Introducing Who We Are
Nappesoul, Inc., is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in New Haven Connecticut. Our mission is to help at-risk youth and families become financially self-sustaining and healthy by providing free or low cost instruction and training in holistic gardening, landscaping, holistic cooking, clothing design and holistic personal care.
Established in 2020 Nappesoul, Inc.’s vision is to be an urban agriculture pillar in the Greater New Haven communities, and to serve as a reservoir of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. To promote good health, feed the homeless, the food in-secured , and fight against food injustice .
Our Projects and Services
Solomon's Food Forest Project©
The purpose of the "Solomon's Food Forest Project"© is to address food insecurities experienced by low income families. Through self-sustaining urban agriculture, Nappesoul, Inc. in collaboration with Nuts About Health, Inc. will use an innovative gardening technique to increase families access to fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. We will provide them with nutrition education to empower them to move away from the Standard American Diet (S.A.D.).
Indoor Greenhouse Project©
The purpose of the "Indoor Greenhouse Project"© is to address food insecurity and obesity. To promote making healthy lifestyle choices like eating more fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. Using an innovative technique, Nappesoul, Inc. will build and provide families with indoor greenhouses. In hopes to change the health outcomes of many families and children.
Meet Our Team
The Founders of Nappesoul, Inc.
Gregory Smith Jr.
Executive Director, Farm & Agriculture Facilitator
Gregory Smith was born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut. He is a James Hillhouse graduate. After graduating from Hillhouse high school, he attended culinary school, and worked as a chef at the New Haven Lawn Club. While working as a Chef, he was honored to receive honors and bonuses. Since leaving the New Haven Lawn Club, he co-created Nappesoul, Inc. a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization which is based in New Haven, Connecticut. He was also featured in the New Haven Independent, "The Kingdom Magazine" and 94.3 radio for Nappesoul, Inc.’s agricultural programs, and the efforts that his wife and he have made to fight food injustice and food insecurity in underserved communities. As Executive Director of Nappesoul, Inc., he helps implement the organization’s flagship programs, which make a difference in his community. Nappesoul’s three flagship programs include Solomon’s Food Forest©️, The Indoor Greenhouse Project©️, and the Black Chef Initiative©️. In addition, in order to impact food injustice and food insecurity nationwide and in other countries, he provides youth and families with gardening instructions, holistic cooking, meal prep and supplies. Gregory and his wife Laquaya are the parents of three girls. His favorite quote is from his speeches "Why are we paying for food that can be free". He was most inspired to succeed in his organization by one of his collaborative partners Dawn Slade, Who continuously tells him "Your health is your number one wealth."
Laquaya Smith
Assistant Director, Operations Manager
Laquaya Smith was born and raised in New Haven, CT, and is a proud graduate of Hamden High School. After completing her education, she pursued business courses and gained invaluable experience as a sales representative at the Veterans Hospital for 4 years. During her time there, she received honors and awards for her outstanding work. Following her tenure at the Veterans Hospital, Laquaya co-founded Nappesoul, Inc., a non-profit organization based in New Haven, CT. She and her husband have been featured in "The Kingdom Magazine" for their innovative agricultural programs aimed at combating food injustice and insecurity in underserved communities. In addition to their work with Nappesoul, Laquaya alongside her husband also featured in New Haven Independent for their collaboration with Common Ground High School, where they provided students with green jobs aimed towards fighting food injustice in underserved black and brown communities. As Assistant Director of Nappesoul, Inc., Laquaya plays a vital role in overseeing the organization's flagship programs, including the Solomon's Food Forest©️, The Indoor Greenhouse Project©️, and the Black Chef Initiative©️. Driven by her grandmother's wise words, "I just like to feed people I don't let nobody go hungry," Laquaya is dedicated to making a positive impact through Nappesoul, Inc. Her grandmother, Vonnie Stewart, instilled in her the importance of self-sufficiency and the power of providing for others. Laquaya and her husband are loving parents to three young girls and are committed to building a better future for their family and community. With a passion for helping those in need and a strong belief in the transformative power of food, Laquaya continues to lead Nappesoul, Inc. towards continued growth and success. Her determination, compassion, and dedication to serving others make her a true inspiration to all who have the privilege of knowing her.
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Nappé Soul is committed to exceeding your needs. Questions, comments or special requests? We’d love to hear from you, so don’t hesitate in reaching out today.
