05/18/2026
Finished the Q***r Equity Impact Program through the Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce and walked away with way more than I expected.
I originally joined the program because I wanted to figure out how to grow The Original House of Dope™️ (OGHOD™️) beyond where it currently is. I know the creativity is there, but I wanted to better understand the business side of scaling a brand.
Over the last 12 weeks, I learned how to approach larger vendor opportunities, retail partnerships, grant funding, business strategy, and presenting my brand in professional spaces. I also created my first real pitch deck and had the opportunity to pitch OGHOD™️ in front of a live audience.
On top of that, I was honored to receive a grant from the Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber Fund, Inc. courtesy of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
That moment meant a lot because every step of this brand has been built through faith, consistency, long nights, mistakes, lessons, and figuring things out as I go.
This experience reminded me that growth is not just about selling more products. It’s about learning, evolving, building relationships, and putting yourself in rooms that challenge you to think bigger.
Huge shoutout to my fellow cohort members for sharing your knowledge, experiences, and journeys throughout the program. Being surrounded by so many driven and creative people was inspiring in itself. Also deeply appreciate the instructors, mentors, and everyone involved in creating a space that genuinely poured into small businesses and entrepreneurs.
I’m proud of how far The Original House of Dope™️ has come, and even more excited about where it’s headed next.
Appreciate everyone who has supported the journey so far. More work to do. More goals to reach. We’re just getting started
