We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Lewis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, what inspires you?
What inspires me is my team and I’s ability to solve the toughest challenge that every country, county, and community faces, which is housing availability and affordability.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At Mobu Enterprises (shippingliving.com), we build residential and commercial structures out of shipping containers. We also build affordable housing units in vulnerable neighborhoods to reverse gentrification and encourage people to come back to live, work, and play in these same neighborhoods. We do this through workforce training programs hiring in local communities encouraging both cooperation, participation, and acceptance of these units that are built because the community members built their neighborhoods back up with their bare hands, literally. We feel, If you build it, they will come. We are proud to have so much progress as a black-owned green construction firm. We have combatted racism, gender discrimination, and of course industry challenges that are unique to start-up businesses. We overcame this by remaining credible and providing great customer service to our communities, which we love and serve with whole hearts.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would acquire a bunch of Groupons and living social vouchers and run the town. Starting with horseback riding Day 1. Day 2 would be a four-hour bus tour of the city. Day 3. We would visit the selfie museum and botanical gardens. Day 4. We would eat at Negril Village for brunch then hit up Insomnia Cookies for a snack on Spring St. We would definitely try to hit a sports game or at least go to a wine or cigar bar, maybe St. Regus.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Honestly, my co-owner Ibrahim. His brilliant mind and the way he keeps me focused when I am thinking and acting overly creative and ambitious, is what drives our business forward. I’m creative and he is the practical one. He allows me to lead and I follow his lead. Two very different things. He is the true definition of a business partner.

Website: www.jessicamlewis.com

Instagram: Www.instagram.com/jessicamarialewis

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