Detroit WiFi Energy: Building 31 Days of Black Business

Hey, friend. Welcome. And welcome back to noseyAF conversations about art, activism and social change. And you know what? It has been a minute.If you are new here, welcome. I am currently in Detroit talking to you, and I'm here at a conference, which I'll mention shortly.So if you happen to be listening to me and I've met you at this conference, and so your ears are new here, I'm so happy to have you. And yeah, y', all, this is just sort of me just shooting the breeze, a voice note to you because I want to check in because it has been a minute.And if you keep up with this show consistently, you might remember that a while back, I told you I had this idea, 31 Days of Black Business. And so I wanted to update you about that, Update you about just what's going on and just share so quickly if you're new.31 Days black business is a audio series that I am currently producing that is going to share the stories and perspectives of black business owners across the world. I put out a call. Some of the folks were just in my own personal network, and basically all you had to do was be black and have a business.And that meant I wanted to interview you for this show. And so I put that call out. Applications closed back in April. I had about 40 or so applications.I couldn't take on everybody because the idea is to have 31 business owners to release one episode each day in August, which, by the way, August is Black Business Month. So I had to not take everyone, but hopefully I could still bring those conversations on later on at some point on the show.But anywho, I ended up with maybe about 27 right now, confirmed business owners who were like, yeah, I'll do this. And as of right now, I recorded, you know, more than half of these conversations. And I am almost done.And I am like, oh, my God, what have I gotten myself into? I need to record these myself. I edit myself, scheduling myself. I want sponsors, reaching out to sponsors myself. It's just all been so much.There's no team. I am the team. And while I am used to corralling, I guess is probably the right way, if that's. If that's rude. I don't mean it to be.But just like, in my practice, I am used to, like, I'll do a lot of interviews, right? I'll do a lot of interviews or, like, a lot of portraits. And so I'm used to saying, hey, this is the day that something's gonna happen.This is sign this show up here, Directions videos like very much organizing how all of that goes. And I feel like it's been a lot, but the process has been so fun. I'm just excited for you to meet these business owners.Everybody is truly so fabulous, have such smart ideas, such great services that they are bringing their communities.I am just so stoked that they would take the time to talk to me, even though so many people have been thankful that I would take the time to speak with them and even do a project like this. And I think we're all just mutually grateful.I think the one thing that has really just sort of surprised me along the way that that folks are signing up for this. That first of all, a lot of the folks came through, I believe when I had posted about it on Threads.I like social media in the event of like it gives me a good recipe and workout and to be quite honest, twerk videos. I love watching those, like when people like here do this, like dance like this. I love those. I get up and I dance like those videos and I love that.But. And I know how powerful of a marketing tool it is, but I really was not a Threads person and so I feel like somebody told me to just use it for this.I did have a Threads account mostly so I could talk about Real Housewives with people. But anyway, I posted it on there and I got a lot of folks tagging, people replying to me, hey, talk to this person, this person.And then folks finally, you know, applying. So I think that that surprised me using Threads and how people say how great of a forum Threads is. And so I would have to agree.I haven't really been on there since I probably should, but you know, it was just like a one off. Even if you were to go to Threads, my bio is like, I'm really just here to talk about Housewives.So the fact that I was there for something that was businessy was different. But yeah, so that's really been something that sort of shocked me. The folks that are just showing up, I mean it's just strangers.Usually I do a pre interview in my process. This we're just sort of talking and just going with the flow and I think it's been good. I'm excited to hear what you think about it.And right now, like I said, I'm in Detroit and I've spent the week here at a summit called Midway where it's really like a gathering of artist organizations, organizers from all over the Midwest.This is the second time that we've had this convening and being around other folks who do this kind of like community rooted work, it always fills me up. I really just love hearing about everybody's projects. I'm. I'm excited to always hear about everyone's practices.Everybody has a practice with like a cool name too. Like, all these different arts organizations have, like, really cool names. There was like an art gallery called Always Tomorrow.Like, what a great name is that, you know? Yeah. And even just calling the Summit Midway and we just spelled mdw and it's all Midwest organizations. Great. A great name. And so I've been here.I've been getting filled with just so much different knowledge and ideas and meeting so many wonderful people again, folks that'll probably be on this show later on down the years. And.Yeah, and I even got to talk about my prom project, you know, just with folks, you know, that was been a personal project I've been working on photographing prom