Brittany Symoné James
ALIGN
Washington, DC
Brittany Symoné James is creating a new kind of gathering place in Washington, D.C. Through ALIGN, she is bringing together art, spiritual reflection, and community in a substance-free alternative to traditional nightlife. Designed as both a creative haven and an after-hours teahouse, ALIGN will offer Black and Brown adults a welcoming place to slow down, build relationships, and reconnect with themselves and God.
About Brittany
Brittany—known as Bee—is a multidisciplinary artist, fashion illustrator, book designer, and creative wellness facilitator. A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a BFA in Design, she combines visual storytelling with practices that support reflection, emotional well-being, and connection.
She is the founder of Detox Art, a creative wellness platform serving Black and Brown adults throughout the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region. Through guided art experiences and creative-care practices, Detox Art helps work-driven and digitally overstimulated adults develop restorative offline habits.
For Brittany, ALIGN is the fulfillment of a vision that began long before she could fully describe it. “ALIGN has been a dream of mine since childhood, though it had no name or clear vision then - only a knowing that many could gather, create, and feel safe. As I evolved and developed an intimate relationship with God, that dream was molded into something that feels like a church, yet carries its own identity: a creative safe haven at night where all are welcomed for relaxation and spiritual alignment, while operating with the community-serving spirit of the church. I draw inspiration from the Black Panther Party, the rebel-hearted compassion of Yehoshua, and a deep need to redefine what nightlife looks and feels like - especially in a city.”
ALIGN: A Different Kind of Gathering Place
ALIGN is taking shape through pop-up experiences across Washington, D.C., transforming existing venues into substance-free gathering spaces centered on creativity, community, and spiritual care. These events offer an alternative to traditional nightlife through tea and thoughtfully prepared nonalcoholic drinks, spiritually inspired music, self-guided art activities, concerts, gospel listening sessions, dance gatherings, and wellness experiences. Together, they create opportunities for adults to connect through music, reflection, conversation, and joy rather than around alcohol.
Brittany describes ALIGN’s essence as “church, at night”—even if guests do not immediately recognize it as church. Faith is woven naturally throughout each experience, from spiritually grounded music to creative prompts that invite reflection and reconnection. At its heart is the belief that “we create what we become” and an invitation to align with the God who created us.
The first ALIGN pop-up took place in Washington, D.C., in April 2026, drawing an enthusiastic response. Brittany is building on that momentum through pop-up experiences across the city, allowing people to encounter ALIGN now while she develops its long-term model. Each gathering demonstrates what becomes possible when creativity, wellness, faith, and belonging are brought together in an intentional space.
The pop-ups also bring Brittany closer to her larger vision: a permanent home in Deanwood with a teahouse, affordable artist studios, and space for community events and creative work.
“Within the next few years, I hope ALIGN grows into a brick-and-mortar space - a staple for community and wellness in Deanwood, Washington DC. I envision it reviving the area through creative spaces, safe places to land, and alternative wellness resources for surrounding residents and beyond. More than that, I hope ALIGN draws people closer to their center and to the Most High - in a way that feels personal, loving, and moves them toward good in the world. ALIGN carries my discipleship. I pray it outlives me.”
Community care is already central to ALIGN’s identity. Brittany is developing the project to support local artists, showcase their work, create opportunities for neighbors to exchange goods and services, and respond to needs such as food costs or utility bills. In this way, ALIGN embodies what she calls “church-like values” through generosity, hospitality, and care for others.
The Invested Faith Fellowship offers Brittany relationships, shared learning, and practical support as she strengthens this model and continues growing ALIGN’s presence throughout Washington, D.C.
“To be an Invested Faith Fellow means divine confirmation - a sign to keep walking this path of merging wellness, creativity, and community support to help revive a neighborhood in DC. To be a part of this fellowship is a blessing; it places me among others who carry spiritual purpose into a material world and have the will to share it. Above all, it fills me with overflowing gratitude - knowing this seed will keep growing because it is finally being watered.”