Meet Davonte & Vanessa Anderson | Owners of Drip In Grace

We had the good fortune of connecting with Davonte & Vanessa Anderson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Davonte & Vanessa, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea for our business was built from a desire to create safe spaces where people feel genuinely seen, heard, and valued. Inspired by Davonte’s grandpa, whose compassionate influence always emphasized the importance of caring for others and making them feel loved, we aimed to build something fueled by his example. His grandpa had a remarkable ability to create a sense of importance in those around him. It is this legacy that forms the heart and soul of our business.

We tapped into our gifts of making people feel safe and seen, coupled with our love for photography, to cultivate environments where people can share their stories authentically. The goal is to enable more people to articulate their experiences, fostering a culture of empathy and understanding. Through meaningful connections, we aspire to leave individuals feeling confident in who they are, with the hope that sharing their stories will contribute to building grace and compassion among others. Our business is a conduit for building bridges between people, allowing them to understand each other’s journeys and, in turn, fostering a community that values and uplifts one another.

A definition of grace means a safe place for life and activity. Our mission is to embody this concept, creating a business that serves as a safe space for authentic expression and meaningful connections.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

At Drip In Grace, what sets us apart is our unwavering belief that every individual’s story holds significance. We’ve observed that having the full narrative of a person cultivates patience and love, and most importantly grace, and that ethos is at the core of our mission. We are utilizing our God given gifts to create a protected space where all stories are not only welcome but celebrated with grace.

Our journey hasn’t been an easy one, requiring consistent late nights and early mornings while balancing 9-5 jobs. The partnership between us has been crucial during this startup phase, and the support from our church community, family, and friends has played a pivotal role in our progress and accountability. Despite the challenges, we believe that the impact we aim to make through our business is worth every effort. Seeing a world more unified is worth it.

What we want the world to know is that living a lifestyle of grace is not just a concept but a tangible reality. Everyone’s story matters, and we are here to capture and share those stories through our photography. More than just images, booking a photoshoot with us opens avenues for meaningful conversations and provides a safe space for individuals, businesses, and families to share their unique narratives. Beyond photography, we have big plans for creating spaces where people can grow together, fostering environments where stories are exchanged and celebrated. We want the world to know that we have a passion for travel and are willing to come to wherever you are to capture your reality. This is just the beginning, and we are excited about the journey ahead, shaping a future where living a life of grace is the norm.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

If your best friend were visiting Lakeland, Florida for a week, we’d craft an itinerary that showcases the unique charm and vibrant atmosphere of our city. We’d kick off the adventure with a visit to our favorite coffee shop, Concord Coffee, where the excellent coffee and inviting vibes sets the perfect tone for the trip.

A visit to the antique vintage shop, Curated Collective, is a must – a treasure trove where you’ll likely find all sorts of unique gems. For a peaceful escape, Bonnet Springs Park, with its amazing scenery and hills, provides a delightful retreat that makes you feel like you’re not even in Florida.

We’d dedicate an evening to The Joinery, an dope concept housing several restaurants under one roof, creating an ideal spot for a laid-back hangout. Another night calls for a culinary delight at Scarpas, our go-to Italian spot. We could also go to 1961 for great food and amazing upscale vibes. Saturdays would be spent exploring the diverse and vibrant offerings at the local farmers market, with Take Heart being a standout, offering fair trade items from around the world, with proceeds supporting orphans and widows in Kenya.

Come Sunday, a visit to Grace City, our home church, would be a must and round out the weekend. To embrace the natural beauty of Lakeland, we’d take you to Lake Hollingsworth for a walk around the lake and see stunning homes and a picturesque sunset. The day would then call for a visit to Cob and Pen, for a fun outdoor dining experience to cap off an unforgettable week in our beloved city of Lakeland.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

A special and sincere shoutout to Davonte’s beloved grandpa, a true pillar of inspiration in his journey. His legacy of unwavering support and loads of love has left an indelible mark on his heart. With the profound mantra, “I love you and Jesus loves you,” he not only expressed affection but instilled a powerful ethos of compassion, acceptance, and security.

Grandpa’s commitment to showering his family and others with love and grace has become the cornerstone of our mission. His influence has fueled our aspiration to extend this culture of love to the wider world. From the earliest days of Davonte’s childhood, his grandpa stood as one of his greatest supporters, offering encouragement and belief. Today, we carry forward his spirit, channeling the same depth of love and care into our business mission.

In every encounter, we strive to emulate the nurturing environment that grandpa created, where grace is a constant, and love knows no bounds. His impact continues to resonate, guiding us in our pursuit to foster a culture that embodies the warmth, compassion, and unwavering love he exemplified. This shoutout is a tribute to the man whose love has been an eternal source of inspiration and a driving force behind our mission to share that love with the world.

Website: www.dripingrace.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dripingrace/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dripingrace/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyQ6FvaLHWhGODaROLe8BZg