A few weeks ago, at the @lwtech I listened to Ms. @arlanwashere. She was honest, sincere and forthcoming during the Q&A session. Kendal and I recently found out about her and started devouring information about her hustle, goals, plans and background and became huge fans. Listening now to podcasts as well as videos she publishes that are posted on her company’s @backstagecapital website. When I met her she was patient with me and all the other folks who wanted a picture or a few moments of her time. During our brief exchange I didn’t have much to offer or even ask as Kendal and I are just starting our journey to start our own thing. I just wanted her to know we so appreciate this Black Queer, admittedly Plus Sized Pioneer and modern day Sarah Breedlove (Madam C.J. Walker). I also appreciate someone who like me learned how to deal with rejection as a kid who was raised as a JW and had to go door to door. I do not know if our paths will ever cross again. But I do know this, whatever black owned business Kendal and I will invest in (and we will within the next year) and whatever we create for our people and others, there will be an indelible imprint from Ms Hamilton. #arlanwashere #backstagecapital #queerblackboss #venturecatalyst #venturecapital #venturecapitalist #arlanhamilton #lwtech #blacksinsiliconvalley (at New York, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/BoZrbJmBvq-/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=vtvr58kwtxi