Today we’d like to introduce you to LoLo.
Hi LoLo, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hey! I am currently the co-founder of Urban Business Development Center (we like to go by The U). I’m originally from Dayton, Ohio, but I’ve lived in many different places in the US before finally settling in Columbus. At work, I mostly develop our programming/curriculum and manage different collaborative projects we have with other organizations. My specialty is creating culturally competent education and experiences that are most impactful for the targeted audience. I love doing this because I am passionate about producing quality programming versus just checking the boxes. This passion came about after being a part of many different educational experiences and programs that had me walk away feeling inspired, but left me with no real substance or tools to build upon. Then I’ve been a part of programs that changed my life forever. I want to produce more of the latter. I want to change lives, one person at a time.
It’s interesting to think about how I got to where I am today. It wasn’t a linear experience. I think back to how I went to Arizona State University for biological sciences which has absolutely nothing to do with what I am doing now. Along the way to present Lo, I lived many different lives. One of the biggest things I allowed myself to do was lean into each experience. I gave myself grace to try new things, learn who I was, what I liked, what I wanted to do, build relationships and figure it out along the way. So far, it has landed me here.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have been many challenges along the way. I will list a few lessons that I feel like can be helpful for someone reading this:
- There is no such thing as failing. Although I am still working through this lesson everyday, it is something that I constantly remind myself of. If something goes right, then it is considered a WIN. If something goes wrong, it’s just a blueprint to instruct you on how to do it better next time. Sometimes, I get excited when things are going wrong, because I know I am at the door of growth. It’s an instant indication of leveling up.
- Success is found in consistency. It is the one thing I feel like successful people have in common. They start over as many times as they need to, but they keep going. It has worked wonders in my current business and myself. Many times, I’ve had to start fresh in business, but I kept going. At the time it didn’t feel like progress, but when you’re consistent for a period of time and you look back on where you started, you realize you’ve come a long way.
- Strive to be excellent, not perfect.
- Take chances.
- This is your life, you get to decide who you want to show up as.
There are other things I’ve learned from challenges as well like living with grace or constantly adjusting the work/life balance threshold.
One of the biggest challenges I face to this day is living with Lupus, which is a chronic auto-immune disease that causes your immune system to attack itself. It is a challenge I am constantly learning to overcome. I have spent years learning my body, adjusting my healthy living habits while incorporating discipline so I can live my best life. It has not always been easy balancing having Lupus and running a business, but I have managed to take on the challenge as it presents itself knowing I am capable of overcoming anything.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am terrible when it comes to talking about my work and what I do. I am extremely proud of my business though. Right now, the core mission of The U is based around providing culturally competent education and resources to businesses run by people of color. We host a bi-annual 10-week Urban Launch School accelerator where we assist entrepreneurs with taking their business from idea to launch. We also host workshops and other events throughout the year.
Within the last year and a half, we have expanded our mission to tap into the digital space with our creative U Studio, as well as the DEI space with Theory University (which is primarily my lane of the business). Diversity, equity and inclusion is something I have grown to fight for and feel passionately about. I believe my work in this area will truly become my legacy. I have become a nerd at analyzing what equity looks like in different spaces and how we can improve impact in programming that is designed with DEI in mind.
As I shift into this phase of my life, DEI and politics have become a primary focus in what I do. I am still allowing the pieces to unfold, but I recently went back to school to pursue my JD with hopes to practice civil rights law. My end goal is to equip myself with the necessary tools to move the needle forward when it comes to equity and equality by bridging the efforts made on the political, legislative and grassroots levels.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I have so many amazing memories from childhood. I am thankful to have the parents I had. My upbringing was slightly unconventional. My mom became a flight attendant when I was two which allowed me the opportunity to travel often as a young child. I got plenty of opportunities to visit family and friends who lived all over the country as well as become a regular at a few different airports where TSA and gate agents knew my name. In grade school, I was a part of this program called Spectrum from 4th until 9th grade which created a more hands-on, nontraditional learning environment. There were about 18 other students who were selected to be in this program and identified to have high IQs and advanced learning abilities (which all of my classmates have gone on to do amazing things with their lives). And lastly, I cannot forget to mention my summer abroad traveling experiences with my aunt that allowed me to break away from the day to day small city, country lifestyle and experience other cultures. All of these things shaped who I am and I am more than grateful.
Pricing:
- Studio Membership – $19.99
Contact Info:
- Email: lolo@theucbus.com
- Website: https://www.theucbus.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/theucbus
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/theucbus
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/theucbus
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCklhih1Oz22bMNfqoRGAzOg
Image Credits
@parishajanelle
