We were lucky to catch up with Andres Fragoso Jr recently and have shared our conversation below.
Andres , appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
Since as long as I can remember, I have been an active member of the Spectrum (LGBTQIA+) community. Embracing my true self was never an issue for me, and I never felt the need to come out because I was always open about my identity.
As I entered my thirties, I began to notice the prevalence of discrimination around me, which I had previously considered normal. It became disheartening when people started labeling me based on their own perceptions, ranging from being “too gay” or “not gay enough” to various other identities like bisexual or straight. I grew weary of being categorized and called derogatory terms, such as “abomination,” a word that has been misused and misappropriated.
Writing my poetry book, “Listen, Poems on Being Gay, Bipolar, and Alive,” was a turning point for me. It made me realize the exhaustion caused by such labeling and being ostracized. This realization led me to delve into history and discover that the Spectrum community has been an integral part of human culture throughout history. The modern LGBTQIA+ terms and the word “homosexual” were not present in the past, yet our community has made significant contributions and faced both adversity and triumph.
During my research on various subjects, cultures, and time periods, I was astonished to find the Spectrum community intertwined in the fabric of it all. It made me appreciate what we often take for granted and understand how society has used it against us.
At one point, I fell ill and struggled to find doctors who understood the unique needs of the Spectrum community. Unfortunately, discriminatory laws allowed them to deny us proper healthcare. It was frustrating to be treated as less than human when all we needed was compassionate and inclusive care.
This experience motivated me to create “We’re In The Spectrum,” an online platform that serves as a safe space for the community. It provides vital information, shares historical insights, educates on laws, promotes positive change, encourages self-expression, fosters connections, and fosters unity within our community. Our mission is to combat discrimination, educate the uninformed, love ourselves, love one another, and embrace the love we deserve for who we are.
Running “We’re In The Spectrum” has been a transformative experience for me. It allows me to learn about the diverse aspects of the Spectrum community that I had never encountered before. From the struggles of discrimination and illness to beauty tips, gender identities, and pronouns, each interaction opens my eyes to new perspectives.
I’ve had the privilege of meeting incredible individuals, such as a Transgender Reverend, a Transgender female business owner, and dedicated drag queens who put tremendous effort into their art. I even considered going out to dinner with a transgender male, a completely new experience for me. Their stories are inspiring, and I am eager to share them with the world, as I thoroughly enjoy connecting with people.
Moreover, running this platform has led me to self-reflection, and I’ve realized how deeply ingrained certain discriminatory, sexist, and homophobic beliefs were within me. Engaging in this battle against my own biases has been a profound journey of personal growth, allowing me to develop a greater love and understanding for others.
In conclusion, my journey within the Spectrum community has been enlightening and transformative. Through “We’re In The Spectrum,” I hope to empower and unite our community, promote understanding, and foster a world where everyone can be loved and accepted for exactly who they are.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
At the age of thirty, I embarked on my writing career by composing a poem dedicated to my sister. To my delight, the poem was published after submission, sparking my passion for writing. This initial success fueled my creativity, leading me to write more poems and eventually even a novel. As I grew older, I decided to join a writers group, where I began collaborating with fellow writers, offering services such as editing, ghostwriting, creating websites, logos, book covers, and assisting with marketing and social media to help writers promote and sell their books. This journey led to the establishment of my own business called The Ghoster and Associates, which expanded over time to include bookkeeping, business management, and other comprehensive services.
In my journey, I discovered a niche market that is often misunderstood, underrepresented, and discriminated against. I felt a strong desire to help individuals in this community be accepted as fellow human beings, irrespective of their beliefs or identities. My dream, called “The Spectrum,” aims to dispel misconceptions and show people that we are not the monsters the media portrays us to be, nor the deviants they accuse us of being. Above all, I aim to convey that we are all children of God, made in his/her image.
I also sought to shed light on how the Spectrum community has been historically used as a scapegoat by those seeking to control the masses, exploit them for their money, and keep them in fear. This aspect of history cannot be erased from any culture, and it is essential to recognize the existence of the Spectrum without fear.
Despite my progress, I still felt a need for change. My characters often represented individuals from the Spectrum and Latinos, sometimes overlapping. To share my life experiences and insights, I published numerous short stories and books. In writing groups, I found myself explaining the characters in greater detail because my peers lacked understanding of the Spectrum community. This motivated me to conduct extensive research on various cultures, subcultures, definitions, and idioms, eventually becoming an educator on these topics.
With years of research and a clear vision in mind, I introduced “The Spectrum’s Voice.” This project serves as an encyclopedic source of information on the Spectrum community throughout history, encompassing insights from various time periods, cultures, mythologies, and religions. Through this collection, readers can explore how the Spectrum has existed in different societies and the varying degrees of tolerance, punishment, and praise received. There is a wealth of knowledge waiting to be discovered within its pages.
