Cocoa Cure Empowerment Series – Women Making History in Harlem

Co-founded by entrepreneurs Sharon Joseph and Gail Richards and a participant in the Clinton Foundation Small Business Initiative, Harlem Lanes is the country’s first women-owned bowling alley and the first bowling alley in Harlem in 30 years. Harlem Lanes is a state-of-the-art duplex bowling and entertainment complex, featuring a modern cafe, fully-equipped sports bar and arcade, deluxe lounge and private party room. From its inception in 2006, one that was lauded by former President Bill Clinton and other New York City officials, Harlem Lanes has remained committed to the revitalization of the Harlem community and has become a staple in the local entertainment scene.



Co-founders Sharon Joseph and Gail Richards





This month Joseph and Richards hosted an exciting night of bowling for a cause, Harlem Lanes Presents: Celebrity Strikeout, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the winning team’s charitable organization. "Four years later, Harlem Lanes continues to uphold its promise and commitment to the renaissance of Harlem, says Richards. "Our success and very existence would not be possible without the unwavering support of the Harlem community. With our Celebrity Strikeout anniversary event we’re able to extend our gratitude, have a great time, and continue our mission to give back." The Harlem Lanes Presents: Celebrity Strikeout is the grand finale in a series of community-oriented events at Harlem Lanes during April and May to commemorate the venue’s 4-year anniversary.



Following the event, CocoaCure.com had the opportunity to speak with co-founder Gail Richards about entrepreneurship, charity and community.



Cocoa Cure: Cocoa Cure Magazine is committed to support women of color who strive for success and in turn, reach back to help and influence others. You are the first black women-owned bowling alley. Tell me about your/Sharon Josephs’ decision to start this business and how Harlem Lanes impacts the community.

Richards: We decided to create a business that was not age or gender specific so that the entire community could participate. Particularly, given the revitalization that was happening. We wanted to give something special back to the community that had served Sharon and I.



CC: How challenging has it been for you to establish Harlem Lanes and how do you influence the public to support your business?



Richards: It was exceedingly difficult!!! Financing for women of color was a nightmare. The loans that are purportedly for women require so many guidelines that they are almost impossible to procure. Investors within the community did not have the available funds. Now that we are in business, I am overwhelmed at how much support the community has shown. It has been incredible.



CC: Are you from Harlem? Why was it important for you to open a business in that community?



Richards: Yes. Sharon and I are both from the community. We wanted to give back to the community and participate (positively) in the changes that were occurring in Harlem.



CC: Can you describe how your annual event, Harlem Lanes Presents: Celebrity Strikeout, has helped specific causes/charities?



Richards: Well, this was our first event, however, we hope for it to become an annual hallmark. We asked all of the companies to choose a charity in Harlem. This way the money would stay within the community. We made suggestions for organizations that address obesity, juvenile diabetes, HIV, fresh air fund, issues that impact our community.



CC: Can you name some of the celebrities and organizations who have supported your events?



Richards: We are lucky to have the support from many different celebrities and small to large organizations assisting us from day one. We have received support from corporations such TD Bank, BET, to smaller Harlem businesses like Make My Cake.



CC: Are there upcoming events that you’d like to bring attention to?



Richards: The unique feature about Harlem Lanes, that we offer more than just bowling. We have such an array of events, everything from Single Mixers to workshops. There is something for everyone here.