I assumed I didn’t belong in tech, and that almost cost me my career.

Before 2019, I had built a strong foundation across nonprofit marketing, consumer product branding, and creative strategy. I was clear on my lane and comfortable in it. Tech wasn’t part of the plan.

Then an idea came to me that I couldn’t ignore for a UGC-driven streaming platform for DIY beauty, haircare, and personal care for melanated communities.

Building it forced me into a world I didn’t think I belonged in. Over the next 3 years, everything shifted. Not just what I was building, but how I saw myself.

Now, here’s the truth: my instinct wasn’t random.

The startup ecosystem does signal who belongs—through pedigree, networks, and pattern recognition. I didn’t match the profile.

Black woman. Liberal arts background. No tech experience. No built-in access.

But I made specific moves that helped me get in the rooms, learn fast, and start taking myself seriously as a founder. Even though I eventually sunset that company, that experience changed the trajectory of my career, and directly informs how I lead today.

So I want to talk about it. Candidly and practically.

If you’re a non-traditional founder, or someone sitting on an idea you haven’t taken seriously yet, this is for you.

“Show Up Unexpected: How Non-Traditional Founders Break Through to Funders and Fans”