Community Gathering at Craftwork Studio
Andrea-Rachel held her annual autism awareness event called “Family Day” in Greater Johnstown, PA. Hosted at the Craftwork Studio, where she spoke to attendees, celebrated the birthday of one of the members, Sam, and made new connections while answering some questions.
The Vision Behind “TF?!”
When asked what was the overall goal of her new startup “TF?!”, Andrea-Rachel, award-winning actress turned tech entrepreneur, stated:
“Our bartering dynamic centers around networking and building the resources needed to step out into any industry or do any project into completion.”
She added that many people utilize bartering just as a means to buy or trade goods.
“We don’t. This entire company was built to honor my brother Chaz Antwan Williams, and the truth is, bartering is way more of an opportunity to establish a connection and build rapport, set energy and tone within a dynamic, offer real value to people who may eventually become family, and always find real and simple ways to get to an end goal without having to always rely on money.”
More Than Trading Goods
Andrea-Rachel explained that the company’s system is not just about trading or bartering items and goods.
“It is a way to break the ice within a peer dynamic and build confidence. People learn how to step out of their comfort zone, people learn how to lead conversations and transactions with confidence, but it takes away the uneasy feeling of a power dynamic being at play. In this dynamic everyone wins and everyone has something to offer or share.”
She continued:
“I wish people dedicated more time to taking a collaborative stance in many things. People who do live more fulfilling lives as it decreases stress from the pressures of smaller, mundane things.”
Honoring a Legacy
Andrea-Rachel shared that she built something she personally needed and wanted.
“I built something I needed/wanted, something that could’ve been in great use when he, my brother, chaz, was around, and something our economy and climate desperately need. Back at home, in brooklyn, i saw it first hand at my watch parties and premieres. It is mixed in to conversation when people would get introduced to one another and speak on the the things they wanted to do or have began”
She also emphasized that the company is not opposed to capitalism.
“We aren’t against capitalism. We believe that there are positive things that can be contributed from both capitalism and communism to build a more fluid flowing and stable world.”
The Purpose of “Family Day”
She explained:
“We emphasize an event annually that we dedicate to the uniquely different community called ‘Family Day.’ We do giveaways and contests, and we just let the kids come run around and play for free while listening to good music and eating.”
The organization also hosts an informative “Talk Back Event,” where a special guest takes the lead and hosts online virtual events, contests, and activities throughout the year.
Building a Supportive Community
According to Andrea-Rachel, all of these initiatives help foster a true sense of community.
“A true environment of less judgment and more practical ways. It’s like, my services or skills or talents may help you, and yours can help me, so let’s join while we network and learn.”
She noted that people often feel comfortable immediately upon joining.
“People come around and they instinctively feel comfortable because we are developing a culture that is free, but still empowering and uplifting.”
Empowerment Through Education
Andrea-Rachel explained that the TF?! bartering /collab community is not centered around brokenness or disability.
“We offer tools like e-books to reprogram minds not to think of limitation within this dynamic but to show how powerful the mind can be to attract what we need even when we do not feel there is a way.”
“when asked “why johnstown area” andrea-rachel parker felt compelled to go where the people who could use the energy were. a town, that is trying to rebuild, a town who just added two black women into powerful gov’t roles, that of sylvia king and lorraine taylor.. i want to try to work with people who i strongly believed would appreciate the energy of what i was doing. Additionally, the demographic is filled with women, who have children and the elderly. many of which who have stayed in the town most of their lives but love to find outdoor activities to do. we have done most of our events in nyc and two in atl. I wanted to try a different place. i have had a family restaurant most my life 3hrs away in norristown and i wanted to do something i was afraid to do. Hopefully our events pick up and we can go bigger and better but truly this too was inspired by the b-day and pizza parties my brother use to have and love to go to. ” i just want to be proud of the things i create, build things that my kids can be proud of, that can make some kind of difference in the world.
Growth of the Platform
Ms. Parker informed attendees that the site has grown significantly, with over 8,000 real people subscribed and more than 125,000 subscribed to the overall site.
She expressed hope that this bartering and collaborative approach will become more normalized and less scrutinized in the future. “It speaks volumes when someone can build not just a financial security blanket but also build a true community of resources, and we want to be that place our members know that they come to because they have true community. Not just transactions. Its a different feel and vibe..
Open and Free Membership
She concluded by noting that the initial membership tier is completely free.
“The initial tier to join is FREE, so we welcome people to try the membership. It does not matter your race, color, sex, or creed.” visit tradeforsocial.com and we can be found at @doyoutf. Seen in image is craftworkstudio exec amber dawn.