Unapologetically

AIRIS

by Dimitra Geneva

Please welcome to the stage, Miss Airis Smallwood! Airis is the visionary behind The Singer’s Lounge, but nine years ago, she was focused on a completely different future. She was preparing to settle down, become a wife, and build a life she thought was meant for her. 

But, as life does, things didn’t go according to plan. After a painful breakup, Airis made the decision to pawn her engagement ring and used the money to fund the very first Singer’s Lounge. Looking back at what felt like one of the hardest moments of her life, she now sees it as an investment in herself that continues to grow.

Smiling woman with curly hair, black sunglasses, red lipstick, and leopard-print clothing posing beside a piano.

“I wanted to create a space where we could feel unapologetically Black,”

“Where you could sing along to your favorite Motown classics, catch the spirit at our highly anointed gospel show, or reminisce on the love you had at our favorite 90s R&B-themed night.”

Make It

“It all begins with an idea. I approach every show like it’s my first because the moment you get comfortable, you risk becoming complacent—and that’s not something I’m willing to compromise.” A.Smallwood

Cover of 717 Live magazine’s Spring Fever issue featuring Airis Smallwood in leopard-print clothing and sunglasses seated beside a grand piano.