Moves in the Ring on Back2Besa
When Back2Besa host Besa Gordon first saw Nick Wayne wrestle at DEFY, she didn’t expect it to reignite her love for wrestling. But the moment stuck. So when Nick came back to Seattle last May, sitting down with the AEW star was a no-brainer. At just 18 years old, Nick Wayne already has close to a decade in the ring.
From BBQ to Business Loans: This Week on Back2Besa with Jazz From Seattle
Jazz from Seattle steps into the spotlight as the guest host for Episode 242 of Back2Besa this weekend, filling in while Besa Gordon enjoys a well-deserved break. This week’s episode is a vibrant tapestry of community engagement, entrepreneurial spirit, and personal celebration.
From Valentino to Vulnerability: 24kGoldn Talks Growth, Gratitude, and the Power of Letting Go on Back2Besa
When 24kGoldn sat down with Besa Gordon at the Black Media Matters Studio, it felt like a full-circle moment—five years after their first interview, the chart-topping artist returned with new music, fresh insight, and a more grounded outlook on life and artistry.
From Staten Island to Thailand: Starda Talks Legacy, Music, and Starting a Party on Back2Besa
When artist and entrepreneur Starda pulled up to The Black Media Matters Studio and Back2Besa last May, it was his first time in Seattle—and what better way to make a debut than while in town for the Lil Wayne & Friends Tour. Fresh off the release of his project Start A Party with legendary producer Ron Browz, Starda sat down with Besa Gordon to talk about his journey from Staten Island cafeterias to international stages.
Jazz From Seattle Highlights MUVA on Good Day Seattle — and Makes Her Back2Besa Hosting Debut
With Besa Gordon taking time off from Back2Besa to prioritize her health, Good Day Seattle and host Erin Mayovsky welcomed a fresh face to the studio—Jazz From Seattle, who not only filled in on-air but also brought viewers an impactful story about a new retail space changing the game for mompreneurs in Seattle.
Besa Gordon’s Real Seattle Media Mixer Returns with Networking, Vibes, and Ballet at McCaw Hall
Seattle’s creative community, mark your calendars, Besa Gordon’s The Real Seattle Media Mixer is officially back! After a long-awaited return, the beloved event for media professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs, and community builders is set to bring the city together once again for an evening of real connection and real inspiration.
Back2Besa: Jazz From Seattle Takes the Helm for a PNW Black Business Uplift
This week on Back2Besa, guest host Jazz from Seattle fills in for Besa Gordon and delivers an action-packed episode highlighting the best of Seattle and beyond. Jazz kicks off the show by sharing a bit about herself and her deep roots in Seattle's Central District, setting the stage for a journey through local businesses, inspiring individuals, and cultural hotspots.
Besa Gordon Announces Leave from "Back2Besa" to Focus on Health
Besa Gordon, the host of the TV show Back2Besa on FOX13 Seattle and FOX SOUL, has announced today that she will be taking a temporary leave from her show to focus on her ongoing skin health. In a video announcement, Besa explained that she's experiencing recurring skin issues similar to those she faced last year. "Unfortunately, we have gotten to that time of year when my skin really just likes to give me a big middle finger," Besa shared.
Besa Gordon talks Sweetpea’s Custom Cakes on Good Day Seattle
In celebration of National Small Business Week, Back2Besa host Besa Gordon brought a delicious spotlight to FOX 13’s Good Day Seattle—featuring Sweetpea’s Custom Cakes, a Black woman-owned business nestled in Seattle’s University District. Founded by cake artist and entrepreneur Jennifer Jones, the shop is a vibrant testament to what’s possible when creativity meets community support.
The Trap Lab: Building Community and Business Through Movement in Federal Way
Federal Way, Washington – In a space pulsating with music and energy, The Trap Lab stands out as more than just a fitness studio. Founded and operated by sisters Icea Pettigrew and Sharde Bullard, this Black women-owned business has cultivated a vibrant community, successfully blending fitness, culture, and empowerment into a thriving enterprise.
La'Keith Asphy and Presidential Transportation: Driving Community at the CD Art Walk
The Central District (CD) Art Walk in Seattle is a vibrant celebration of community, creativity, and connection. Every first Friday of the month, the neighborhood transforms into a hub of artistic expression, with local artists, vendors, and businesses opening their doors to the public. However, navigating the expansive CD can be challenging, which is where Presidential Transportation steps in, turning the art walk into an even more accessible and enjoyable experience.
Elijah's Legacy: Growing Community Through Grief and Remembrance
In the heart of the Rainier Beach urban farm and wetlands, a profound gathering unfolded, a space where grief intertwined with hope, and remembrance blossomed into action. This was no ordinary event; it was a tribute to Elijah Lewis, a young man whose spirit touched many, and whose legacy continues to inspire. Through the voices of those who loved him – his mother, Jenine Lewis, and friends like Nyema Clark and Jarred Issac – a story of love, loss, and the enduring power of community emerges.
Intentions Juice and Smoothie Bar: Besa Gordon’s South Tacoma Spotlight
By Besa Gordon - Hey friends! Have you been to Intentions Juice and Smoothie Bar yet? 👀 Located on South Tacoma Way near Edison Square, this Black-owned gem is all about sowing good intentions into every customer. You might remember seeing Marquita Evans and her shop featured on Back2Besa during our Support Black Business spotlight.