How’d you meet your business partner?
Let me tell you how I met my now business partner, Mica Shine, in a funny and interesting tale. Back in 2019, I was searching for a skilled hairstylist and makeup artist when I stumbled upon Larry Zellers, a Master Hairstylist with a unique ability to bring my hair visions to life. Impressed by his work, I introduced my mother, father, and friends to him, and they, too, became loyal clients.
When the Covid lockdown hit, my writers’ groups moved to virtual platforms, and we noticed that the poor lighting during online meetings was hindering everyone’s appearance. This sparked an idea, and we decided to create an online makeup training class to help people look their best on camera. We enlisted the expertise of Wally Hawkins, a talented photographer, to teach us how to use lighting effectively during virtual presentations.
It was during this time that I met Mica Shine, a Drag Queen, for the first time. I was in awe of the dedication they put into looking hyperfeminine while staying true to themselves. I also had the chance to interact with transgender and transsexual individuals, which opened my eyes to the discrimination prevalent within the LGBTQIA+ community, even in my own biases. It was a valuable learning experience that made me more open-minded and accepting.
Mica and I saw an opportunity in the beauty industry and decided to open Mica Shine All Natural Beauty cosmetics. We not only sold makeup but also provided tutorials on how to use it effectively and maintain sanitary practices. The venture was a tremendous success, and we even expanded our focus to cater specifically to drag performers, helping them look their best both on and offstage.
From there, our ideas blossomed, leading to the creation of The Drag Net and Live Drag US. Through these platforms, we connected with other drag performers and service providers within the drag community, hosting live drag shows online and fostering a vibrant network.
Our partnership didn’t stop there. We went on to establish over seven websites, all working together toward a common goal. Mica became the Creative Director, while I assumed the role of CEO at The Ghoster & Associates, managing all our websites and clients. Our collaboration was seamless, combining his creativity with my business acumen to make a formidable team.
Notably, during my challenging time battling Covid Long Haul Syndrome, Mica selflessly took care of me, ensuring my well-being and supporting my recovery. He became my rock, constantly cheering me up and dragging me to various places, even while I was on a wheelchair for a year. I owe him my sanity and my life, and I am eternally grateful for his unwavering friendship and care.
Throughout our journey, we’ve navigated through breakups with our respective partners and supported each other during tough times. Our bond is deeply rooted in friendship, with no romantic involvement. We love and respect each other, recognizing our strengths and limitations, making us an inseparable and exceptional duo.
Any advice for managing a team?
Managing a team is undoubtedly a challenging task, and throughout my career in management, I’ve encountered numerous obstacles and learned valuable lessons from my mistakes. I don’t see these experiences as failures but rather as opportunities to understand better how not to treat my team.
When I have a team working under me, the first step is to assess their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats – the SWOT analysis. Understanding each individual’s capabilities allows me to assign tasks appropriately, avoiding making them feel inadequate for not excelling in certain areas.
Recognizing that every team member has a unique learning style, I make an effort to adapt my teaching methods to cater to their needs. For visual learners, I provide written instructions and reading materials. For those who learn better through audio, I engage in detailed discussions and offer step-by-step guidance, ensuring they grasp the concepts and provide feedback.
My team members are encouraged to communicate openly with me. I make it a priority to listen to their thoughts, feelings, and any concerns they may have about their responsibilities. I strive to support their personal and professional growth, both as individuals and as part of the team.
Regular training sessions are a crucial aspect of team development. During these gatherings, we participate in trust-building exercises, hone our listening skills, exchange feedback, learn new techniques, and stay updated on the company’s progress. I encourage team members to contribute their ideas and provide them with the freedom to execute tasks in their own preferred manner. Recognizing that each person has their unique pace and learning style, I respect individual differences and adjust expectations accordingly.
Maintaining open and transparent communication is a fundamental principle in my management approach. I believe in learning from my team, and I appreciate the knowledge they bring to the table, as it enriches not only my understanding but also the growth of the entire team. Respecting each team member as a unique individual, regardless of their gender, religion, or beliefs, is of utmost importance to me. In return, I expect the same level of respect from them.
When I notice a team member struggling to perform well, I take the time to understand the root cause and work collaboratively to find solutions. However, if their lack of commitment persists and they do not show genuine interest in their role, I am open and transparent about the consequences. I believe that every team member should find joy and fulfillment in their work, and I encourage them to seek other opportunities that align with their passions and aspirations.
In essence, my management philosophy revolves around understanding, respect, and open communication. By creating a supportive and inclusive environment, I aim to nurture a team that thrives collectively and as individuals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thespectrumsvoice.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespectrumsvoice
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.spectrums.voice
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareinthespectrum
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thespectrumsvoice
- Other: TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@weareinthespectrum