After 25 years in the fashion and eyewear industry, Micheal Sparks’ creative path took a transformative turn. Trained as an optician and optical designer, he began his career developing eyewear and accessories for his own label in Boston, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. He later built a successful freelance career, designing for luxury houses such as Loewe and Halston, contributing to cinematic projects like The Matrix, and crafting pieces for clients including Oprah Winfrey, Bette Midler, Mary Tyler Moore, and Dizzy Gillespie. His work carried him across Europe before bringing him to New York, where he met his partner, Dr. Richard Brown. When Dr. Brown accepted a position at Massey Cancer Center, the couple relocated to Richmond, where what began as intimate dinner parties among friends evolved into The Underground Kitchen, a cultural dining sanctuary in the city’s historic Manchester neighborhood, where culinary storytelling meets cultural celebration.

When COVID-19 struck, Sparks responded by launching UGK Community First, supported by the Richmond community and his team of experienced chefs. During this time, UGK-CF provided meals and resources to those impacted. What began as soups and bread for the community quickly expanded into programs that reflect his commitment to nutrition and community care, from nutrition education to childcare scratch cooking to diet-supportive meals for those with disabilities. His work quickly brought him to introducing Nourish, a culmination of years of experience, merging all aspects of his nonprofit work to bring wholesome food to the community.

Today, Sparks continues to bring good food to the Richmond region through his networking and partnership skills, tireless drive, and dedication to improving nutritional outcomes, especially for the city’s Black and Brown communities, whose warmth and support have been integral to his journey.

Learn more about The Underground Kitchen: Community First HERE.