Episode 6: What Next?? - with Erica and Randy Belle

Erica and Randy Belle, back when folks could gather at RBA Creative.

NOTE: We recorded this conversation on July 12, 2020. When discussing the daily Black Lives Matter demonstrations in Portland, Oregon (where Pam/All Hands Art is located), we are referring to those PRIOR TO THE WHITE HOUSE SENDING FEDERAL FORCES IN. By July 23, when this episode was released, the nightly standoffs between federal agents and protesters were beginning to receive national attention. There continues to be overwhelming local support for BLM, and it has increased since the federal intervention.

Wanna hear how one Black-owned brick-and-mortar is coping during Covid-19?

Ever wonder what it would be like to run a business with your spouse?

Are you intrigued by the idea of entrepreneurship, but feel like you’ll never be prepared?

And what about the protests? What comes next in this time of intense social change? And all that protest-related art: Where did it come from and what will happen to it?

In this episode, my guests are Erica and Randy Belle. They’re co-owners of RBA Creative, an art gallery, photography studio, and co-working space for creatives in Oakland, California. As in all my favorite conversations, we cover the nuts and bolts, we go deep into a range of topics, and there’s laughter. Listen as we explore the skills business owners and all humans will need in order to thrive going forward.

Oh, and Oaklanders, maybe you’ve been wanting to try a “Paint and Sip” night out with friends. They’ve got you covered, as soon as it’s safe to gather again. Or, who knows? Maybe they’ll come up with an e-version of that or another service we can use from wherever we’re sheltering in place.

Enjoy the listen!

They got the lease!

Episode notes:

The Belles’ business is RBA Creative. Check it out and consider making a donation, or getting involved.
For information about the protest art documentation project, visit BlackCulturalZone.org. You can view the photos of the protest art that Randy mentioned here.

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