With the lights dimmed , the crowd sways to a playlist of Christian reggae and empowering Neo-soul . The delicious aroma of home-cooked food permeates the room as artists share stories and testimonies through music , movement and spoken word . Contessa Brown , aka Countess B , cheers them on from the crowd . “ I feel like a proud mama when I see the many lives Cafe S . O . U . L . has touched and impacted over the past decade or so ,” says Brown , a wellness advocate , author and artist who founded Cafe S . O . U . L . ( Sacred Ordinances Used for Life ) in 2009 . “ It is part of my life purpose !” The multidimensional platform encourages connection , sanctuary and creativity for artists , business owners and entrepreneurs , with regular open mic nights and networking events held in person and online . It stemmed from Brown ’ s desire to create a new singles ’ ministry at her church and eventually evolved into a creative space for healing breakthroughs . “[ I ] never wanted anyone to leave without an opportunity to voice their truth ,” she says . Brown hopes to hold networking , fundraising events and health and wellness workshops under the Cafe S . O . U . L . banner in the future , and to open a mental health practice after completing her master ’ s degree in holistic mental health . Ever motivating , Brown advises those in doubt to stay true to their mission : “ There are so many people who need your ideas , services and presence .” cafe-soul . org — KOU TUKALA NYAN

PHOTOGRAPHY ( TOP LEFT AND BOTTOM LEFT ): COURTESY OF CAFE S . O . U . L .; ( RIGHT ): BY CHRISTOPHER “ HONEYBEE ” STANTON .

RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l MARCH 2023 17