Meet Venus Nari | President

We had the good fortune of connecting with Venus Nari and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Venus, how do you think about risk?
When you learn to trust your gut you learn to quit something a take a risk. For me was quitting my job in Detroit, Michigan and moving to La. I just felt it was time to take a risk and trust it. For the six months trying to find a job that I love was difficult. When I arrived to La I volunteered right away with Lunch On Me and loved everything about it. When I quit my job in La that was not serving my purpose then dedicated my time in serving everything came together. I ended finding the job I love from volunteering taking a risk and trusting my gut. If I didn’t take a risk I would not be in my purpose. It takes hard work and trusting yourself

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m proud to see what LaRayia’s Bodega store turned into for the community. Especially during this time people need the love and healing. The bodega funds our grassroots nonprofit called Lunch On Me. The love that’s here for the community makes me feel full in life. It’s definitely a lot of hard work because we work nonstop but it’s worth it. I understand hard work and dedication is part of the process. I was always raised to work hard so it’s nothing new to me. Life is full of challenges but I know it is given to make us stronger. I always look at challenges as part of growth in a career. We want to provide positive energy to every interaction in people’s life. Lunch On Me/ LaRayia’s Bodega has taught me how daily micro gestures change the world

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Call me crazy but My favorite place in the city is Skidrow. I fell in love with the city. The stories, how people survive makes you realize so much in life and appreciate what you have. It also makes you sad to see how people are treated. As a whole we have so much work to do to help each other out. I rather make healthy meals and go eat with the people on Skidrow. That’s where the best people I’ve ever met

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
LaRayia Gaston founder of Lunch On Me. I want to thank her for trusting me and letting me apart of amazing organization. Thank you for always getting me out my comfortable zone. Last year we opened LaRayia’s Bodega where we provide love and healthy food for $5 and under. I love working with her and bringing the community together. I’m excited to keep growing and taking risk to fight for people who need it the most. Thank you LaRayia for creating a space of love and healing for the people

Website: www.lunchonme.org
Instagram: @lunchonme @venusnari

Image Credits
Lunch On Me