“To see it come to reality gives me an array of feelings and emotions. I’m nervous, I’m excited and I want to deliver. People are expecting big things from us, and I have to be prepared for people to come into our house.”

The journey toward House of Soul began in summer 2017, when VIPs were given a walk-through of the unfinished venue. By December, Stevenson had been diagnosed with cancer. Once she was well enough to focus on the venue again — the space was held for her by Tony Thompson, whose Kwame Building Group owns the building — she had problems lining up investors.

That’s where Stith stepped in. For 30 years, his family has been well known for its involvement in ventures including the Loft nightclub, Saints Family Skate Center, Palace Family Skating Center and the Ambassador. The family’s D2 Entertainment signed a pre-fame Nelly.

“It’s hard finding the right people,” says Stith, who was retired from the business until House of Soul came along. “Nichol was committed to what she said she was doing. I never would have thought about going into business with someone unless they had the right vision, the right location and the right goal. She always does what she says she’s going to do, and in this business that’s hard to find.”