While I'm excited about my personal and professional growth, these achievements come during a challenging time. The current wave of tariffs has directly impacted my business operations—both Angl pop-up frames and Yeeps plush manufacturing—serving as a stark reminder of how political decisions reshape our daily lives. Thankfully, these are robust products, and both companies are well-equipped to handle the challenges ahead.
However, many in our communities don't have this luxury. I feel a profound disconnect between my own upward trajectory and the troubling state of the world around us.
This past weekend, I attended an LGBTQ+ town hall with my partner. It was a deeply emotional experience—I felt heavy with grief yet empowered, scared yet ready to fight. I felt hollow, as if scooped out, while deep pride poured in like a raging waterfall against the pain in my chest.
We discussed people fleeing their homes in red states because they are no longer safe. When one of the speakers mentioned an executive order attacking the Black History Museum for having an "improper ideology," a wave of raw grief and anger swept through the crowd.
How I’m Approaching Change
In the face of these challenges, I'm more determined than ever to use my platform and resources to make a difference. Though my strategy differs from others' at the town hall and in my community, I believe it is a crucial piece of the puzzle.
I am deliberately seeking power and wealth. My mission is to navigate and transform the systems that benefit few and oppress many. I will become a source of capital and resources for those who have none, opening doors for queer builders who live this struggle at their core. Even if our approach becomes diluted along the way, it would still represent progress in the right direction. However, I’m betting that we will only grow more resolute as we go.
Through our existence and creativity, we will reshape the minds around us. This is my strategy: ownership and empowerment.
As history has shown us through trailblazers like Jack Johnson, FKA Twigs, Sarah McBride, and Amanda Davis—true change comes from excellence, mastery, and persistent pressure. These pioneers don’t just demand space—they command it through their brilliance. They rise above the hatred and bigotry they face.
Those among us with access, resources, and privilege must take responsibility for those who are continually silenced. If you possess curiosity—you are powerful beyond your wildest dreams.
This is a war fought on many fronts. While traditional activism remains vital, there's another essential strategy—one that requires embracing something seemingly antithetical to progressive values. In today's world, where a small group of wealthy and powerful people control the playing field, we must temporarily leverage their own systems as shields against their tyranny.
We must master the very systems that have been used against us. The tools of wealth, business, and institutional power are inherently oppressive the same way that a sword is, but they're also instruments waiting to be wielded by those who understand them best.
Our mission isn't just to knock on doors—it's to own the building. We must build generational wealth, create transformative businesses, and demonstrate that marginalized communities don't just deserve a seat at the table—we can build a better table altogether. Excellence isn't just our shield—it's our weapon of choice.
Let's Connect
I'd love to hear from you! How are you feeling these days? What projects are you working on? Hit reply to this email and let me know.
I challenge you
Even better, set a timer for 2 minutes, start with the line "What I'm feeling right now is..." and let your fingers do the typing. If you're feeling brave, send it my way, and let's chat. Let's schedule a video call, be a community, and support one another.
This is a call to action—to be yourself, fully and unapologetically.
Until next time,
KOii