SHOPPE BLACK

The Significance of Black Collectors in the Art World

4 mins read

In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of the art world, the contributions of Black collectors are becoming increasingly recognized and celebrated.

These individuals are not only avid appreciators of art but also champions of diversity, equity, and inclusion in an industry that has often been exclusive. Their significance extends far beyond the boundaries of a gallery or auction house, as Black collectors are reshaping the narrative around ownership and representation.

Gia Hamilton, the CEO of the New Orleans African American Museum, aptly encapsulates the essence of this transformation when she states, “Black collectors play a pivotal role in the art world by affirming our presence and influence, not just as spectators, but as custodians of our own history and culture.  It is a vital role, one that creates upward mobility for artists, opens doors for greater opportunities, and works to close the wealth gap among contemporary black artists.”

Hamilton has been building a collection for 15 years and plans to host a  dinner for collectors at the museum.

black collectors
Gia Hamilton

At the heart of the matter lies the importance of ownership. Black collectors are reclaiming their stake in the art world, asserting their presence, and rewriting the rules of engagement. Here, we list the reasons why their role is vital and how it is impacting the art world.

Reclaiming Narratives

Black collectors are actively engaged in the process of reclaiming and preserving their cultural narratives through art. By acquiring works that reflect their heritage, they are rewriting the dominant narratives that have traditionally sidelined Black voices. This not only empowers artists of African descent but also reshapes the dialogue around art history.

Fostering Inclusivity

The presence of Black collectors in the art world sends a powerful message of inclusivity. Their patronage encourages artists from diverse backgrounds to create and share their work, knowing that it will find a place in the collections of those who value their contributions. This, in turn, amplifies underrepresented voices.

Challenging Stereotypes

Black collectors are not limited to a single style or genre. Their collections often span a wide range of artistic expressions, challenging stereotypes about what constitutes “Black art.” In doing so, they redefine the boundaries of what is possible and inspire artists to explore new horizons.

Economic Empowerment

Beyond their artistic contributions, Black collectors are also driving economic empowerment within their communities. By investing in art, they support artists, galleries, and institutions that are vital to the cultural and economic vitality of their communities.

Cultural Preservation

Black collectors are custodians of their heritage. Through their acquisitions, they are preserving the legacy of African-American culture and history for future generations. These collections become educational tools, museums in themselves, allowing people to connect with and understand the richness of the Black experience.

Dismantling Barriers

The presence of Black collectors challenges systemic barriers that have historically excluded people of color from meaningful participation in the art world. Their prominence disrupts the status quo and paves the way for increased diversity and representation at all levels of the industry.

Inspiring Future Generations

Perhaps one of the most powerful aspects of Black collectors’ influence is their ability to inspire future generations. When young aspiring collectors see people who look like them actively participating in the art world, it opens doors and provides role models to aspire to.

by Tony O. Lawson

Anthony Nesty: First Black Head Coach of U.S. Olympic Swim Team

2 mins read

Anthony Nesty, a former Olympic gold medalist and successful collegiate coach, was named the head coach of the U.S. men’s swimming team for the 2024 Paris Olympics in September 2023. He will become the first Black head coach of the powerhouse American squad at the Games.

Nesty’s appointment is a significant moment for diversity and inclusion in the sport of swimming. Black swimmers have historically been underrepresented in the sport, both at the competitive level and in coaching positions. Nesty’s success is a testament to his talent and dedication, and it sends a message to Black swimmers and coaches everywhere that they can achieve their dreams.

Nesty’s coaching philosophy is focused on creating a positive and supportive environment where athletes can thrive. He is known for his attention to detail and his ability to get the best out of his swimmers.

Nesty is no stranger to success at the international level. He served as an assistant coach with the U.S. Olympic Swimming Team at the Tokyo Games in 2021, where the team won a total of 30 medals. He also served as a head coach for the U.S. team at the 2022 FINA World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, where American swimmers earned a record-breaking 45 medals in the pool.

Nesty is an accomplished Olympic athlete in his own right. He was the first Black swimmer to win an Olympic gold medal in 1988, competing for Suriname. He is also a member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

Nesty’s appointment as the head coach of the U.S. men’s swimming team is a historic moment for the sport. His success is an inspiration to Black swimmers and coaches everywhere, and his commitment to diversity and inclusion is a positive step forward for the sport as a whole.

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Philanthropy Redefined: The Bold Ventures Approach to Eliminating Disparities

7 mins read

Bold Ventures is not your typical advisory firm; it’s a catalyst for change in the world of philanthropy. Founded by Jessyca Dudley, this organization is on a mission to eliminate disparities through relationship, repair, and the redistribution of wealth.

