Build Ecosystems, Not Empires

A newsletter for BIPOC diaspora founders scaling profitable, justice-driven brands that lift up our communities. You can unsubscribe any time.

By Gelaine Santiago of Founding Possibilities​

Reminder: Your community wants to hear from you, even if you don't feel ready to be heard yet.

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Hey Reader,

It's been a minute 👋🏽

I'd love to say that this newsletter's been radio silent because a lot's been happening and I've been very busy (which is true), but I confess. The real reason I've been keeping quiet is: I don't feel like I know what I'm doing yet.

Earlier this year, my co-founder Jérôme and I closed our first two businesses – two Filipino fashion retail brands that we ran for 10 years – and launched our third business Founding Possibilities (this one) in April. We went from running two B2C e-commerce brands selling physical products with a team of 8 people, to a B2B service-based business with just the two of us.

I obviously knew it would be a big change and braced myself for it, but I still wasn't prepared for the level of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and immense mind-fuckery that came with such a big transition. My instinct has been to shrink and retreat until I've got it more "figured out".

But last weekend, I attended a walking tour of Toronto's Little Manila and ran into a community leader whose organization my business had supported last year. She shared how sad she was when we closed, telling me, 'I was sad that I wouldn't see you guys on my feed anymore."

Then she shared that she's followed my journey since: attending a panel I moderated in March and keeping up with my updates about Founding Possibilities.

She said that it made her happy to see me thriving and succeeding, and I truly think that is the kindest thing someone can say 🥹

This is an important and kind reminder that your community - the people you're building your business for - WANT to see you and support you.

They want to hear from you, even when things feel messy and muddled and you don't think you know what you're doing (note: you're probably doing better than you think!).
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So let this be a reminder, Reader: don't ever doubt the importance of your voice, story, and presence – especially as a racialized founder. Your community WANTS to see you succeed, and you don't need to perform a certain way for your story to be valuable.

Sharing your truth and showing up is more powerful than you think ❤️

With that said, you'll definitely be hearing more from me cause I've got news.

In a few weeks, registration will be opening for the first ever Build Ecosystems, Not Empires™ Virtual Summit - a summit designed by and for purpose-driven BIPOC founders.

It's been a labour of love (and tears 😅), and I'm so excited to finally share it with you. Stay tuned!

Sending warmth & gratitude to you for sticking around,

Gelaine 🌸