Introduction

Hey there! We’re AJ Briggs (she/they) and Yovannys Kenney (he/him), the passionate team behind Herb N’ Lounge. As BIPOC members of the LGBTQA+ community, we share a dream of creating safe, welcoming spaces where our community can come together. With our diverse backgrounds and shared vision, we aim to bring Boston’s first vibrant and inclusive 420-friendly mobile lounge to life.

About Us

We come from different walks of life, bringing years of experience in event planning and community engagement. Our personal journeys as BIPOC and LGBTQA+ individuals inspire us to build spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued.

Our Vision

Imagine a fully decked-out trolley or party bus cruising around Boston, where you can relax, connect, and share experiences. Herb N’ Lounge will host a variety of 420-friendly events, from casual meetups to exclusive parties, all designed to create a sense of community and belonging.

Why This Matters

Creating inclusive spaces is more important than ever. Herb N’ Lounge isn’t just about having a good time; it’s about providing a safe and supportive environment where people can connect, share their stories, and build lasting relationships. Your contribution will help us make this vision a reality, offering a unique and valuable experience for our community.

What Your Contribution Achieves

• Transforms a Party Bus into a Mobile Lounge: Your support will help us purchase and customize a trolley or party bus, complete with cozy seating, cool lighting, and all the essentials for a fantastic time. (image provided is a mock-up and actual mobile lounge may appear slightly different.)
• Ensures Safety and Compliance: Funding will cover all necessary permits, licenses, and safety installations, ensuring a safe and legal environment.
• Supports Community Events: Contributions will enable us to host a variety of events, from regular meetups to special celebrations, bringing our community closer together.
• Provides Exclusive Perks: From discounted event tickets to free memberships and VIP experiences, we have a range of perks to show our appreciation for your support.

Join Us on This Journey

By supporting our campaign, you’re not just backing a business; you’re investing in a community hub that celebrates and uplifts LGBTQ+ BIPOC voices across Boston. Together, we can create something truly special on wheels.

Thank you for being awesome and supporting our vision,

AJ Briggs and Yovannys Kenney

What We Need & What You Get

We need $143,000 to $200,500 to bring Herb N’ Lounge, Boston’s first inclusive 420-friendly mobile lounge, to life. Here’s how the funds will be used:

• Party Bus/Trolley Purchase and Customization: $80,000 – $115,000 for buying and transforming the bus into a cozy, stylish mobile lounge with seating, lighting, and ventilation.
• Air Filtration Installation: $10,000 – $15,000 for specialized installations to ensure proper ventilation.
• Permits and Licenses: $3,000 – $6,500 for all necessary legal permissions.
• Insurance: $7,000 – $15,000 for commercial vehicle and liability insurance.
• Regulatory Compliance: $5,000 – $6,000 for adhering to local and state regulations.
• Operating Costs (First 6 Months): $43,000 for staff salaries, fuel, maintenance, and marketing.

Unique Perks:

• $10 – High Five Supporter: Thank You shout-out on our social media channels and a Herb N’ Lounge sticker pack.
• $25 – Chill Buddy: All previous rewards plus a Herb N’ Lounge lighter.
• $50 – Groove Enthusiast: All previous rewards plus a Herb N’ Lounge T-shirt.
• $100 – Vibe Creator: All previous rewards plus early access to event tickets and name listed on our website’s supporter page.
• $250 – Party Patron: All previous rewards plus a 10% discount on event tickets for one year, an exclusive Herb N’ Lounge tote bag, and a personalized thank you video from the founders.
• $500 – VIP Roller: All previous rewards plus a free 3-month membership, a 20% discount on event tickets for one year, and an invitation to a private opening event.
• $1000+ – Elite Lounge Legend: All previous rewards plus a free 1-year membership, personalized Herb N’ Lounge merchandise set (e.g., engraved lighter, custom T-shirt), access to VIP events for one year, and name prominently displayed on a Founders’ Plaque in the lounge.

If we don’t reach our entire goal:

We’ll prioritize essential elements to get Herb N’ Lounge on the road, such as purchasing and customizing the bus, securing necessary permits, and ensuring safety compliance. Any remaining funds will be used to enhance the lounge experience and support more community events.

The Impact

Herb N’ Lounge is more than a mobile lounge; it’s a safe, welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ BIPOC community in Boston. Your contribution helps create a unique venue where individuals can connect, share experiences, and build lasting relationships. This project addresses the need for inclusive social spaces and promotes community solidarity.

Our team brings years of experience in event planning and community engagement, ensuring the project’s success. We’re dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and included.

Risks & Challenges

Transparency is key. Here are potential challenges and our plans to overcome them:

• Regulatory Hurdles: Navigating the complex regulations around cannabis use and mobile event spaces in Massachusetts. We’re working with legal experts to ensure compliance with all local and state laws.
• Safety Concerns: Ensuring the mobile lounge meets all health and safety standards. We’ll install proper ventilation, fire safety equipment, and security systems to maintain a safe environment.
• Funding Shortfalls: If we don’t reach our funding goal, we’ll focus on essential aspects to get the lounge operational and seek additional funding sources to complete the project.

Our team’s qualifications and dedication to this project equip us to handle these challenges effectively. We’re committed to delivering a safe, compliant, and enjoyable experience for all patrons.

Other Ways You Can Help

If you can’t contribute financially, you can still support us by spreading the word. Share our campaign with your friends, family, and social networks. Use Indiegogo’s share tools to help us reach a wider audience and make some noise about Herb N’ Lounge!

Thank you for being part of this exciting journey with us!