When Melissa Bradley visits a space, people move. At the Russell Center this week, nearly 30 RICE Stakeholders gathered in the Bee Hive on just a day’s notice—eager for the chance to learn from the founder of 1863 Ventures, co-founder of Ureeka, and Georgetown University professor. Her presence underscored what RICE promises every day: access that accelerates.
Melissa’s personal mission, and that of the business she runs, is nearly identical to the RICE’s: she wants to see entrepreneurs with backgrounds like hers succeed. In many ways, she is a walking embodiment of the Russell Center, and is using every piece of the knowledge and resources she’s gained throughout her life to accelerate other people’s ideas and help their businesses grow. And as someone who’s already started, run, and sold a business, there was no doubt she’d bring a wealth of insight to the Bee Hive.
With the full attention of every person present, she didn’t disappoint. “You can’t say, ‘I’m going to help you become a serial entrepreneur and my business is a coaching business,’ and that’s the only business you’ve ever had,” Melissa quipped as she expounded on a question about the best time to pursue entrepreneurship. “You’re learning from me!”
Our Stakeholders brought meaningful commentary in their inquiries, too. “I chose [for my ingredients] to remain raw,” said Tiffany Ellis of G Ann’s Cold Pressed. “I want to sell at some point, but I have not seen a lot of raw companies scale. What would make my company more attractive to an investor?” Melissa’s response was somehow applicable to each of the owners’ businesses, whether they were in the food and beverage industry or not.
By the end of the conversation, everyone, from RICE Staff, to Stakeholders, to Melissa herself, felt a little more enlightened and confident in the community they had built together. A desire to see business owners succeed is nice to have, but the real magic happens when you realize you aren’t alone in that endeavor.
by Garnell Bradley
