Dahlia is the Owner of Speed-o Cappuccino. Read our interview with Dahlia about her experiences with Xcelerate business advising (Sales & Marketing).

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What inspired you to start your own business? ‍

Sex workers! I want to see job mobility for sex workers and I want to see the skills gained from sex work translated into a variety of career choices! I want to be able to put “sex worker” on my resume and have it be a sign of accomplishment just like college, so I created a place that does that. I exclusively employ people with sex work experience. 

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What are some of your key goals that you worked with Xcelerate on this year? 

I was fortunate enough to receive support to attend the Getting Your Recipe to Market course and meet several amazing business owners that have launched their products inside retail locations. I spent the time after the course perfecting the business plan and launch plan for Flower Slut, edible fresh & dried flowers! I made my desire to expand my business clear to the Xcelerate team and they connected me with experienced mentors that helped create a foundation for my next venture! I was able to learn how to pitch, how to create sales sheets, and what regulations apply to my specific business!

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How has your identity as a woman and any and all other intersectional identities impacted your business? 

My experiences as a queer sex worker have impacted my business in countless ways, but the most obvious might be: ownership and autonomy. It is extremely important that my team and myself feel ownership over our bodies.

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What were some of the challenges you faced this year and how did working with Xcelerate help you to overcome these challenges? 

I am also a full-time student studying accounting. Xcelerate helped me access the VIDA office spaces so I was able to separate my work and school life! I received in-office mentoring from amazing people and was able to stay focused while away from the cart! I was having trouble balancing and having a clean space with focused people was really helpful for keeping me on track.

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Are there any wins or achievements you have celebrated this year while working with Xcelerate? 

YESSSS! 1. A bitch paid herself, and her team! I was able to comfortably pay myself and two team members without freaking the fuck out or taking a loan. Like my business made enough money to support itself and three people...what?!?!?

2. Launching "Flower Slut" and having my first client! I was able to get my flowers onto a bar's cocktail menu!

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Follow Speed-o Cappuccino on Instagram: @speedocappuccino