Everybody’s Business: Cafe S.O.U.L. nourishes creative spirit, community

Matthew McNulty

09/11/2026

NETWORKING PLATFORM: Contessa Brown wanted a place where adults could socialize without the typical nightlife atmosphere after she become a Christian and quit going to bars and nightclubs in 2008. Unable to find many spots to her liking, in 2009 she launched Café S.O.U.L., a community platform providing a networking space for artists, entrepreneurs and wellness advocates. COURTESY CAFE S.O.U.L.

(Editor’s note: This is the 73rd installment in a monthly series speaking with minority business owners and leaders. Each will be asked their views on minority-business conditions in the state and for ways to improve those businesses’ chances for success. See previous features here.) Contessa Brown didn’t set out to build a 17-year-old community platform when

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