Aya House @ MotorCity Mimosa

Our Mission

Inspired by the Adinkra symbol of the mimosa flower "Aya," representing endurance, resourcefulness, and resilience, Aya House at MotorCity Mimosa will celebrate the strength and unity of Detroit and its residents. Situated in Detroit’s historic Eastern Market, Aya House will be a vibrant community hub offering educational workshops, community forums, resilience-building activities, and more for its members. This space will significantly enhance Detroit's social impact sector's ability to deliver impactful programs directly to the community, fostering engagement and collaboration among Detroit’s current and aspiring nonprofit and community leaders. Our vision is to become a beloved hotspot and curator of love within the local community, fostering a flourishing community united in holistic wellness, innovation, and solidarity.

The Opportunities We’re Maximizing

Detroit is a city rich in cultural heritage and community spirit. Despite facing challenges like food insecurity and environmental injustice, Detroiters are known for their resilience and creativity. The leaders dedicated to addressing these issues bring immense passion and innovation but often lack the resources and spaces to fully realize their potential. Aya House aims to fill this gap by providing:

• A space with the capacity, technology, food, and strategic support needed for high-quality in-person and hybrid convenings.
• High-quality workshops and events facilitated by qualified impact sector experts.
• Intentional social impact-specific networking opportunities to break the silos and foster collaboration.

Market Size/Opportunity

With over 670,000 residents and growing, Detroit has a diverse and vibrant population with a rich cultural heritage. The recent media attention from hosting the 2024 NFL Draft and the reopening of the Michigan Central train station has highlighted what Detroiters have always known: our city has everything needed to be a cultural and economic powerhouse. However, many communities remain underserved and lack access to essential resources. In Detroit alone, there are over 5,000 nonprofit organizations and nearly 24,000 in Metro Detroit employing over 240,000 people, representing the potential membership at Aya House. By providing a well-equipped, dedicated space for empowerment and collaboration, Aya House aims to help the social impact sector address these needs, creating opportunities and connections for thousands of Detroiters.

About Aya House and Our Solution

Phase 1 of Aya House will be a 3,000 square foot venue in the heart of Detroit’s Eastern Market, designed to be a cultural and collaborative community hub. It will host a variety of programs and feature intentionality in every aspect, including:

• Educational & Wellbeing Workshops: From teaching healthy cooking and eating habits to learning how to launch their own social enterprise.
• Delicious In-House Cuisine: Members and eventgoers will have access to our holistically curated menu designed specifically to promote focus and energize. We'll also sell ingredients and condiments designed to heal, including our signature Mimosa Flower infused honey.
• Workforce Development: Connecting Detroit youth and adults with employment barriers to background-friendly opportunities and wraparound supports.
• Coworking & Meeting Space: Members will enjoy robust amenities and concierge services onsite, including mobile dry cleaning, discounted software subscriptions, and virtual assistant services, as well as access to dedicated coworking and meeting spaces curated for community leaders.  Learn more about our planned membership offerings here.
• Black Glove Events: Unlike traditional venues, Aya House is run by professional nonprofit sector consultants who can handle everything from decor to agenda design and facilitation. We offer the most comprehensive services for our clients—just show up and we'll take care of the rest!
• Cultural Events and Celebrations: Showcasing Detroit’s rich cultural heritage and fostering community pride. We'll partner with historians and cultural institutions to showcase Detroit's legacy throughout our facility.
• Community Commitment: From regular volunteer outings to our charity program included in membership dues, our members are dedicated to uplifting the surrounding neighborhoods.

These programs and offerings aim to empower our members and the community with knowledge, skills, and resources to create a sustainable and prosperous future.

Meet Our Co-Founders

• Chef Nina Love: Our Chief Operating Officer and Creative Curator, Chef Nina is a culinary artist, experienced curator, food-based business consultant, and hospitality expert with 18 years of industry experience. She is the founder and CEO of All Black Everything Hospitality Group, which houses The Love Experience, a full-service culinary, event, and experience firm, and Love's Table, a luxury, curated communal dining and entertainment experience that feeds over 20,000 Detroiters annually.
• TeQuion Brookins: Our CEO, TeQuion is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur and philanthropist with over 15 years of business operations, community engagement, event planning, and startup experience. TeQuion is the founder of TeQuionBrookins LLC, which offers high-quality fractional support and advising to over 200 Detroit nonprofits and social enterprises annually. She holds degrees in Biochemistry, Africana Studies, Business, and Finance and has been recognized by Crain's Detroit Business and Oakland County.

Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to Aya House, ensuring our programs are impactful and inclusive.

Why We’re Seeking Funding

We seek $80,000 in seed funding to launch phase 1 of our vision. The funds will be used for:

• Signage & Renovations
• Furniture
• IT & AV Installations
• 6 Months of Rent & Utilities
• Business Permits & Licenses
• Hiring Our First Team Members

We are finalists in Detroit's MotorCity Match program, but we must raise additional funds to receive the grant disbursement by July 31st. If we do not raise the funds, we will need to acquire debt to bring our vision to life. This will increase our operating costs and result in our prices increasing. Your support is needed in order to keep the dream of Aya House accessible to those who need it most. Supporting this project helps ensure Aya House becomes the community asset we intended. 

Thank You and Supporter Appreciation

Every dollar counts. We will be incredibly grateful for your support. As a thank you, our supporters will receive:

• Lifetime Discounts (any donation amount): Enjoy discounts on all Aya House events and programs.
• Free Memberships (>$1,000): Gain exclusive access to members-only events, workshops, and our robust amenities. Learn more about our planned membership offerings here.
• Special Recognition (>$10,000): Have your name etched on a commemorative plaque at Aya House, celebrating your contribution to our community. You'll also receive VIP tickets to our groundbreaking event and grand opening, as well as a dedicated menu item in your honor.

By supporting Aya House, you are investing in the future of Detroit, empowering our leaders, and fostering a stronger, more vibrant community. Thank you for joining us on this journey to create lasting change.

Join us in making a difference. Support today and be a part of Detroit’s transformation!