In the heart of Grandmont Rosedale, Miss Eva’s Detroit is more than a business—it’s a celebration of community, culture, and the power of generational wealth. Owned by Jay Williams, this Harlem Renaissance-inspired speakeasy honors the past while creating new opportunities for connection and economic legacy. With every detail, Miss Eva’s continues the tradition of Black excellence in Detroit, offering a space where history, entrepreneurship, and community come together.
Miss Eva’s story begins with its namesake—Jay’s grandmother. While she may not have been widely recognized as a historical figure, Miss Eva was a cornerstone of her community. She created a home filled with music, connection, and joy—a gathering place where wealth wasn’t just about money, but about shared wisdom, love, and togetherness.
Inspired by her legacy, Jay started turning his vision into reality in 2022. What began as small gatherings in his living room grew into a thriving business shaped by family, friends, and neighbors. Their feedback and encouragement helped bring Miss Eva’s Detroit to life. The journey wasn’t always easy—Jay dedicated himself to refining his business plan and building relationships to secure key resources. In 2023, he attended a Motor City Match Lender Networking Event, where he connected with ProsperUs Detroit.
Through ProsperUs Detroit, Jay gained access to capital, business services, and personal financial coaching. Reflecting on his journey, he shares:
Before we had any transaction, they came and visited my business firsthand, learned about what I was doing, learned about the impact I wanted to have in the community, and wanted to be a part of it.
For Jay, generational wealth isn’t just about money—it’s about knowledge, relationships, and access. His partnership with ProsperUs is part of a larger story: one where the next generation has the tools to build on the foundations laid by those who came before.
Miss Eva’s Detroit carries forward not only the spirit of Jay’s grandmother but also the legacy of H&M Style Lounge, a former business in the same location. Owned by ProsperUs entrepreneur Herschell Maston, H&M Style Lounge was a beloved community hub until Herschell’s passing. Now, Miss Eva’s continues that tradition of resilience and connection, showing that generational wealth isn’t just about inheritance—it’s about building something that uplifts others.
For Jay, Miss Eva’s is more than a business; it’s a living testament to his grandmother’s impact. He envisions a future where her legacy continues to inspire—where her story, and the story of Miss Eva’s Detroit, shapes the next generation of Black entrepreneurs.
If you’d like to experience the legacy of Miss Eva for yourself, visit their website or follow them on Instagram.
