This past week, we gathered in Washington, DC for an unforgettable evening, the official launch of For The Love Of, a community centered in doing things from a place of love.
In partnership with @byheld , we hosted “Building In The Midst Of,” an experience designed to explore what it really means to build in the midst of life, and to prove that intentional programming belongs in the DMV.
Through rich conversation, accountability, and introspection, we grounded the room in a shared goal: to destigmatize the belief that creative goals only matter in major cities, and to remind dreamers and doers that they deserve a seat at the table here at home.
Grateful for every person who showed up, shared space, and leaned into the conversation.
This is just the beginning, more to come.
Last week, I launched For The Love Of (@everythingftlo ), a community rooted in doing things from a place of love. It feels like my personal story stepped out of my journals and into a room full of people, and I’m humbled to steward it.
My hope is to create salon-style conversations and tie in the culinary arts (because I can’t talk with people and nooot feed them 😭), and spaces where introspection and connection feel natural again.
Ideally, this looks like restaurant partnerships and hosting monthly thematic gatherings that explore what’s been left unsaid and move us toward clarity, connection, and constructive solutions.
This first event reminded me that it’s needed.
Thank you for stepping into it with me. 💛
Special thanks: @y.njie (collaborator) • @whitneyy.co (event producer)• @uwemmusic (video) • @and__dave , @ajanid.tv , @naomiis.world , @taariqkwame (camera) • @chanceaalbury , @nneka.co (featured voices) • @chosenbythealmighty (sound selection)
We want you to build well in 2026. 🌟 Swipe to hear some of the questions and thoughts that were shared in the room last Friday.
Didn’t get to be in the room with us? Don’t worry, sign up for our newsletter to learn more about our upcoming events in 2026. 🥂 to building well, together.
We’ve officially sold out of tickets for “Building in The Midst Of.”
We’re so excited for the conversations, food, play, and vibrant ideas the room will hold this Friday.
Our hope is to explore what it truly means to build in the DMV. Not chasing (solely) growth, but building collaboratively, creatively, and in ways that energize you toward what you’re meant to do.
For our attendees: keep an eye out for a pre-event email with everything you can expect. We can’t wait to build with you.
Beat us there. 💛
You asked & we wanted to answer! We have 4 more days until our upcoming event and here are all the things you need to know. 🌟
We’re close to selling out and would love to have you in the room. If you’re planning to join us, be sure to grab your ticket today. 🎟️
Looking forward to a great time, see you Friday. 🥂
Note: Tickets will not be for sale at the door.
Do everything “for the love of.” (@everythingftlo )
Around this time last year, I was feeling burnt by my own creative gifts. So much so that I started resenting the very things that once brought me joy. A friend reminded me, “When people use their gifts, they do it for the love of. And if you’re not doing it for the love of… what are you doing it for?”
I wrestled with that question all year.
What started as a challenge slowly turned into a conviction. One that I’m still practicing day by day, but one I feel called to steward through community.
“For the love of” doesn’t center the many associations of the word love. It centers this: that what you build comes from a place of true, rooted love.
Welcome to the journey, walk with me as I walk with y’all.
Shot by the family: @omagudidit
We’re excited to welcome Chance Albury (@chanceaalbury ) to our “Building in the Midst Of” dialogue! 🎉
As Co-Founder & CEO of @SomethingDifferentDC , Chance has sparked a DMV-wide movement rooted in play, nostalgia, and community, drawing 65,000+ people (across personal & brand socials) who trust him for fun and meaningful ways to connect! 💫🌆
Moderator Note: Something Different taps into the cultural rise of hobbies, joy, and collective play, from nostalgic games like Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? to community-driven events. And when the government shutdown hit, Chance rallied restaurants to support the city. 🍽️
This is about the real journey, one we’re all navigating while we build.
Everyone’s invited. Your questions can help shape the conversation, check the last slide. 💬
🔗 Tickets in bio.
Introducing Nneka Onyima (@nneka.co ), joining our “Building in the Midst Of” dialogue! ✨
A multidisciplinary artist and Founder of NNEXUS, Nneka drives culture through strategic direction and artistic innovation. Her work spans global brands like EMPIRE, L’Oréal Paris, and Converse, along with 45+ Fashion Week shows across New York, London, Milan, and Paris. Known for her powerful editorial vision, immersive experience design and movement practice, she’s building NNEXUS into an ecosystem where artists and entrepreneurs shape what’s next. 🎨🌍
Moderator Note: Nneka embodies what it means to create in motion, building through change and still shaping culture. This is a conversation we all get to step into. 🌟
Everyone’s invited. Your questions can help shape the conversation, check the last slide. 💬
🔗 Tickets in bio.
We wanted to bring something new to DC. 🌟
On December 19th, 6–9 PM at SOST DC, my friend @y.njie (of @byheld ) and I are hosting a night of culinary & conversation about what it means to “build in the midst of” all the things life throws our way.
It’s also the launch of a new community I’m building here in the DMV, For The Love Of (@everythingftlo ). ❤️
If you’re a dreamer or doer, you belong in this room. *H.E.L.D. may center Black Women— but this event invites everyone into the conversation!*
We can’t wait to see you there! 💫
Presenting a new culinary + conversation event: “Building In the Midst Of” 🧱
We are all creative and our crafts carry weight. However, sometimes life makes it hard to prioritize the passions we love the most.
“Building In the Midst Of…” explores what it means to push past the noise and keep building anyway. This event is designed to jumpstart your passion projects and empower DMV doers and dreamers alike through discussion, connection, culinary arts, (and let’s not forget) play!
We’d genuinely love to see you there.
Dec 19 • 6–9PM • @sost.dc 📍
Here’s what you can expect with your 🎟️:
• Food provided by SOST (Discounted drinks available from 6pm -7pm)
• Great discussions moderated by @joshnathanjr & @signedbyem
• A moment to slow down & enjoy real connection through puzzles provided @byheld
• DJ Performance by @chosenbythealmighty
• And more!
RSVP through the link in the bio 🔗
