We recently connected with Madin Lopez and have shared our conversation below.
Madin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Often outsiders look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight. Even media and especially movies love to gloss over nitty, gritty details that went into that middle phase of your business – after you started but before you got to where you are today. In our experience, overnight success is usually the result of years of hard work laying the foundation for success, but unfortunately, it’s exactly this part of the story that most of the media ignores. Can you talk to us about your scaling up story – what are some of the nitty, gritty details folks should know about?
When we first started ProjectQ, we had big dreams and a burning passion to empower LGBTQ+ youth. But let me tell you, it was far from an overnight success story. We poured years of blood, sweat, and tears into building the foundation for our organization’s triumph. The media loves to skip over this part, but we know the nitty-gritty details are where the real growth happens.
Scaling up wasn’t a walk in the park. It was a wild rollercoaster ride filled with meaningful moments, unexpected twists, and some hard-fought victories. We had to make tough decisions and implement strategies that pushed us outside our comfort zone. Many orgs hire from their volunteer team, which was a great first step for us, yet ProjectQ reached a surface tension that created a need for professionals in the field. We took risks, embraced change, and learned from every mistake along the way.
One key factor that fueled our growth was our unwavering vision and mission. We had a crystal-clear focus on creating a safe and inclusive space for gender expansive youth of color, providing them with mentorship, education, and support. This guiding star helped us navigate the ups and downs, always keeping our ultimate goal in sight. Although, We had to wait for the world to catch up. Even one year ago, we would be scoffed at for our laser focus on QTPOC individuals, and now legislature is being passed to ensure that orgs like our own are being funded and protected. It just goes to show that tenacity and clear focus will pay off.
But I couldn’t have done it alone. I assembled a remarkable team of passionate individuals who shared our vision and brought their unique talents to the table. Their dedication and unwavering support were the driving force behind our success. It took a little longer to find those individuals that share the background as those on the receiving end of services, but at ProjectQ we prid ourselves on the “You can do it too” mentality. And for folks that have lived in a world in the margins, It is beautiful to see them feel represented in our space.
Partnerships and collaborations were another essential ingredient in our scaling up recipe. We joined forces with like-minded organizations, community leaders, and volunteers who believed in our cause. Together, we formed an unstoppable network, opening doors to new opportunities and expanding our programs far beyond what we could have achieved on our own. Many of those organizations help us scaffold the programs that we now offer to the community. Offering a silo of knowledge and building relationships from their own lived experience.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our community. We engaged in tireless fundraising efforts, reaching out to grant providers, securing corporate sponsorships, and rallying individual donors. Their belief in our mission and their generous contributions sustained us through the toughest times and allowed us to continue making a difference. 10 Years ago this pride month, ProjectQ’s first Indiegogo made $185, investing that back into the non-profit, along with $5 from every haircut I did that year afforded us the strength to move into scale of 10 employees, 6 interns, 2 stylists, A full Free Store, Free Therapy, and Hair Salon.
And let’s not forget the challenges! Oh boy, did we face our fair share of obstacles. But here’s the thing: we never let them deter us. From facing cancellation, to financial demise, A global pandemic, and anti trans legislation. We embraced those challenges, turned them into opportunities, and emerged stronger on the other side. Each setback taught us invaluable lessons, and we used those lessons to refine our strategies, improve our services, and better serve the LGBTQ+ youth who rely on us.
So that’s the story of how ProjectQ went from humble beginnings to the incredible organization it is today. It’s a tale of perseverance, resilience, and unwavering dedication. We hope that by sharing our journey, we inspire others to chase their dreams and understand that success is built through hard work, passion, and a whole lot of grit.
The growth is not over,It is our hope to stand next to other orgs to making meaningful impact and to see other businesses and entrepreneurs embrace the realistic and actionable path to growth.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I think I am the voice of a generation, Yes I know that is an extremely self centered thing to say, but hey, I’m a Millennial. Let me explain. At age 12 I was sent into foster care due to abuse suffered after coming out of the closet. In foster care I met my brother, who was also system impacted living in group homes. How did I meet him you ask? Well it just turns out we had the same county appointed lawyer. It seems like a scene out of a movie right? Well anywho, I went to visit him at The Pheonix House where he lived, and He had a fresh haircut! As I was looking all disheveled, I asked how he got a fresh lineup! He told me about the hairstylist that comes in to give fresh fades and fresh life lessons. I knew right then and there that I would be that for someone else. Thankfully, shortly after that, my own foster mother hooked my hair up to the point you couldn’t tell me nothing. And so a mission was born. I would grow up to be the super hero I so desperately needed.
My journey into this industry started with a deep desire to create a space of empowerment and inclusivity for LGBTQ+ youth.
And so I started ProjectQ. A place where queer youth of color could come and get a haircut and just be. Specifically offering long term support to those aging out of foster care. As a Black gender non-conforming individual myself, I have experienced firsthand the challenges and barriers that many LGBTQ+ youth face. It fueled my passion to make a difference and provide them with the support and resources they need to thrive. I wanted to create a community where they could express their true selves, find mentorship, and access education and support to help them navigate their unique journeys.
