Black Business Month: Toria Edmonds-Howell
Tell us a little about yourself and your business:
I am a life-long Richmonder. An innovator. A homebody. A Corporate Social Responsibility professional, by day -- focused on supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Richmond region. And the founder and CEO of North 24th Home -- a brand of safe, nontoxic household cleaning essentials created to help families care for their homes, care for their wellbeing, and care for one another.
Describe Richmond in 3 words:
Richmond is home.
Richmond is resilient.
Richmond is transforming.
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From sun-up to sun-down, what’s your ideal day in RVA?
My ideal day in Richmond would start with an early morning walk through Church Hill with a large cold brew from the Urban Hang Suite in hand, while listening to the Imperfectly Phenomenal Woman Podcast (created and produced by a Black Richmond native). From there, I would practice yoga at BareSoul Yoga, cycle at Hour Cycle Studio, or run along the James River in preparation for the Run Richmond 1619 Race. I would follow up my workout with avocado toast from The Beet Box or a grab-and-go lunch from Soul N' Vinegar. I would stop by The Book Bar RVA to grab a new book and bottle of wine, then head to Carytown to pick up a bouquet from Christopher Flowers. I would end my day sitting on my porch, enjoying my new purchases and taking in the city that I love so much.
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What would you say is Richmond’s best-kept secret?
Richmond's best-kept secret is every single youth in the City. As a former educator, I have had the pleasure of working with young people from across the city and I firmly believe that they are the future leaders that will move this great city forward.
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BLK RVA is all about supporting the thriving Black businesses and culture in the Richmond region and encouraging tourists to do the same. What’s one thing every visitor MUST do/see when they come to our region?
Every visitor must visit the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia. Research shows that one in four Black Americans' origins trace back to Richmond, so I believe it's important that we know and celebrate our rich history in this city and how it has influenced and shaped Black culture across the nation.
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Where are you from originally? What’s your favorite thing to do in RVA?
I'm from Church Hill and still live in Church Hill. My favorite thing to do when staying close to home is to clean using North 24th Home. I believe our homes are extensions of ourselves and I believe it's important to care for and honor the home in all ways.
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When we say the name BLK RVA, what does that mean to you?
It means celebrating and supporting Black people, Black homes, Black spaces, Black businesses, Black history, Black joy, and Black dreams.