What originally began as a small passion project between me and my close friend, BJ Frogozo, has turned into a source of inspiration and hope. This past Black History Month, our team experienced firsthand the evolution of Claima Stories, our now No. 1 careers podcast on Apple.
We created Claima, short for “claim a seat at the table," to address the alarming disparity of Black indigenous and people of color youth in creative industries by giving creative elites a voice to inspire the next generation. We’ve traveled along the West Coast in a retro purple '93 Mitsubishi Delica “Starwagon," interviewed top names including Tyler The Creator, Issa Rae and more, and have funded more than half a million dollars to small BIPOC businesses across the country.
Yet, our recent first-ever Storytellas dinner series in our hometown of Portland was our full circle moment — a point of gratitude, purpose and community.
Storytellas, an event series in partnership with Vistaprint, brought together a community of entrepreneurs of color to engage through networking, business-shifting interviews and more. The enthusiasm began well before the event with folks expressing their anticipation about the opportunity to interact with entrepreneurs who looked like them. Some have been operating businesses in the city for years, yet this event was the first time these entrepreneurs met each other face-to-face.
Each entrepreneur was invited to the exclusive dinner where we spoke with some of the city’s cultural leaders, including Cydnie Smith-McCarthy of Drink Mamey, pivotal Portland-based artist JuWorkingOnProjects, and concluded with an interview with famed rapper Trinidad James.
It was the perfect sweet spot between social and curiosity that propelled us to help bridge the gap and bring POC business owners together. Speaking to Trinidad James, a platinum recording artist and co-host of the talk show "Full Size Run on Complex," was unforgettable. The fact that we were able to bring him to Portland to share his valuable insight with POC entrepreneurs in the community was a major feat.
We also had a particularly exceptional group of entrepreneurs in Portland. I spoke with Kenyatta Trice, representing the Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs, who accepted the $25,000 donation we awarded in partnership with Vista. She highlighted the importance of hosting an event like this and the need for more opportunities to bring transplants and locals together in the spirit of entrepreneurship.
The success of the event can only be defined by the smile on the attendees’ faces. Seeing their renewed, if not revitalized, entrepreneurial spirit is confirmation of why we do what we do. While we are seen as a podcast company in the eyes of many, this experience allowed us to demonstrate that we are so much more. We push ourselves to serve our community of entrepreneurs. We help cultivate a more equitable society. We are a safe space for POC entrepreneurs who are looking for answers. It’s crucial to build this type of ecosystem at a local level because Portland has one of the most dynamic and growing communities of Black entrepreneurs in the country.
On the same night at PitchBlack, folks were able to share their visions for what they want to bring to life. From Deadstock Coffee to Drink Mamey to Plant Based Papi, Portland is seeing quite the movement. This affirms our belief that while we interview and amplify entrepreneurs and creatives from everywhere, we must commit just as much energy to the place we call home.
Our next Storytellas event will be at the Dreamville festival in North Carolina, with even more happening across the country.
