FLINT, Michigan — The twelfth and latest episode of
100K Ideas’ client storytelling series features three Flint-based entrepreneurs who have turned their passions into thriving businesses. Through their personal stories, viewers gain insight into how 100K Ideas, a Flint nonprofit committed to supporting local innovators, provided the necessary resources and guidance to help them overcome obstacles and find success.
The episode shines a light on local entrepreneurs Kayla Aguilar of Lord Laird's, Aliz Mendoza of I Love Pig, and Nicole Richardson of
the Museum of Modern Black Beauty, each of whom brings a unique perspective and business concept to the table.
Kayla Aguilar: Turning creativity into business with Lord Laird's, Queen Netzo, & Mobars
Multitalented entrepreneur Kayla Aguilar shared her journey of running not one but three different creative businesses, including
Lord Laird's which produces fresh-squeezed organic lemonade made with aloe vera and raw honey,
Queen Netzo which makes custom wired-wrapped Swarovski crystal rings, and
Mobars which produces 100% natural homemade bars with the taste of a cookie and nutrition of a protein bar.
Her drive to bring art, health, and personalized experiences to her customers is what ties all these ventures together. In the episode, Aguilar talks about how 100K Ideas guided her through the complexities of managing multiple businesses simultaneously.
“Having so many ideas can feel overwhelming, but they helped me organize and execute each business plan,” Aguilar explains.
With the nonprofit’s support, she has been able to juggle her creative endeavors and scale her operations while maintaining the high quality her customers expect.
Aliz Mendoza: Fusing culture and flavor with I Love Pig
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Aliz Mendoza of I Love Pig.Aliz Mendoza founded
I Love Pig, a business that celebrates her Venezuelan heritage through food. Specializing in dishes that showcase pork as the main ingredient, her business is more than just a culinary venture, it’s a cultural experience.
Mendoza shares in the episode how food has always been central to her life, and her goal is to bring authentic Venezuelan flavors to the Flint community. She also talks about the challenges she faced early on, particularly in creating a sustainable business model.
She credits 100K Ideas with providing her the structure and mentorship needed to streamline her operations and market her brand more effectively.
“They helped me see the bigger picture and how to move my passion into a full-fledged business,” says Mendoza in the episode, emphasizing how valuable their support was in scaling her idea.
Nicole Richardson: Redefining beauty and wellness with the Museum of Modern Black Beauty
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Nicole Richardson of the Museum of Modern Black Beauty.Flint native Nicole Richardson is the founder of
the Museum of Modern Black Beauty (MOMBB), an online museum that displays the multi-faceted, multi-dimensional history and beauty of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).
The museum also serves as a health and wellness movement, providing spaces, events, and workshops for in-person and virtual conversations that address issues and promote inner healing, self-love, and acceptance.
In the episode, Richardson reflects on the challenges of starting a digital museum, particularly creating engaging content and reaching her target audience. She credits 100K Ideas with helping her refine her vision and develop a strong online presence for the museum.
Check out the full storytelling segment below.
This story is part of a storytelling series supported by 100K Ideas. To learn more, visit: 100kideas.org
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