Sadie Porter, Contributing Writer
BornOutside hosted a picnic in Monroe Park on Sept. 19, inviting everyone in the community to come as they are.
The festival was a free event that combined culture and community while providing a space for creators, business owners and Richmonders to interact on a personal level.
Events included a brunch, meditative practices such as sound bowls and yoga, an art show, a photo walk meetup, multiple DJ sets and a Night in Lagos themed fashion show.
Lado, a festival organizer, joined in the event because of his past creative projects and organization of community events.
“I came here really trying to bring the aspects of what I bring to a party, except outside, and then make it a real community event where people, all types of people, can come out and enjoy themselves,” Lado said.
In troubling times, being outside with other humans who share similar interests makes a positive impact on the mind and body, Lado said.
“The biggest thing to me is community because Richmond has all types of people,” Lado said.
Lado said it is important to him to get out every once in a while and meet different people. He said that everyone loves music and art and just wants to be able to chill.
Small businesses, artists and DJs attended the festival to gain exposure, perform and soak in the positive energy.
Jasmine Lewis, also known as J. Michelle at her business, owns and operates Plush Smiles, a teeth whitening and tooth gem business in North Chesterfield. Lewis attended to try and get more business exposure.
“It’s just telling you to bring yourself, bring good energy and I think that’s all that people can do right now,” Lewis said.
BornOutside encourages people to come with what they have, Lewis said.
“It’s right here, smack dab in the middle of VCU,” Lewis said. “It’s a free event, it’s perfect weather, it’s bringing people together just to have fun.”
Angel Brown, business owner of Angels Archive, attended BornOutside as a way to interact with fellow community members and showcase her business. Angels Archive is a vintage clothing shop specializing in early 2000s pieces.
“I love the community around this area, especially Monroe Park, the VCU students and also just meeting new people,” Brown said.
Brown said she was attracted to the event’s uniqueness and shopping element.
“Shopping small and shopping Black-owned businesses as well is something that you don’t see often concentrated with festivals,” Brown said.
It’s important to have spaces where Black-owned businesses and Black artists can showcase their products and talent to a large-scale audience, Brown said.
With a focus on creativity and connection, BornOutside gave Richmonders an evening outside their usual routines filled with art, shopping and embrace of community spaces.