Teona Washington is an Economist, Entrepreneur, Author, and Mother who speaks and teaches entrepreneurs to redefine their businesses and branding for success, by reshaping their purpose, process, and plan through soul, community and longevity evaluation. Washington is best known from her authentic Cajun Restaurant (originally opened in Minnesota) and her savvy business techniques.
She has a background in business, real estate, the restaurant industry, multi-use space design, and environmental studies. With graduate degrees, undergrad degrees, and continued education studies in the fields of Economic Studies, Business Management and Development, and Permaculture, she has made it her life’s work to do life by design. Her primary work consists of designing spaces that are designated for community, nature, and shelter for those in need.
Her current love and ambition is Fresh Start Collective, a platform to fully equip BIPOC farmers with the tools to properly design, build and fund their farm with a permaculture focus. Of her many partnerships and initiatives, her current programs include: Project88, an entrepreneurial training program for individuals with disabilities, aging out of foster care and/or with a criminal background; Red Banana Books, in which she teaches children writing skills and book publishing along with understanding nature and their environment.
She has contributed commentary and been featured in News Break, Reddit, CCX Media, City Pages, Minneapolis Business Journal, Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, and KARE 11 News, KMOJ Radio, KFAI Radio, and more.