Business cards and ideas were exchanged at Rose City Connect’s first young professionals networking event on Feb. 19 at Rare Breed Fitness, 419 N. Eighth St., in Richmond. The meet-and-greet laid the groundwork for entrepreneurs to network with like-minded individuals.
Business owners and professionals from various fields shared their services and goals. Whether health care or real estate, community was the throughline for all present.
Barber Briannah Walker wants to invest in the community, especially providing hair care for children. Currently located at 155 Richmond Ave., Walker plans to open her own location on the west side this spring.
“I want to make people feel important,” said Walker as she distributed $5 gift certificates.
Morgan Burk works at Abilities in the Depot District but spearheads many support groups for disabled individuals. Burk leads a bowling league for people with disabilities, offering a space for community members to engage and be active with others. She also has support groups for caregivers and those struggling with mental health.
In sharing her story, Burk connected with Ashlee Smith and Taylor Marshall, the coordinators of Journey House, Richmond’s new sober living facility.
“Building relationships will get you in doors quicker than money,” Smith said.
Rose City Connect founder Auntonio Brown supported this notion, saying his goal is to create relationships and inspiration with others.
“I just really wanted to make Richmond a better place,” Brown said. “It’s really not about me at all. I want to be the connector to help people just come together.”
Brown opened Rare Breed Fitness in 2019 and earned a real estate license in 2023. But his entrepreneurial spirit was instilled by his mother, Cassandra Brown, who has been gainfully self-employed for the past 30 years. Cassandra currently operates four daycares and is hoping to open a school.
Auntonio Brown plans for Rose City Connect to meet monthly. As summer approaches, he wants to host events for the youth, offering positive experiences so they, too, can pay it forward.
“I’m trying to show you don’t have to leave Richmond to have success or feel like you’re successful,” he said.
For more information, call 765-407-6352.
A version of this article appeared in the February 25 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.