Social Impact Through Physical Space with K.J. Hughes

When you walk into a space that feels welcoming and inviting to you, have you ever thought that the same space might feel off-putting or unwelcoming to someone who is quite different from you? Physical spaces tell an immediate story to everyone who enters, even if the space wasn’t “designed,” or the designer wasn’t conscious of the story they were telling at the time. 

• The colors and materials used - whether hard chairs or soft pillows, in natural materials or metal, neutral tones or bright pops of color.

• The signage and whether it is welcoming or warning - “No caps allowed”

• The art on the walls - who or what is depicted in terms of culture, mood and artist representation

• The music playing in the background - genre, volume, pace

• The books or magazines scattered about - the titles, the authors, the subject matter

• The first employee you encounter - what their appearance suggests about who fits in here, whether they project warmth, indifference or even suspicion.

You might be picturing a restaurant that works hard to create a certain “vibe” - but I would put forward to you that all businesses that have a public space - whether an office workplace, a hospitality organization, any kind of retail location, or even a government agency that serves the public - have an opportunity to increase their social impact by being intentional about how they design their spaces. 

Our guest today has made a career out of designing spaces and experiences for everyone, K.J. Hughes. His journey, spanning from nightclubs to becoming a trusted advisor to athletes and entertainers, has culminated in his latest endeavor, Manifest—a cultural oasis nestled in Washington, D.C.

With Manifest, he has redefined what it means to create an immersive and inclusive space, proving that hospitality is not just an industry—it's a philosophy that has the power to shape lives and build bridges.

One of my favorite examples that KJ shares is about the power of language to include or exclude: As a formally trained linguist who moves through many different industries in my work, I tend to be highly aware of “terms of art,” aka “jargon.” I noted when one of my hospitality clients hired a new Director of Impact with a background in higher education rather than hospitality, and she eventually had to ask someone what a “sop” was, and they laughed and told her that it stood for Standard Operating Procedures and was pronounced S-O-P instead of sop. Language is a big deal because it’s a way of showing belonging, or NOT belonging. 

In designing the barbershop portion of Manifest, KJ was intentional about language, noting that barbers that cater to white men might refer to a “buzz cut” on their pricing board, where barbers that cater to black men refer to a “fade” or a “shape up”. To avoid being pigeon-holed, Manifest refers to its barber services in terms of length of time: The Essential (30 minutes), the Standard (45-55 minutes) and the Supreme (70 minutes).

Listen to the full episode to learn more about KJ and his philosophy and approach to creating inclusive, welcoming spaces that are built for everyone.

K. J. Hughes, a pioneering entrepreneur with a career deeply rooted in service and hospitality, has woven a remarkable narrative of innovation and impact. His journey, spanning from nightclubs to becoming a trusted advisor to athletes and entertainers, has culminated in his latest endeavor, Manifest—a cultural oasis nestled in Washington, D.C.

From his experiences across the hospitality spectrum, K. J.'s profound insights have shaped his path. Manifest, an embodiment of his vision, seamlessly fuses the spirit of a barbershop and the comfort of a coffee shop with the convenience of a retail boutique. K. J. understands that beyond appearances, feeling good is pivotal.

Manifest's allure deepens with its hidden gem—a speakeasy offering meticulously crafted cocktails. K. J. 's appreciation for hospitality's transformative role comes to life here, offering an experience that resonates with everyone. His dedication to inclusivity radiates throughout Manifest, a space designed to inspire and unite.

K. J.'s journey from his early days in the service industry to his current role as an entrepreneurial visionary has been marked by his ability to see potential where others might not. With Manifest, he has redefined what it means to create an immersive and inclusive space, proving that hospitality is not just an industry—it's a philosophy that has the power to shape lives and build bridges.