Washington D.C. is not only the capital of the United States, but also the center for Black brilliance. So it’s only right that Black creatives have a safe space to do just that — create. That’s what Aisha Bond, owner of the The Quincy House set out to do for industry peers and professionals alike. When she purchased the property years ago, it was initially for her family and her business, Nan Bon. Despite other endeavors taking her away from the neighborhood, Bond still saw it as an opportunity for her peers in the creative community to benefit from the beautiful, newly renovated property.
From there entered Ashley McPherson and Tiara Perry.
As the curators behind The Quincy House, this unlikely pairing of a mixologist and fashion stylist, created a place to build community in the nation’s capital — where people of color can come as they are and share space with folks like themselves.
Nestled in the Bloomingdale Neighborhood of Northwest DC, The Quincy House has become a space where creatives can flex their talents among a shortage of commercial spaces, in a chic, socially distanced atmosphere. As one of the very few spaces in Washington D.C. for creatives of color, The Quincy House began as a middle ground for those in need of a venue for networking and socializing. Individuals who walk through the brownstone doors will be assured that they are entering an environment where they can be entrepreneurs, creatives, and Black all at the same time.
Merging McPherson’s catering and event management resume through her company, McFierce Experience, and Perry’s styling background through her company, 1984V, the essence of their talents is infused into the space. Whether it’s offering mixology services when collaborating on a small chef curated dinner or a virtual opening for one their artists in residence (which rotates monthly to highlight different DC artists) McPherson and Perry have spun The Quincy House and their talents to become an income generating space for themselves and other creators.
In a conversation with ESSENCE, they discuss what the Quincy House means for Black creatives and how their business was impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ESSENCE: What inspired you to start a business that focuses on culture first?
McPherson: We’ve both always been culture crusaders. It wasn’t about finding something that focused on culture, that already existed in our rich creative community here in DC. At that point, it was about reinventing our businesses and finding unique ways to incorporate experiences and access to other creatives. After all culture is about creativity, experience and community.
ESSENCE: What does a community like Quincy House mean for Black DC creatives?
Perry: It brings a platform and canvas for safe creative expression and comradery. It brings a reminder that we’re all in this together and together is how we will survive.
ESSENCE: How will you navigate using a space such as this during the COVID-19 pandemic? What are safety considerations that guests should know?
McPherson: What we saw in The Quincy House when the pandemic hit was completely different from the initial vision. We’ve dedicated all the common areas to creative space and the patio and enclosed outdoor space downstairs provide the perfect backdrop for chic, socially distanced interactions. The beauty of the abundance of space is that creatives can still be creative. Events go a little longer to accommodate CDC guidelines but we’re here for it and happy to play hosts every time.
If there were 3 words you would use to describe the Quincy House, what would they be?
McPherson and Perry: Creative, social and safe.