The Blacker the Berry, the Sweeter the Latté
Bringing black business back into her community while simultaneously inspiring a generation to create spaces that are their own, Avent-deLeon demonstrates that with enduring persistence and the right intention, generational wealth can be achieved.
Check out the rest of the conversation below.
How do you celebrate your Blackness during Black History Month?
I don't think I was particularly mindful of celebrating the month—for me, everyday is a celebration of "Blackness" or African culture. Living my personal truth is a way of honoring my ancestors and my guides.
You are the owner of a concept store, coffee shop, and an upcoming new hostel space called Sincerely Tommy Eat & Stay. In what way have you incorporated your Blackness into your business?
Being a Black business owner gives a business a different perspective. There's a different lens we have to look through, so with that, I think it's natural that some level of our culture lives in the spaces we create.
Do you feel like because Sincerely Tommy is located in Bed-Stuy, a predominantly Black neighborhood, that you are inspiring the next generation to be business owners and create generational wealth?
It was part of my intention to inspire young Black creators and entrepreneurs when I opened. Bed-Stuy is now 50 percent less Black than it was when I was growing up, and I have seen so much change. I've seen the work ethic of young people change. I've been blessed to meet some wonderfully hard-working, motivated, and eager-to-gain-experience young people. I have also encountered the complete opposite. I think overall, the definition of what hard work means has changed drastically. Generational wealth is something to honor, to look to our elders and those who came before us as teachers. I look to my mother, father, grandmother as the elders who worked hard so that I have an example of what that looks like. It's rare that I see the same today, but when I do, I am so eager to work with them.
What restorative work do you want to see contributed to rectify the years of wrongful power distribution?
More than anything I want to see Black folks feeling empowered. I want them to look within. As a people, we have been oppressed and wronged, but the longer we ruminate in the wrongful actions against us, the longer we spend our energy there. The work has to start with self, and I believe in asking the question: am I living a life that commits to change for the better? I used to and sometimes still do spend time being angry at the oppressor, but it can be exhausting. Starting my business and setting my own rules has allowed me to create my own path.
If you could sit down and chat with any prominent Black figure, who would you choose?
Absolutely Malcolm X. He was a man of heroic magnitude. He also publicly evolved in the most honest and humane way. He was open about his mistakes—that's one of the characteristics I most admire about him. I think we too often expect that those who are "leaders" don't make mistakes or bad choices, and if they do, we are so quick to demonize them. Malcolm was always open about the work he was doing for himself and for his people.
What initially inspired the idea to create Sincerely Tommy and your new space, Sincerely Tommy Eat & Stay?
I really wanted a place where travelers could stay locally and eat healthy. I started traveling at a young age and had to budget, so I stayed in a lot of hostels. It was a great way to meet other people without having to spend a lot of money.
Being a Black woman myself, sometimes it's easy to doubt myself when taking on new projects or business ventures. What advice would you give to people like me who may have doubts about their ideas, because they are Black in white spaces?
Have a vision, and create your own space. I know that sounds very black and white—but to this day, it's the best advice I received when I started my business. Your vision can change as your business evolves. I am a huge believer in manifestation. If you can envision it, then it's already yours.
What is your favorite part about being Black?
Just that. [Laughs] Being Black—it's the best! We've created everything, and we come from the most beautiful place on the planet!
What do you enjoy most about Bed-Stuy and New York?
Well, both have changed so much. It's still home for me. My entire family lives here, so it's the main reason why I stay. The culture is so different now though. Of course there is beauty here, but I do miss the old New York and Bed-Stuy a lot.
What does the future look like for you?
Relaxation, time with my son, time alone, peace, good food and bliss.
