Another NOEW, hopefully it will bring support to my social mission of #safewater and #safesanitation

When Steve Case came to speak in my neighborhood during his visit to New Orleans with Rise of the Rest, he said it took 10 years for AOL to really take off. This year marks my 5th year as a social enterpreneur and our 9 year wedding anniversary.

In January I was accepted into a new local incubator for urban small businesses. The experience has been amazing. It has been like getting an urban MBA. A new study documents the abysmal record venture capital has investing in black women founders. #projectdiane in so many ways describes  my own experience trying to raise venture capital to startup my social enterprise to make its intended impact in communities.  5 years ago the main objections to my business model was- "How does art go with clean water?" It can be said that rejection reveals whether we are committed or not. After helplessly following the 2014 Ghana floods on facebook and online I hope venture capital gets the wake up it needs! So many great businesess, that can contribute to the economy in a macro and a micro scale go unfunded and undercapitalized. Leaving so many unemployed. Most often the underfunded businesses are most likely to hire the unemployed, underemployed and "undesirable employees".

Why hasn't the funding reached the businesses that could make so much impact? Even internationally? But nevertheless, business is built by being resilient and innovative. The development of nana afia's ART EXPO has been incredibly inspiring. I had no idea 9 years ago this journey would lead me to become a cultural artist. It is also inspiring meeting other black women starting their own businesses and startups. The number of businesses owned by African American women grew 322% since 1997, making black females the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S.

This year's World Water Day theme is "Water and Jobs'. That is exactly the social mission of nana afia's ART EXPO. That we can use our cultural arts to not only solve our community problems in safe water, safe sanition but also in sustainable development. Using our cultural arts to not only create opportunities we need but honor our heritage. Most importantly, safe lives! 

I am participating in New Orleans Entrepreneur Week again this year with LaunchNOLA. I will be pitching the expansion of our products and services to a new endeavor. 

These Water Depots will have the minimum potential to filter 1500 liters of water daily from any water source. Providing 99% effectiveness against bacteria, viruses and parasites. Announcement coming soon how you can support them becoming a reality! This blog has also been inspiring! That so many of you around the world are reading! But especially to the ones who have supported the social mission by purchasing products! That is truly what this is the center of the social mission. To provide you with quality consumer products that will improve your lives, while we develop our communities and save the lives of our neighbors! I'm excited for the week to come! Make sure to become a fan on facebook and follow on Instagram and twitter!

art. water. life.