When I started Bright Marketing in 2013, I thought my two decades of agency operations experience had prepared me for anything. I knew how to deliver a clear message, build a standout brand, and support clients. But as my business grew, so did a nagging feeling of isolation. I struggled with the complexities of business operations, financial systems, and creating scalable infrastructure.
Here’s the truth: even though we were thriving externally, I didn’t always feel confident internally. What’s worse, I didn’t feel like there was a safe space to be vulnerable about those challenges.
It wasn’t until years later, when I joined a minority business accelerator and participated in national programs like the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, that I found something I didn’t even know I was missing: community. These experiences connected me with founders and business owners who shared the same challenges I was facing—leadership struggles, scaling headaches, mental health battles. Suddenly, I wasn’t alone.
As my agency continued supporting organizations in the entrepreneurial and economic development space, a recurring theme became clear: there’s a massive disconnect between what founders need and what’s provided.
I heard the same frustrations over and over from founders:
On the flip side, the organizations that serve entrepreneurs had their own challenges. They recognized the need for a more integrated ecosystem, clearer communication, and a central platform to amplify their efforts. But no one organization could or would take on the task.
That’s when the idea for OrangeWIP was born.
OrangeWIP is more than just a media company. It’s a solution to the challenges I—and so many other founders—have faced. We built OrangeWIP as a one-stop content hub to:
We didn’t stop there. Through research in multiple markets, it became clear that every city building an entrepreneurial ecosystem needed what OrangeWIP could offer. So, we designed a scalable digital infrastructure to create local media hubs that serve cities across the country.
Today, we’re active in three cities in South Carolina. We’ve shared hundreds of founder stories, hosted thousands of conversations about funding, accelerators, scaling, and coworking spaces, and created tools that make entrepreneurial ecosystems more accessible and inclusive.
When I reflect on my own journey—from feeling isolated to finding my “aha” moments in community—I realize my story isn’t unique. Every founder faces moments of doubt, fear, and frustration. Every founder needs access to resources, connection, and inspiration.
That’s what OrangeWIP is here to provide. It’s not just my journey—it’s ours. By subscribing to OrangeWIP, you’re joining a community of founders who believe in lifting each other up and building something bigger than ourselves.
If you’re a founder, entrepreneur, or changemaker, OrangeWIP was created for you. Here’s how you can get involved:
Entrepreneurship isn’t a solo journey. Let’s build something extraordinary—together.
Visit OrangeWIP.com to subscribe, support, and join the conversation.
