Earlier this year I was invited to become a member of Meta’s New York Leaders Network, which supports small companies like Stencil1 to amplify and build their businesses. With the rapid growth of e-commerce and the pandemic, Stencil1 has had to continually pivot its focus between design, sales, social media and events.
It’s important for me to be in conversation with other independent businesses and Leaders Network helps me do that. In the almost 20 years since Stencil1’s inception, I’m juggling the dual roles of being an artist and business owner and it’s so helpful to meet others who are doing the same.
Last week I attended Meta Boost Gather, a conference in Washington, DC, that covered the ins and outs of running an independent business in an ever-changing economy. It was a quick flight on Delta and I stayed at the Hyatt, near the Capitol building, an ideal location for a visitor.
Meta Boost Gather kicked off with a party at The Hamilton. I thought it would be a banquet room, name tags and a drink or two, all wrapped up for an early bedtime but no! Meta hosted a kick-ass party with bands and artist, Timothy Goodman, creating a beautiful mural. Drinks were flowing and energetic people filled the room ready to network!
There were several photographers asking attendees to take their portrait in front of a wall of legendary rock star photos. They boosted our egos by saying we too are rock stars and asked us to answer the question, What is our biggest brag? I wrote my answer on a sign that said: I had six books published with Chronicle Books.
The next morning was a full day of classes and talks, as well as a meeting with Senator Gillibrand’s office to discuss small business needs and current legislation. At breakfast we were seated by state so I met fellow New Yorkers and learn about their businesses. I talked to a jewelry designer, yarn maker, and a magician!
The overall vibe of the conference was that diversity (racial, ethnic, sexual) is the future. They offered a women’s culture guide, an LGBTQIA+ community guide and several others for people to learn about and include in their brands’ futures.
COO Sheryl Sandberg opened the day’s sessions with a welcome and a talk about policy for small businesses.
Then we headed over to the Senate Office Building. I wore my Suit Supply suit in rust with a white Buck Mason tee underneath and white sneakers. As I was crossing the street near the Capitol, a woman stopped her car to tell me from the driver seat how great my suit looked. Damn, DC sure is nice and friendly!
Getting to visit the Senate building was a humbling experience. To see soldiers, families and organizations lined up to speak with their senators about the important issues and causes in their lives was eye-opening. This is how laws are made, starting with peoples’ voices.
We met with Caitlin Rooney, Senator Gillibrand’s Director of Economic Development, focusing on how Internet policies affect our businesses. I raised the point of needing incentives for small businesses like us to stay based in New York and continue to be US-made. Everyone at our table agreed that living and conducting business in New York is expensive. I choose to manufacture in the US and live in New York City because I love it. And I’m so glad I got to share that with Senator Gillibrand’s Director.
When we were leaving the building I spotted a Pride flag in the hallway of one of the offices. Seeing this in such an important building made me happy and hopeful.
Next it was a quick lunch and then back to classes where we learned about charging the right amount for our product and services, diversifying our audience via partnerships, storytelling for online content and doing some really cool magic with Instagram reels. One of my favorite speakers was Alicia LeBoeuf who discussed selling to big box retailers, a main focus with Stencil1. She spoke about sharing my brand’s purpose because common values are important to customers. I could not agree more as an LGBT-owned business.
Some other classes and experiences were about using Facebook Messenger, Instagram FAQ communications, and demos of Meta Quest Oculus as well as an AR spark demo. I think all of this is the future of retail.
When the classes ended it was time for a little nap and then it was on to the dinner and award ceremony. This was our last chance to hang out and socialize. I met more incredible business owners and am so glad to be a part of this group.
The next morning I got to experience a little more of DC. I walked around Georgetown and then went to the Hirshhorn, a Smithsonian museum, where I saw some of my favorite artists and their installations.
I cannot express how grateful I am to Meta for the trip and all that I learned and for the new friendships and relationships I have made.