We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ritinella Lewin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ritinella, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How has Covid changed your business model?

Yes, COVID-19 brought significant challenges, but it also pushed us to adapt and find new ways to serve our community. We shifted many of our programs online, expanded virtual outreach, and strengthened partnerships to ensure that essential resources like food assistance and mental health support remained accessible. While in-person engagement is returning, we’ve embraced a hybrid approach to make our services even more inclusive and responsive to community needs. The community responds well to being able to access SolTribeLLC both online and in person.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am originally from Rochester, NY. I am the oldest of 13 siblings and moved down to Florida seven years ago to pursue higher education. As fate would have it, school did not work out and I was forced to take a two-year hiatus. During this time, I decided to pour all of my money and assets into traveling. I traveled as much as possible and in most places, I noticed a trend in poverty and other tight-knit communities. Those in need tend to display the most compassion and kindness. Community bonds are strengthened by overcoming adversity. When faced with turmoil people remember that they are all members of the same tribe, the human tribe. SolTribeLLC provides the community with healthy avenues of collaboration and resources. We plan to provide workshops that focus on promoting personal growth, advocacy for peace, and community engagement. We are most proud of our progress and engagement so far. Our growing tribe has already begun the journey forward. We plan to launch our first official outreach events beginning in mid February.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn was that productivity equals worth. Coming from a big city with a fast-paced lifestyle, I was always chasing the next goal, the next achievement, the next thing to check off my list. I thought slowing down meant falling behind. I felt like unless I was constantly on the move I was failing.

But when I moved here, I realized that constantly being busy wasn’t the same as being fulfilled. At first, the slower pace felt uncomfortable—like I wasn’t doing enough. But over time, I started noticing the beauty in small, everyday moments: morning coffee on the porch, conversations that weren’t rushed, walks without a destination. I had to unlearn the idea that success is only about constant movement. Now, I measure my days not just by what I accomplish, but by the moments I truly experience. My decisions are more certain, my plans are more successful, and I am overall happier and enjoying the ride.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I spent my elementary, middle, and high school years in preparation to join the United States Air Force. After years of studying as well as physical and mental preparation, I discovered that I wouldn’t be able to join the military at all due to a birth defect. I was crushed and spent months in a deep depression. When I finished grieving my lifelong career goal, I decided to explore my passions and find out how else I could greatly contribute to society while still doing something that I loved. I traveled the world with little money and no game plan and have been graced by warm people and amazing experiences. I visited and lived in many different communities, all of which resembled home because of the warmth of the people. I aspire to pour everything I am into providing others with a safe and warm space to connect and thrive.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.gosoltribe.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erykah.outside/profilecard/?igsh=MXdxMTJqcHNhaXA5MQ==

Image Credits
@raymondkennedyjr_photos