Rising Stars: Meet Aleshea Harris of Durham, NC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aleshea Harris

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The Link Center of Durham was established in 2022. It started as a multi-purchase space for our Non-Profit organization “Bridging the Gap, LLC Basket Ball team “Grind 4 Your Dreams dba Team Grind” with also a vision in mind for other hosted events such as small and large corporate engagements, birthday parties, weddings, christening, family reunions and baby showers etc.

As of today, we have launched numerous events/parties for podcast, comedy shows, gospel groups, open mic night to showcase talent for singing or poetry and R N B bands in the area.

Our space has 2 levels with a VIP Lounge on the second floor that over looks the larger event space, outdoor seating area and a patio.

We pour time and dedication into each event we host in creating memories that last a life and unforgettable.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We look at everything as a challenge and willingness to put heads together and come up with a positive outcome. Yes, the largest struggle of ours was social media and getting the word about our location because we are conventional located off Interstate hwy 85 but far enough away that you would miss us.

We are located at 4815 Hillsborough Road, Durham NC 27705. This newly renovated, sophisticated warehouse offers a modern industrial feel. Just 6 minutes from Hwy 85 and conveniently located near hotels, restaurants, shopping, in downtown Durham!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are Black Owned Business Entrepreneurs’ in the RTP Area. Our name “The Link” has been Branded through out every business that we own because we love connecting with our people in our community to share knowledge and wealth from our journey as to what it takes to stay grounded, focused and believe in yourself and your dreams.

Our journey and connection! Working in a Franchise Industry and Corporate America for many years providing mentorship, leadership and training to so many in the childcare industry for over 25+ plus years has pushed us to own our own business. We started with a Substitute program called The Connections where we connected with local universities, high school seniors and other teacher colleagues to start the process for a teaching career in Early childhood in a daycare setting or family home setting. We walked fellow teaching professional through the process hiring from personnel files to inside/outside of what a classroom setting looks like to state and local governing polices that governs rules and regulation in a Early Childhood setting.

We both come from small rural areas (Aleshea) Roanoke Rapids, NC attended at Shaw University and (Tierre) Roxboro, NC attending NCCU & UNC Chapel Hill.

We are Co-Owners of Linking Connections Learning Center, a childcare center in Durham serving children 6 weeks-12 years of age, 1st Stop Cleaning and Lawncare Service in the greater Durham/RTP area- a Professional Commercial leaning and Lawn Care, Non-Profit Basketball Team -Grund 4 Your Dreams dba Team Grind and proud owners of The Link Center of Durham-multipurpose event center and gym.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters to us is that your word, character and being transparent is what carries you through your journey and through each opening door in life. People are more open to you, when you are venerable and carry compassion to help, listen and this is when lessons are more teachable and often heard.

Also as entrepreneurs we believe in being creative, having empathy, resilience, being adaptable, having passion matters to us.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thelinkcenterofdurham.com
• Instagram: thelinkcenterofdurham
• Facebook: The Link Center
• Other: Tiktok@thelinkcenterofdurham