Nina Love and Tequion Brookins are making waves in Detroit with their upcoming venture, Aya House, a dynamic co-working space set to empower Black- and woman-owned businesses.
Located at 2055 Gratiot Ave in Detroit’s Eastern Market area, Aya House promises to be more than just a workspace—it’s a community hub designed to foster collaboration and support.
Backed by their extensive backgrounds in hospitality and event production, Love and Brookins are injecting $130,000 of their own investment alongside a $40,000 grant from Motor City Match to bring Aya House to life.
Scheduled to open in late August, the 3,000-square-foot space will offer monthly and annual memberships, with amenities tailored for both individual entrepreneurs and small teams.
Aya House isn’t just about desks and meeting rooms. It includes MotorCity Mimosa, a unique dining concept by Love and Brookins where guests can enjoy dishes like jerk chicken wings and signature sushi rolls alongside non-alcoholic mimosas.
The space is designed for flexibility, allowing diners to move freely and enjoy their meals anywhere in the building.
Love has spoken about the unconventional approach to food and beverage, stating:
“We wanted to create something special and flexible. You can co-work, grab food, and explore the space freely.”
According to AfroTech, in addition to supporting local culinary innovation, Aya House will feature vendor partner programs aimed at boosting the visibility of Black- and woman-owned businesses.
These programs will provide crucial networking opportunities and resources, aiming to reduce the barriers many entrepreneurs face.
“Aya House is more than a workspace; it’s a catalyst for growth,” Love remarked. “We want to empower entrepreneurs, provide them with the resources they need, and foster a supportive community where they can thrive.”
Already, Aya House has garnered significant interest, with 200 clients eagerly anticipating its opening.
The founders envision Aya House as a beacon of empowerment and innovation in Detroit’s entrepreneurial landscape, setting a new standard for inclusive and supportive business environments.
