Meet Richea Jones

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Richea Jones. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Richea, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience Rooted in Community: The Story Behind Diaspora Groceries By Richea Jones 

Resilience isn’t something you simply wake up with one day. It’s forged through trials, challenges, and, in my case, a deep connection to my community, family, and heritage. My journey as the co-founder of Diaspora Groceries and the Diaspora Groceries Cares Foundation has been filled with moments that required grit, faith, and a commitment to a vision that transcends personal ambition. 

Growing up, I was surrounded by stories of resilience—passed down by elders like my mother and father Rita and Richard Jones and other amazing family members from the Jones’ and Gibson’s who faced adversity with grace, determination, and an unwavering belief in the power of community. Those stories became the bedrock of my own journey, shaping the values that guide me in life and business. 

The concept for Diaspora Groceries was born out of a need we saw within our communities—access to culturally relevant, nutritious food, and resources that could empower people to take charge of their health. My co-founder, actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish, and I have been longtime friends, sharing a bond rooted in our shared experiences and values. We knew that food was more than just sustenance; it’s a bridge to our heritage and a tool for healing. Our passion for this mission brought us together to create something that could make a real difference.

But starting something like this is never easy. In the early days, we faced questions, doubts, and plenty of obstacles that could have made us throw in the towel. Whether it was navigating complex regulations, securing funding, or simply proving that our vision was viable, we encountered plenty of closed doors. That’s where resilience kicked in. 

Resilience, for me, is rooted in the belief that every setback is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and push forward. It’s about refusing to let challenges define the narrative. Whenever the odds felt stacked against us, I leaned on the lessons passed down by those who came before me—lessons about perseverance, the importance of community, and never losing sight of the greater purpose. 

This journey hasn’t been just about business. On a personal level, I’ve faced the heartbreak of losing my youngest son Rian who passed away from vital myocarditis and the challenges of being a mother to my oldest son, Richeon who is an amazing teenager, all while managing my own mental health struggles. These experiences have tested my strength in ways that go beyond what people often see. But they’ve also given me a deeper understanding of why resilience matters. My family is a big part of why I keep going, and their support fuels my drive to make a difference. 

I’m incredibly grateful to have a friend like Tiffany, who has not only believed in me but also stood by me through it all. Her unwavering support and belief in our shared vision have been a lifeline during tough times. I will forever be thankful for the friendship and trust we’ve built over the years.

As the only one in the room who often looked like me in certain spaces, I understood the pressures that come with being a Black woman in this food justice fight. I’ve learned that resilience also means standing in your truth, even when others question your place at the table. It’s about knowing that my voice, perspective, and leadership are valuable and necessary, especially when tackling issues as vital as food equity and food as medicine. 

Diaspora Groceries and the Diaspora Groceries Cares Foundation are the embodiment of that resilience. Today, our efforts focus on empowering BIPOC communities through access to fresh, culturally relevant food and education on how food can be a powerful tool for health and healing. We’re also committed to supporting farmers and suppliers who have historically been excluded from mainstream markets. Every success we achieve is a testament to the power of resilience, not just within our team but within the communities we serve. 

Our journey is far from over. The challenges we face—systemic barriers, food disparities and health inequities—are real and daunting. But with each hurdle, I’m reminded of why we started: to create lasting change, to uplift our communities, and to honor the resilience that has been passed down through generations. 

Resilience is more than just bouncing back; it’s the force that drives us to keep moving forward, even when the path is unclear. It’s knowing that every obstacle can be met with creativity, determination, and the strength of a collective vision. That’s what Diaspora Groceries represents, and that’s what keeps us committed to this work, day in and day out.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Championing Food Equity and Health: The ongoing journey of Diaspora Groceries 

I’m Richea Jones, co-founder of Diaspora Groceries and the Diaspora Groceries Cares Foundation, a nonprofit focused on food equity and food as medicine. Our mission is deeply rooted in ensuring that BIPOC communities have access to culturally relevant, nutritious food that not only nourishes but also heals. We believe that food is more than just what we eat—it’s a powerful tool for preserving our heritage, building community, and promoting health. What excites me most about this work is that we’re tackling some of the most pressing challenges faced by underserved communities, particularly in food deserts and areas lacking access to fresh, healthy options. Through Diaspora Groceries, we are not only providing fresh produce and groceries, but we’re also educating people on how food can be a key factor in managing and preventing chronic illnesses. This focus on food as medicine is at the heart of our foundation’s mission 

One of the things that makes our brand special is our commitment to supporting BIPOC farmers, food suppliers, and entrepreneurs. We work closely with these communities to ensure they have opportunities to thrive, building a sustainable network that promotes both economic growth and health equity. 

