We recently connected with Darkskinned Gatsby and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Darkskinned Gatsby thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

MelaninCon was born out of a real frustration — and a deeper calling. I’ve always found myself in spaces where I felt like I had to choose between showing up as a professional or showing up fully in my culture. I’d attend conferences or events that were either too buttoned up with no representation, or full of culture but lacking structure, opportunity, or the kind of tangible resources our community actually needs to grow.

At the time, I was already building platforms like The Posh Standard and A Celebration of Us, and I kept thinking: Why isn’t there a space where Black professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs can come together to learn, network, and celebrate — all at once?

The moment it really clicked for me was after I hosted a few successful events that combined culture and connection. People kept saying how they felt seen, how it was rare to be in a space that felt both intentional and inspiring. That’s when I knew MelaninCon wasn’t just a good idea — it was necessary.

What excited me most was the chance to create something ours. A space where Black excellence isn’t a side conversation — it’s the main event. Where the vibe is unmatched, but so is the value. I knew it would work because I was solving a problem I had personally experienced — and one I knew thousands of others had, too.

MelaninCon is about more than panels and performances. It’s about building power, connecting people, and rewriting what success looks like — on our terms.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My journey into this space came from a blend of personal experience and a deep desire to create platforms where Black professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs feel truly seen, valued, and empowered.

Early on, I noticed that many spaces in business and culture operated separately — either focusing solely on entrepreneurship without cultural context or celebrating culture without providing the tools for real economic advancement. I wanted to bridge that gap. That’s how I founded MelaninCon, an annual conference that brings together Black entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals to network, learn, celebrate, and build power together.

Beyond MelaninCon, I’m also the CEO of The Posh Standard, a lifestyle brand that blends style, community, and social impact. Through The Posh Standard, we offer curated events, programs, and products that uplift underserved communities. I’m especially proud of our work supporting students, Black women, and the homeless community. For example, we provide scholarships for aspiring social workers, create spaces for Black women to thrive, and distribute Posh Packages — care kits designed to provide dignity and practical support to homeless individuals.

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced throughout this journey is funding. Building spaces and programs that serve the community while maintaining quality and accessibility is tough without consistent financial backing. But that challenge has also been a motivator — it’s pushed me to be creative in partnerships, resourceful in fundraising, and intentional about building networks that support sustainable growth.

At the core of my work is solving a few critical problems: creating authentic spaces for Black excellence, connecting people with meaningful resources, and building sustainable communities through collaboration and celebration. I think what sets me apart is my holistic approach — blending business, culture, social impact, and style in ways that feel natural and inspiring, not forced.

What I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built and the impact we’ve made. From bringing together hundreds of attendees at MelaninCon to supporting local homeless populations through Posh Packages, it’s all about creating real, lasting change.

For anyone who follows my work or engages with my brands, I want them to know this: I’m committed to building spaces that honor Black excellence unapologetically and to creating opportunities where none existed before. Whether it’s through events, mentorship, or direct community support, my goal is to elevate and empower — and to do it with authenticity, style, and heart.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

This year’s journey with MelaninCon really tested my resilience and commitment to the vision. We were hit hard when we unexpectedly lost significant funding due to shifts in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) priorities among some sponsors. It was a huge blow — just months before the event, the financial support we were counting on vanished.

Instead of letting that stop us, I knew we had to pivot fast. We went back to the drawing board, quickly raising funds through grassroots efforts, personal networks, and creative sponsorships. It wasn’t easy — we never managed to raise the full amount we needed. So I made the decision to cover the remaining costs out of my own pocket. It was a serious financial risk, but the belief in the mission and the community kept me going.

We also had to change venues last minute, which brought logistical challenges. But the team and I leaned into the hustle and made it work. We restructured the event to fit the new space without losing the essence of what MelaninCon stands for.

Despite all the obstacles, the event was a success — our second year was even bigger and more impactful than the first. Seeing the community come together, the energy in the room, and the tangible connections made reminded me why this work matters so much. That experience reinforced for me that resilience isn’t just about surviving setbacks — it’s about adapting, pushing through, and coming out stronger.

MelaninCon is proof that with vision, determination, and a community that believes in you, even unexpected challenges can become opportunities for growth.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building my audience on social media wasn’t about quick hacks or chasing viral moments — it was about being authentic and deeply committed to serving the Black community. From the start, I knew that if I wanted to build a meaningful following, I had to show up genuinely and consistently with content that reflected our experiences, our culture, and our aspirations.

I focused on sharing stories that mattered — highlighting Black entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders who are often overlooked in mainstream spaces. I used my platforms to amplify voices, celebrate wins, and also address challenges facing our community. That authenticity resonated. People knew that this wasn’t just about building a brand or selling something — it was about building a movement rooted in real connections and shared purpose.

Consistency was key. I stayed engaged, responded to comments, showed up for conversations, and made sure to listen as much as I spoke. Over time, the community grew organically because it was built on trust and shared values.

My advice to anyone just starting is to focus less on numbers and more on being real. Know who you want to serve, speak directly to them, and don’t be afraid to show the real sides of your journey — the wins, the struggles, and everything in between. Authenticity and commitment will always attract the right people and help you build a loyal, engaged audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://celebrationofus.org
• Instagram: @darkskinnedgatsby @theposhstandard @celebrationofus @officialmelanincon