A black-owned business in the nation’s capital is changing the game when it comes to multi-purpose spaces. Manifest, 1807 Florida Ave NW, offers an immersive experience for its customers. It has become a cultural hub in DC – a place that celebrates style, community and entrepreneurship. Manifest was born out of a desire to create a space that caters to multiple aspects of modern city life. This concept brings together care services, fashion, caffeine and nightlife under one roof.
The barbershop where style meets skill
Manifest is the brainchild of KJ Hughes, a serial entrepreneur and faculty director of the Sports and Entertainment Business Program at the University of Maryland. Hughes and his partners Brian Merritt and Susan Morgan had a vision of a space that transcended traditional business models and offered a holistic approach to modern self-care. He then worked with Snarkitecture, a renowned New York-based design firm, to bring that vision to life. The result of the collaboration was an aesthetically pleasing and functionally innovative space.
The heart of Manifest is its barbershop, where experienced barbers offer a range of grooming services in a stylish, modern setting. The design of the barbershop area, with its curved walls and wooden archways, creates an atmosphere of luxury and comfort, redefining the traditional barbershop experience. In addition to the barbershop, Manifest’s retail space showcases a carefully curated selection of trend-setting clothing and accessories. The store offers a mix of high-end brands such as Rick Owens Drkshw, Issey Miyake Homme Plissé and Engineered Garments, as well as offerings from Manifest’s own label Of Us.
Terrazzo countertops and thoughtfully designed displays create an inviting shopping environment that complements the overall aesthetic of the space. Then there’s Manifest’s coffee bar, which serves as a gathering place during the day, offering a selection of high-quality beverages in a welcoming atmosphere. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., the cafe offers loose leaf tea from BIPOC-owned company Aesthete Tea and locally sourced coffee from Black Acres Roastery. Supporting other minority-owned businesses underscores Manifest’s commitment to community empowerment.
Why you should visit Manifest
Manifest represents a new wave of black-owned businesses that are reshaping urban landscapes and redefining community spaces. Combining a hair salon, clothing store, coffee bar, and speakeasy, Manifest offers a truly unique experience that embraces multiple aspects of modern city living. If you’re in the Washington, DC area and need a new hairstyle, stylish clothing, a cup of coffee, or the perfect night out, Manifest is the place for you.
