#074 - YaVette Holts, founder of Oakland based BAOBOB, the Bay Area Organization of Black-Owned Businesses shares her personal journey, the origin story of BAOBOB following the Ferguson protests, and her deep passion for helping Black businesses thrive through advocacy, connections, and culture.

BAOBOB is a membership-based merchant association that uplifts Bay Area Black-owned businesses by creating revenue opportunities, fostering community partnerships, and engaging in policy advocacy. Through events, curated marketplaces, and city partnerships, BAOBOB is a powerful bridge between entrepreneurs and systems.

YaVette builds bridges between entrepreneurs and city government officials. She runs impactful programs like OakTalk and Small Business Week events.

“Sometimes the only thing standing between someone’s potential and their success is the right connection—and I live to make those happen.”

YaVette’s work is rooted in community love and strategic activism. Listen in for bold insights, practical solutions, and a refreshing take on what it really means to support small businesses in Oakland.

#073 - In this heartfelt and insightful episode, we sit down with Maisha Pulliam, founder of Skin by Maisha, a thriving skincare studio in Oakland’s Laurel District. Maisha shares her journey from mixing homemade skincare concoctions as a child to building a 17-year-old brick-and-mortar business that prioritizes health, healing, and belonging.

Maisha opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, the pivot that saved her business during the pandemic, and the deep pride she feels serving the Oakland community. Whether you're into skincare, building a business, or just love good storytelling—you won’t want to miss this one.

Skin by Maisha is a holistic skincare studio in Oakland offering customized facials and skin treatments for adults, teens, and even pre-teens. Maisha’s team helps clients with acne, aging, discoloration, rosacea, eczema, and more—while fostering confidence and self-love.

“I tell people all the time: I don’t care how many things you try—keep trying until you find your purpose. Keep going until you hone in on your gift.”

#072 - In this episode of the Townrootz Podcast, we sit down with Tomika Jones, founder and CEO of DRVA, a mobile roadside assistance company that’s making help on the road faster, safer, and more accessible. What started as a frustrating personal experience became the spark for a business that empowers drivers and service providers alike.

DRVA is a mobile roadside assistance platform offering on-demand help for drivers experiencing flat tires, battery issues, lockouts, and more. Through its app, users connect directly with nearby, verified service providers, bringing speed, transparency, and peace of mind to roadside support.

Tomika shares how she turned a moment of vulnerability into a thriving tech-enabled solution that connects drivers with trusted roadside help. After being stranded on the side of the road for hours waiting for help, Tomika knew there had to be a better way. That moment became her mission.

“I didn’t want anyone else to feel the fear and frustration I felt that day. That’s where DRVA was born.”

Tomika’s shares how the best businesses often come from deeply personal pain points—and how innovation can be rooted in empathy.