Today we’d like to introduce you to Donald Harrell.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Kava and kratom honestly just popped up in my life there was no plan or intention behind it. I stumbled into that world and ended up finding a whole community built around connection, calm, and good energy. From there, everything started falling into place. I began hosting Bingo Nights at Kava Kavern, and what started as a simple idea turned into one of the most talked-about events in the area. That success opened new doors, leading me to create my pop-up brand, Soul Gem, and collaborate with Purple Lotus, Elixr Kava Bar, and Riptidez 24-hour Kava Bar in Delray Beach. It’s been an unexpected journey, but it showed me how powerful community and creativity can be when they come together.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been an easy road. In the beginning, I was figuring everything out as I went how to connect people to something new, how to build consistency, and how to run events that actually stand out. Most people didn’t even know what kava or kratom were, so I had to build interest through the vibe and experience itself. Juggling multiple venues, long hours, and trial and error taught me a lot about patience and trusting the process.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I focus on creating experiences that bring people together. Whether it’s Bingo Night, a Soul Gem pop-up, or late-night energy at Riptidez, my goal is to make every event feel alive and genuine. I’m proud of turning simple ideas into something people look forward to every week. What sets me apart is that I’m hands-on I don’t just run events, I help shape the energy and culture that surrounds them.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that everything happens when it’s meant to. You don’t always have to have a plan sometimes life leads you right where you’re supposed to be. Through every challenge, I’ve learned to stay consistent, stay humble, and let the work speak for itself. Building Soul Gem and growing within the kava community has shown me that when you lead with authenticity and passion, people naturally connect with it
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @soulgemmiami
