Destination DC welcomes 45 new DEI business fellows

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, is pleased to uphold its dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion by backing local small businesses owned by minorities through a complimentary membership initiative.

“As a member-based organization dedicated to fostering economic development through tourism, we are committed to engaging with the local community and fostering the revitalization of a sustainable tourism and hospitality industry in Washington, DC, with a focus on equity and inclusivity,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, President and CEO, DDC. “By actively supporting local businesses through our marketing channels and enhancing their visibility to customers, we not only raise awareness among visitors and meeting planners about the array of services offered by small businesses in our own backyard, but also contribute to the preservation of local culture.”  

The DEI Business Fellowship program specifically aids businesses owned by individuals from diverse backgrounds, including people of color, LGBTQ+, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. Fellowship recipients receive a complimentary one-year membership to DDC, providing them with access to marketing assistance, new business prospects, and networking opportunities. The 2024 DEI fellows include:

Convention Service Providers

1. AIR Consulting – Specializing in crafting films, documentaries, social media content, advertisements, and promotions, this storytelling expert offers a comprehensive suite of services.
2. Andrew Roby Events INC – A producer of corporate events and experiences, bringing professionalism and creativity to the forefront.
3. Booked by Blaze DJs – A five-star-rated event DJ service operating in nine states and DC, ensuring a memorable musical experience.
4. Cash Bash Cupcakes – A baker offering a variety of cupcakes in numerous flavors, perfect for any event.
5. Damien Carter Photography – Specializing in wedding, portrait, and lifestyle photography to capture your special moments.
6. District Sitter – Providing reliable childcare solutions tailored for meetings and conferences.
7. Flave App – An app that aids users in discovering local food specials and rewards them for sharing food photography.
8. Fingers in Ink, LLC – A stationery boutique specializing in fine invitations, imported papers, premium printing, and graphic design services.
9. Homemade in DC – Offering corporate catering and custom gift boxes sourced locally from women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.
10. Ìpàdé – A meeting and event space located in Dupont Circle.
11. Jus Paul Music – Providing interactive Go-Go music lessons, offering a unique experience with the official music of the nation’s capital.
12. TerRiBelBlue Catering – Specializing in Filipino cuisine.
13. The Ugly Cake Factory – A black-owned bakery specializing in cupcakes and cakes.
14. The Guest House – A private, luxury hospitality space designed for leadership retreats, executive trainings, team-building, and corporate lodging.

Transportation

1. Inner Loop Transportation – Offering a luxury fleet of vehicles for daily travel, including airport transfers, hourly services, corporate events, dinners, sporting events, wine tours, shuttle services, and twilight tours of Washington, DC.

Dining, Food, and Beverage

1. 2FiftyTexas BBQ – A local smokehouse with Central-Texas-Style BBQ and a tropical twist.
2. As You Are – A café by day and a bar and dance lounge by night, providing a safe and celebratory space for the LGBTQIA+ community.
3. Bo and Ivy Distillers – Creating small batch spirits in Ivy City.
4. Casta’s Rum Bar – A Cuban rum bar and beer garden in Dupont Circle.
5. DC Sweet Potato Cake – A bakery specializing in cakes and pies using sweet potatoes as the main ingredient.
6. Elfegne Ethiopian Cuisine – Catering authentic Ethiopian cuisine, featuring vegan and meat dishes and a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony.
7. Glassey – Serving Indian Street food and cocktails.
8. Kitchen Savages – A restaurant offering great food and culinary training experiences for at-risk young people.
9. Mama’s Kitchen – A woman-owned pizza shop.
10. Melange & Doro Soul Food – Serving award-winning burgers and authentic soul food.
11. Miss Toya’s Creole House – Serving Creole cuisine and featuring a private dining room.
12. Planta Restaurant – A 100% plant-based menu featuring Chef David Lee’s favorite dishes from across Asia.
13. Spicy Water African Grill – A West African restaurant serving authentic Ivorian food.
14. Mozzeria – A deaf-owned restaurant specializing in wood-fired Neapolitan pizza.

See & Do

1. 11:Eleven Gallery – An art gallery specializing in UK contemporary and urban works.
2. Anacostia Arts Center – A hub for arts, culture, and small businesses in the heart of Anacostia.
3. Anacostia Business Improvement District – Supporting a thriving and diverse commercial district for Anacostia.
4. Bailiwick Clothing Company – An online clothing boutique specializing in t-shirts, sweatshirts, and accessories with designs representing Washington, DC.
5. Creative Flavor Art & Entertainment – An ice cream shop featuring creative flavors and group painting classes.
6. Lee’s Flower Shop and Cards – A floral designer and supplier for all occasions and events.
7. Mahogany Yacht Charters – Offering premium daily yacht charters on the Potomac River with views of DC’s historic landmarks.
8. Morton Fine Art LLC – Featuring a diverse roster of international artists with a focus on art from the African and global diaspora.
9. Neighbors DC LLC – A community-rooted marketplace and creative hub showcasing makers and artisans in vibrant spaces throughout the DMV.
10. Petworth Cigars LLC – A Black-owned and woman-owned cigar bar and lounge.
11. SCOUT Bags – Founded in Georgetown, SCOUT Bags focus on all-weather “life proof” bags available in many sizes and patterns for both consumer and corporate orders.
12. Skin Beauty Bar – Offering spa services like facials, waxing, sugaring, and airbrush tanning on Capitol Hill.
13. Spirited Tours – Hosting fun and memorable wine tasting events in DC and Northern Virginia.
14. Sycamore & Oak – A retail village with a variety of local makers and artisans in a 600,000+ sq. ft., mixed-use sustainable space.
15. Take Care – A holistic spa and retailer of natural skincare, beauty, and wellness brands.
16. Wired Cycling – Offering group biking classes, private coaching, and private bike rental by the hour.

“As a new business fellow and member of DDC, my hope for Neighbors DC LLC is to disrupt the status quo of what it means to build and nurture a community, establish a reputation of excellence, and inspire other businesses and entrepreneurs we work with to aim high,” said Enica J. Barnes, founder and owner of Neighbors DC LLC. “I want to establish meaningful, long-term connections that do more than give me a seat at the table but ownership of the whole house.”  

“Being a DDC business fellow allows me and my team to work with experts who understand intimately what our ideal clients are looking for. It directly connects us to those clients plus a network of supporting professionals to ensure we offer the best service possible to organizations coming to DC to host their events. The membership allows for the company to grow while also supporting the DC economy,” said Andrew Roby, Event producer, Andrew Roby Events. 

DDC’s mission and dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion extend to the American Experience Foundation (AEF), its 501c-3 nonprofit focused on offering scholarships and career experiences to local students. In 2023, AEF exceeded $130,000 in scholarships awarded over the past eight years, supporting students pursuing careers in hospitality and tourism through higher education.

DDC is uniquely positioned to share Washington, DC’s history and experiences related to racial and social equity with visitors. The “DEI District,” launched in 2021, provides curated content showcasing DC through a DEI lens, encompassing visitation, engagement, learning, and meetings. This initiative connects to leisure, meetings, and educational audiences, promoting the unique history and experiences in DC.

Washington, DC, recognized as one of the most inclusive and accessible cities globally, prioritizes initiatives to eliminate barriers and cater to the needs of all visitors. DDC features and plans to expand content on washington.org, highlighting accessibility and providing resources.

Applications for the DEI Fellowship 2025 cohort will be available in the fall.

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