A New Jazz Club Just Opened in Durham

*This episode is sponsored by NC IDEA.

Hey honeys and hustlers,

Nish Leblanc, the founder of Lennox & Grae, is our most recent guest on the Honey & Hustle podcast. Truthfully, we tried to get Nish on season 3 of Honey & Hustle but we couldn’t get our schedules to align. With a little persistence and help from our friend Jed of Oak City CRE, we were able to make it happen! You can watch or listen to the new episode below.

You can also check it out on Apple Podcasts.

Nish has a background in venture capital, which really came in handy when she started her real estate investment and general contracting companies. A lot of people, myself included, see real estate investment as a risky business – but Nish saw the potential for large deals as exciting. In fact, her first deal was a mind-blowing $2.5 million. Despite facing initial skepticism and competition from other potential buyers, she continuously reached out to the owners, expressing her confidence and determination to make the project a reality.

Buying the building is only part of the equation. Nish wants to “buy it and build it.” By intentionally creating spaces where local businesses can thrive, she contributes to the economic growth and revitalization of the downtown area. One of her notable projects is the redevelopment of 310 East Main Street. This historic renovation project involved fully gutting an existing building and creating a brand-new layout. Nish's intentional approach to selecting tenants for this project resulted in four women-owned businesses occupying the building. You may recognize one business, Missy Lane’s Assembly Room, a jazz club owned by Cicely Mitchell who is one of the founders of Art of Cool Festival (previously a soul and R&B festival that took place in Durham).

5 Key Takeaways from this Episode:

1. Focus on long-term sustainability and the collective success of your community, rather than just individual success.

2. Consider the impact on diversity, representation, and sustainability in your real estate ventures.

3. Recognize the importance of building a strong community and working collectively towards shared goals. Seek opportunities to collaborate with other entrepreneurs and professionals in your field, and support each other's growth and success.

4. While passion is important, also take the time to strategically plan your business ventures.

5. Be intentional in your real estate transactions and construction projects. Think about the impact they can have on the community and the legacy you want to leave behind.

It’s an honor to share Nish’s powerful perspective with you — may it help you along your creative and entrepreneurship journey.

This episode is supported by NC IDEA, an independent, private foundation whose vision is to help North Carolinians achieve their entrepreneurial ambition to start and grow high-potential companies. If you’re in North Carolina and would like to be considered for the $10K Micro Grant or $50K Seed Grant, check out their website for information on qualifications and how to apply. Applications are due on February 26th. Good luck!

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