🏆🌊 Demo Day Reflections
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What happens when you see yourself reflected in something, rather than separate or apart from it?
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That moment of recognition, of seeing yourself as part of something larger is at the heart of everything I desire to create and put out into the world.
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The ocean is reflected in all that we do and all that we are. But it’s more than a metaphor. It has transformed the way I see the world, and myself. Water has led me to explore the deep intersections beyond the environment, becoming both a mirror and medium. It has challenged me to move from marketing into purpose-driven entrepreneurship, designing products and systems that care for our bodies and the world's bodies of water.
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So when I took the stage at Nobellum Demo Day, to pitch a company I first pitched back in August, I felt the gravity and evolution of what it meant to be part of and grow through this community.
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I’m thrilled to share that Shower Thoughts Company was awarded First Place in the Growth Stage Category.
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Always measure backwards... This journey began in the Idea Stage, and it’s been a tide of change ever since. A new brand name, new partnerships, traction, and a new research insight, and story to tell. I’d practiced this pitch so many times, but when I found a personal totem 🔵 from a dear friend and mentor in my pocket right before going on stage, I was reminded that this company is deeply personal. It is built at the intersection of identity, innovation, and impact.
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I fumbled with the mic and clicker but felt grateful to see a few smiles when I shared our mission: to keep our bodies fresh, and the world’s bodies of water clean, with our seaweed-based wet wipes. That was enough.
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It meant everything to be in the presence of Secretary General of the African Union 6th Region Global Dr. Macaulay Kalu, who reminded us of the power of oneness and belonging. This directly spoke to our foundation in the power of understanding our marine identities and histories to inspire positive action for water. We are all bodies of water and water connects us all and no matter where in the world we are, our everyday action impact the ocean and the fresh waterways that lead there. I opened my pitch with these words:
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“My life and identity have radically changed since I started to look at the world through the lens of water.” And though it was the first time I felt nervous seeing the timer go down as I ran out of time before reaching my ask, I was grateful to have shared our vision and mission: water wellness for the world's bodies of water, yours and our planets.
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To Melisa Ellis the Nobellum community, who have already exceeded their mission to launch 100 Black tech startups by 2025, I am so proud to be one of the first 100. Thank you for building a space where we can see ourselves reflected in the future we're creating.
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That is what our brand is about and we are so proud to have been supported by you in the beginning of this movement 🌊💙
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