sendoffs.And so I got to do that a few times this year and just sort of think about where I want to go with that work, but really focusing on being more present in my work by just making work without having, like an actual plan. So I feel like, pretty good. I got this prom project going on.I'm a little bit over halfway with my interviews and in the editing process so that everything is ready to go in August. I even grabbed a sponsor, which I'm excited to tell you about. And yeah, I think it is going great.And I just wanted to tell you that because I have not been on the feed, but, you know, I'm not going to lie, it is a lot running a art practice solo. And I even got a call for a film gig which might start. And that's.And it's really like when the film gigs, even though I'm so grateful for them, because it is how I pay, you know, afford life for myself. It is my main job. I feel like, yeah, it can be disruptive because I'm like, all right, you know, I gotta get these. These conversations together now.I have to start this film project. And so it's like, oh, my gosh, just gonna be so crazy. Gonna be so crazy. And then not only that, but I have to live my life.There was a meal planning club. I'm like, should I join this meal planning club or can I just do this myself?Because if I join the meal planning club, that means I have to find on my calendar to be available for something. And I don't know if I want to do that, you know, so that's where I Am I just, you know, wanted to share an update. I'm getting super excited.And another thing that was so crazy is that in Chicago we had a power outage and I'm like, oh, my goodness. So that was a setback also because that put me back by like four interviews that I had to reschedule.Another thing I had to reschedule, there were business owners who like, forgot, which is something I have to reflect about like afterwards because I have been promoting and I guess I'll just say, for lack of a better word, casting for this project for so long that when people, they sign up, they get other things going on and they're just like, what, what was this?You know, it sort of reminds me that, like, marketing your business or your practice, whatever you want to call it, like, no matter what we are doing, if we have a project we got going on, you know, getting the word out about it, I think is sometimes the last thing that we think of.We're always thinking about just being in the mix without sharing the work, you know, and that's something that has even come up for me this, this week at this. At this conference, you know, just seeing how people promote and share about what they are doing. I'm so much.I just like to be in the place doing the thing and I'm really at marketing and sharing. And so I was really encouraged by seeing how other people market and share their projects for me to do the same.But it did make me laugh seeing some of the business owners just totally forget that they signed up for this. Forgetting who I am at times. You know, life be life. And so, yeah, so, yeah, the power went out. Oh my gosh, that was out for a few days.And yeah, that put me behind with just having to, you know, sort of move back through and make sure I have everyone recorded in time. Even though we had all set these dates and we, you know, plan to do this stuff, life happens. It's okay.You know, I feel like my film background always having to like learn to pivot is really shining in these moments. And yeah, it's like I feel so much being artist is really just like being strategic and problem solving and being organized. So. Yeah.But listen, thank you so much for listening and sticking with me through this. I'd love to hear any sort of thoughts you have, any reflections. I am currently looking for sponsors for this 31 days black business project.So if you are interested in getting your organization, your services, your offer out to my community and to the business owners in which we are featuring, please get in touch. Okay, I think that is it.I'm just so happy to check in with you and I would love, love, love, love to hear with you if you have any reflections or insights, thoughts, good or bad, I would love to hear it. I really, really would. So, yeah, here I am checking in and I'm looking forward to bringing you more conversations.And yeah, I think that's it for now. Okay, have a wonderful day and I will talk to you soon. This has been another episode of Nosy af. I'm your host, Stephanie Graham.And listen, this was one of those like more stream of consciousness voice note more than my usual let me sit up straight and be responsible broadcaster. You know, shout out to Bani D song. But honestly, that's kind of where I'm at with my life right now.Somewhere between very organized creative producer and wait, did I even eat today? So we're just calling it what it is. It's raw, it's real, it's Detroit Wi fi energy, baby. What does that even mean?I like these kind of episodes though, because I feel like it's going to keep us closer. Because if I only showed up polished, you never know.I'm sitting in the dark with no power rescheduling interviews in this whole black business process. So I'm so glad you're here with me.If you liked what you heard today, go ahead and show the nosy AF some love by leaving a 5 star rating and review wherever you're listening. It helps more folks find the show and think, you know what I can get with this.You can find full show notes and transcripts@nosy af.com and while you're there, sign up for the noseyAF dispatch, which is a monthly newsletter that shares studio stories, fresh art, messy ideas, and each month's episodes. Straight to your inbox. Thank you so much for listening and we will see you next time. Stay curious and take care. Bye.