Today we’d like to introduce you to Bianca Renee.
Bianca, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My jumpstart into entrepreneurship started when I was diagnosed with Lupus in October 2013. I always call it my blessing in disguise, I call her Ms. Lulu. It gave me an excuse to not work a regular 9-5. Lupus is a very unpredictable disease. You never know when you will get sick and you never know for how long. And as you can imagine working a regular 9-5 could be extremely challenging. So I had to think fast, I still need to survive in this world, I still have bills, life, money, etc. So I decided to start my 1st company Sag7 Entertainment LLC, this company specializes in live music entertainment and event planning. Along with my graphic design company Sag7 Designs, this company specializes in Graphic and promo material, logos, websites, etc. I had the support of some but not many. Many around me couldn’t grasp the idea of not receiving a two week paycheck, family included. This was a foreign way of life just six years ago. For the next couple of years, the business had been going great! I made great connections I had allies and support in the nightlife, entertainment scene in the city (DMV).
My health on the other had been up and down during those years. There were many hospital stays and lost opportunities. But I pushed through and kept going. I had Lupus it wasn’t going to have me. Fast forward to 2018 Things have been going great until they weren’t. All work came to a screeching halt. NO events were happening, It seemed no one needs graphic work, I was bored and broke! I could not afford my rent I was three months behind, cellphone, other bills were piling up I did not know what to do. Eventually, I had to leave my apt, I trusted a friend to set up a place for me to stay once I moved but that fell through and I found myself homeless. I finally landed a position at this new Black Owned Oyster Bar Restaurant and Lounge in DC. I made this connection through a very good friend who just so happened to be incarcerated unexpectedly. Luckily I had a car and I was able to still get around. But I could not believe I allowed myself to get this low, I was embarrassed, sad, depressed and I didn’t know what to do. I was homeless for a while and through my position I was starting to make some money. So I started looking for rooms to rent, baby steps right. I found this woman listing a room for rent in her home in MD (April N. Richardson Esq). The price was in my budget so my godmother reached out to her on my behalf. She called me back and we began to talk.
We quickly realized we both had something we each could utilize in each other. For her, my skillset and for me at the time a place to stay. We meet, talked, and clicked right away. She saw something in me right away and decided to take me under her wing. I came to her house the next day and never left, This was January of 2019. April is the owner of the 1st Food Hall in Prince Georges County called Savor At Studio 3807, which opened Oct 2019. As the Savor project was happening we discussed ideas about a market. Specifically an Artisans Market. An Artisans Market is a retail space that curates different hand-made and hand-crafted products and items. Such as jewelry, skincare, haircare, clothing, home decor, cosmetics, artwork, etc. The idea was so wonderful seeing as though Savor is located in the Gateway Arts District, which has over 200 artists and over 40 active studios and galleries. So what better way to incubate all of the amazing creatives together to turn their passion into profit. Thus CuratedDMV was born. The ultimate goal for CuratedDMV to be present in every major city because there are creatives all over the nation and everyone should experience making a living from doing what they love. I know that everything I have gone through these last couple of years has prepared me for the life and lifestyle I want and have worked for. *Just an FYI it forced me to choose a city* As you know I do not live in the SD area.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I was diagnosed with a blood disorder in 2009 and had to be discharged from the navy. That next couple of years was one big ball of depression and self pity. My appearance changed so much I did not even recognize myself. One of the worse times in my life.
Tell us more about the business.
CuratedDMV is an Artisan Market, we curate local products and items from different local makers. The incubator is to provide the opportunity for the maker to turn their passion into a profit. I am the Owner of the Business and I am known for being apart of the business & entertainment community in the DMV area.
I am proud that I can provide opportunities to the makers who are ready to take their companies to the next level. I am apart of a historic opportunity to be the 1st Artisan Market inside the very 1st food hall In Prince George’s County, MD.
What sets us apart is that we are not just profit driven, we value the arts, the creative process and making sure we provide exposure of as many creatives as we possible can.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I lucked up and meet April Richardson, she has literally changed my life. the business and life lessons I have learned from here have been unreal and I still can’t believe my luck.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3809 Rhode Island Ave
Brentwood, MD 20722 - Email: curateddmv@gmail.com
- Instagram: @curateddmv
- Facebook: @curateddmv
Image Credit:
Mark Enriquez
IG @1llest
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