Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jamie and Jilea Hemmings.
Business: Nourish + Bloom Market
Claim to Fame: The world’s first Black-owned autonomous grocery store
🧭 Purpose of the Interview
To spotlight the Hemmings’ innovative approach to solving food insecurity through technology, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment. The interview explores their journey from corporate careers to tech entrepreneurs and retail disruptors, emphasizing their mission to eliminate food deserts and build generational wealth.
🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Mission-Driven Innovation
- Nourish + Bloom Market was born from a personal need for healthier food options for their autistic son.
- Their stores use AI-powered, frictionless checkout to provide 24/7 access to fresh food in underserved areas.
2. Tech Meets Purpose
- Despite no formal tech training, they developed two scheduling platforms (for cannabis and pharma) before launching their grocery concept.
- They became the first in the U.S. to accept EBT/SNAP in an autonomous store environment.
3. Family & Legacy
- The Hemmings are raising three children and caring for an aging parent while running their business.
- Their children are involved in operations, reinforcing the idea of building legacy in real time.
4. Community Empowerment
- They focus on dignity in access, ensuring that all customers, regardless of income, can shop equally.
- They support local farms and promote workforce innovation to prepare communities for the tech economy.
💬 Notable Quotes
- “They are the visionary co-founders of Nourish + Bloom Market, the world’s first Black-owned, autonomous grocery store.”
- “Driven by a mission to eliminate food deserts and empower underserved communities.”
- “We’re building legacy in real time.”
- “Just because you need assistance doesn’t mean you should lose dignity.”
- “AI is here. It’s not going anywhere.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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