At ProjectQ, we offer a range of products, services, and creative works that revolve around empowering LGBTQ+ youth. We provide mentorship programs, educational workshops, support groups, and a safe and affirming space where they can be their authentic selves. Our goal is to not only address the immediate needs of LGBTQ+ youth but also equip them with the tools and knowledge to build successful futures.
What sets ProjectQ apart is our holistic approach to empowerment. We understand that LGBTQ+ youth face intersecting challenges, and we aim to provide comprehensive support that addresses their physical, emotional, and educational needs. Our focus is on fostering resilience, self-acceptance, and personal growth, allowing LGBTQ+ youth to reach their full potential.
I am most proud of the impact we have made in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth. Seeing them grow in confidence, achieve their goals, and become advocates for themselves and their communities fills my heart with immense joy. Our work goes beyond providing services – it’s about creating a family, a community, and a support system that uplifts and celebrates each individual.
To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that at ProjectQ, we are dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering space for LGBTQ+ youth. We prioritize their well-being, their dreams, and their unique journeys. We believe in the power of mentorship, education, and community support to create lasting change and opportunities for growth.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
That’s an easy one. so ProjectQ is a 501c3 non profit. This means that the way we acquire income is by applying for grants mostly, yes we do fundraising here and there, but mostly it is Grant writing. Long ago, before we got any large funds, I took a grant writing workshop. It was a huge important step into believing in myself and the mission that fueled me. In this workshop, I learned how to contour our mission and vision to fit the grants that are out there. Specifically for folks like us that are so narrow focused on building our queer community of color. So yes, we bended to fit into the boxes that were available, until new boxes emerged. It has been such an honor to shift from the mindset that we need to be anything other than who we are to fit into this world. The exact message I wanted to spread to our young community members, we had to face head on. I am so thankful to say that now there are grants that are available just for us. The world and systems in particular have noticed the extreme value of our insight, and want to leverage it to build our futures.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Oh the Pivot. Any non-profit leader and business owner is filled to the gills with pivots since 2019. We all know Covid shifted the way that we have to live our lives. When the pandemic hit, we realized that our usual services, such as haircuts, would not be feasible due to safety concerns and restrictions.
It was a critical moment for us to reassess our approach and find alternative ways to support LGBTQ+ youth and their families during this challenging time. We recognized that food insecurity was a growing issue, with many individuals and families struggling to access basic necessities.
In response, we made the decision to shift our focus towards providing free food and essential supplies to those in need. This pivot allowed us to continue serving our community while adapting to the changing circumstances brought about by the pandemic.
Our pivot to providing free food during the COVID-19 crisis demonstrated our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of LGBTQ+ youth and their families. It highlighted our ability to adapt and respond to challenges with empathy and compassion, reinforcing our mission of empowerment and support. to a virtual platform that would allow us to continue our mission of empowerment and education.
Understanding that the families of queer individuals often play a significant role in their support system, we identified an opportunity to provide valuable resources and workshops to help them navigate their journeys. We realized that many families were seeking information, guidance, and tools to better understand and support their queer loved ones.
With this in mind, we developed and launched a series of free virtual workshops specifically designed for families of queer people. These workshops covered a range of topics, including LGBTQ+ terminology, understanding gender identities, fostering open communication, and creating affirming environments at home.
Our team worked diligently to curate and deliver engaging and informative content through online platforms. We collaborated with experts, LGBTQ+ advocates, and community members to provide a well-rounded and inclusive learning experience for families. These workshops served as a safe space for families to ask questions, share experiences, and gain a deeper understanding of their queer loved ones’ unique experiences.
The pivot to virtual workshops and food delivery allowed us to overcome the limitations posed by the pandemic and extend our reach to families beyond our local community. We were able to connect with families from various locations, providing them with valuable resources and support regardless of their geographical location.
This shift not only addressed the immediate challenges brought about by the pandemic but also aligned with our long-term vision of creating a more inclusive and accepting society. By equipping families with knowledge and understanding, we aimed to foster stronger bonds and support networks within the queer community.
We are immensely proud of the positive impact these workshops have had on families and their queer loved ones. Witnessing the growth and transformation within these families as they become better allies and advocates has been incredibly rewarding.
Our commitment to providing support to families of queer people remains steadfast. We continue to refine and expand our workshop offerings, incorporating feedback and addressing the evolving needs of the community. We are dedicated to nurturing healthy and accepting family environments, creating a positive ripple effect for queer individuals and their loved ones.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ProjectQ.me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/project_q_/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/projectq.info
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/madinlopez
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/project_q_?lang=en
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@projectQeyedohair
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/projectq-salon-and-community-center-los-angeles
Image Credits
Photo Credit Headshot Sabine Maxine Ellis-Lopez Photo cred in front of trailer Kat Kontrares