Jersey City’s entrepreneurial community has a reputation for resilience. Few stories capture that spirit like Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez’s journey.
Alyza, founder of The Other Side Dispensary in Jersey City Heights, is facing a huge challenge right now. A speeding car struck her while she walked with her young son, Enzo.
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It happened on what should’ve been a day of celebration—the one-year anniversary of her dispensary’s opening. Instead, Alyza landed in the hospital with multiple fractures and facial injuries.
She’s still grateful, though. Enzo escaped unharmed, which she describes as nothing short of a miracle.
A Life of Service and Entrepreneurship
Brevard-Rodriguez knows a thing or two about perseverance. She served in the Navy and worked for the MTA before shifting her focus to entrepreneurship.
That change started after she discovered how cannabis helped her recover from an earlier injury. The experience inspired her to launch The Other Side Dispensary, a business built on community, wellness, and social equity.
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Building The Other Side Dispensary
Opening the dispensary in Jersey City Heights took real grit. Alyza spent almost three years and over $1.3 million making her vision real.
She didn’t take a salary, choosing instead to support her staff and keep the operation stable. That choice shows her belief in building something lasting for the whole neighborhood.
The Accident That Changed Everything
On her business’s anniversary, everything turned upside down. A speeding vehicle hit Alyza while she was with Enzo, causing serious injuries to her right leg, foot, and face.
Now she faces a tough recovery. It’ll likely take months of rehab and the hard work of learning to walk again.
A Miracle Amid the Chaos
Even with all that, Alyza feels lucky. Enzo walked away without a scratch.
That fact gives her strength to keep going, even as she deals with pain and uncertainty. She’s already channeling that determination into action.
Community Support and Fundraising Efforts
Medical bills, mobility gear, childcare, and living costs are adding up fast. Alyza started a GoFundMe called “Help Alyza Walk Again.”
People from Jersey City and beyond have stepped up to help. Every donation, she says, helps her regain independence and keep her business afloat.
How You Can Help
The fundraiser is still active for anyone who wants to pitch in. Small business owners—especially those from minority backgrounds—can be hit hard by sudden crises, so every bit really counts.
Planning a Visit and Supporting Local Businesses
If Alyza’s story sparks your curiosity about the city’s entrepreneurial side, think about supporting local shops and minority-owned businesses. Jersey City’s got plenty to offer, from cultural festivals to waterfront dining.
Take a stroll through different city districts. Each one’s got its own vibe, which honestly makes Jersey City feel alive and unpredictable.
When you’re figuring out where to stay in Jersey City, there’s a wide mix of Jersey City hotels for every style and budget. Getting here isn’t tough either—public transit, ferries, and highways all connect easily, so you won’t have to stress about travel whether you’re visiting or settling in.
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Here is the source article for this story: Jersey City Entrepreneur Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez Injured in Serious Accident, Launches Recovery Fund
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