We’re also proud of our growing partnerships, including collaborations with institutions like UC Davis and we would love to also team with Drew University of Medicine and HBCUs for continuing education programs centered around food equity and health. Additionally, we’re currently in the exciting stages of

expanding into designing a concept for our first location, including a potential new grocery site at Marlton Square in South Los Angeles, California. Our vision is to establish a model that not only serves as a grocery store but also reinvests back into the community through initiatives like profit-sharing for employees similarly seen in cooperative ownership models. In everything we do, we aim to uplift and empower. This journey has been deeply personal for me, influenced by my own challenges and the strength I’ve drawn from my community and loved ones, including my longtime friend and co-founder, Tiffany Haddish. Together, we are building something that goes beyond business—this is about creating lasting change. 

Looking ahead, we have some exciting plans on the horizon, from community events focused on food education to initiatives that amplify the voices of BIPOC farmers and food entrepreneurs. We’re committed to continuing this work and expanding our impact, all while staying true to our roots. 

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Three Key Ingredients to Success: Resilience, Community, and Vision Looking back on my journey with Diaspora Groceries and the Diaspora Groceries Cares Foundation, I can point to three qualities and skills that have

been most impactful: resilience, the power of community, and having a clear vision. 

1. Resilience

Resilience has been central to everything I’ve done. Building something from the ground up is never easy, and there are always obstacles—whether it’s securing funding, dealing with naysayers, or navigating the complexities of starting an organization focused on social impact. I’ve faced personal challenges too, from navigating loss to managing my own physical and mental health. Resilience is about learning how to keep pushing forward, even when things feel overwhelming. My advice? Embrace setbacks as learning opportunities and always remember your “why.” When you know your purpose, it helps keep you grounded and motivated. 

2. The Power of Community

Nothing I’ve accomplished would have been possible without the community around me. From my family to my co-founder, Tiffany Haddish, and the broader network of partners and supporters, community has been key. Building something meaningful requires collaboration, shared values, and a collective vision. For those early in their journey, I’d say don’t underestimate the importance of surrounding yourself with people who uplift, challenge, and support you. Seek out mentors, build strong relationships, and always be open to giving and receiving help. 

3. Vision and Purpose

Having a clear vision has been critical in shaping the direction of Diaspora Groceries. For us, it’s about more than just providing food; it’s about creating

access, promoting health, and empowering BIPOC communities. A strong vision gives you something to anchor your decisions to, guiding you through tough times and helping you stay focused on your goals. My advice is to take the time to define what success looks like for you, both personally and professionally. Once you have that clarity, use it as your compass—it will help you navigate the ups and downs with a sense of purpose. 

For anyone just starting out, I’d encourage you to work on building these qualities and skills. Stay resilient, lean into the power of community, and keep your vision at the center of everything you do. Those are the ingredients that have helped me along this journey, and I believe they can be just as powerful for anyone else. 

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Collaboration and Partnership Opportunities 

At Diaspora Groceries and the Diaspora Groceries Cares Foundation, we’re always looking for like-minded individuals and organizations who share our passion for food equity, food as medicine, and community empowerment. We’re particularly interested in partnering with BIPOC farmers, food suppliers, and health and wellness experts who understand the importance of culturally relevant nutrition and holistic health practices. Additionally, we’re eager to collaborate with educational institutions, nonprofits, and businesses that focus on sustainability, social impact, and community development. If you’re reading this and feel aligned with our mission, we’d love to explore opportunities to work together. Whether you’re interested in co-hosting workshops, joining our efforts to expand into new communities, or supporting

our programs through resource-sharing, we welcome the conversation. You can connect with me directly via email at info@diasporagroceries.com or reach out through our website to start a discussion about how we can join forces to create lasting change. 

Contact Info:

• ● Websites: (Non-Profit) www.DiasporaGroceries.org. (Store): www.DiasporaGroceries.com
• Instagram: Diaspora Groceries
• Facebook: Diaspora Groceries
• Linkedin: Diaspora Groceries
• Twitter: Diaspora Groceries
• Youtube: Diaspora Groceries
• Yelp: Diaspora Groceries
• Soundcloud: Diaspora Groceries

Image Credits

The rendering above is courtesy of our Architects Perkins and Will