With a profound commitment to reshaping the philanthropic landscape, Bold Ventures is pioneering a new approach to philanthropy that challenges the status quo and empowers individuals, families, foundations, and donor communities to create a more equitable world. 

We caught up with Jessyca to explore the inspiration behind the establishment of Bold Ventures and how the organization is driving transformative change in the realm of giving.

bold ventures
The Bold Ventures Team (R to L) Crystal Shaw, Melissa Gomez, Alysha Catalano and Jessyca Dudley

What inspired you to establish Bold Ventures?

Having grown up in the vibrant city of Chicago, I’ve witnessed firsthand how philanthropy often falls short in embracing diverse communities and their lived experiences. My journey has led me to engage with philanthropy from both sides – as a seeker of funding and as a grantmaker. Throughout this experience, I’ve observed how the opaqueness of philanthropic practices tends to impede access to crucial funding for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)  communities.

Our commitment to challenging the conventional philanthropic model and empowering impactful leaders in the pursuit of racial equity stems directly from our personal encounters and interactions within the philanthropic sphere. We’re driven by a profound desire to witness a transformative shift within this sector.

We firmly believe that it’s imperative for more individuals to comprehend and actively participate in philanthropy to catalyze this much-needed change toward equity. Effecting this transformation requires unwavering dedication and courageous leadership from each one of us. It’s a call to action for us all to boldly reshape the system.

How does Bold Ventures support individuals and families in their efforts to address wealth disparities? 

At Bold Ventures, we leverage our expertise and experience to cultivate confidence in the ability of wealth holders, business owners, and community leaders to influence the giving sector, challenge its current practices, and effect change. We work with our clients at all stages of the giving process to facilitate alignment between their impact goals and the values of racial justice, equity, and fairness. We believe that when values, relationships, and resources are strategically aligned, you are positioned to build a more just and equitable world — authentically. 

With the COVID-19 pandemic and the nationwide uprisings resulting from the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and other innocent Black people in 2020, an increased awareness grew among leaders of the public, private, and philanthropic sectors of the need to confront the impact of their contributions to systemic racism; driving a resulting urgency to address the burden of historic divestment, underinvestment, and exclusion of BIPOC communities in their strategies.

At this moment, we worked alongside the Katz Amsterdam Foundation (KAF), as they sought to expand the focus of its giving to include racially equitable strategies. But, with limited staff capacity and at the beginning of their own racial equity journey KAF knew it needed external guidance. KAF identified Bold Ventures to help both family and foundation staff better understand the broad landscape of strategies for addressing racial inequities and to identify the most promising areas where its investments could make an impact.

Ultimately, family and staff were supported to align their passion for improving access to mental and behavioral health and their long standing commitment to civic engagement to create two new funding programs that center BIPOC communities.

What does “repair” mean in the context of Bold Ventures, and how does it play a role in your advisory work?

In the context of philanthropy, the concept of “repair” centers on the dedicated pursuit of rectifying historical and ongoing injustices or disparities inherent in philanthropic practices and their repercussions on communities. We firmly acknowledge the intrinsic worth of every individual and the sanctity of our connections, which serve as guiding principles that compel us to engage with utmost intentionality. 

Our approach is characterized by openness, empathy, and a commitment to understanding the diverse needs and experiences of the communities we aim to support. In every interaction, we prioritize care, thoughtful consideration, and genuine compassion.  It represents our dedication to fostering a philanthropic ecosystem that is not only more attuned and responsive but also fundamentally inclusive and equitable.

Our ultimate goal is to ensure that the positive impact of philanthropy extends to those who have historically been underserved or marginalized by its practices, thereby fostering a more just and inclusive society.

What can philanthropists do to be more effective?

Invest in building long-term relationships grounded in trust. Place confidence in the truth, ability, and insights of communities of color as they develop impactful solutions that address the disparities they endure. 

What are some long-term goals and aspirations for Bold Ventures?

We envision a just world where BIPOC people and communities have the power of self-determination, the resources, and the autonomy to dream into life new ways of being that bring an end to extractive practices and create a society of belonging and inclusion for all.

Through our learning community, All Together Bold, and our relationships with our clients and partners we are aiming to build spaces in the social sector where individuals working towards racial, cultural, and financial equity can come together for learning, skills development, and candid conversations.

by Tony O. Lawson

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Sustainability and Style: Augi Water’s Approach to Alkaline Hydration

7 mins read

In an era where health-conscious consumers are increasingly seeking hydration solutions that not only quench their thirst but also nourish their bodies, the bottled water industry has witnessed a significant transformation.

One particular trend has been the rise of alkaline water, acclaimed for its potential health benefits. The US bottled alkaline water market is expected to reach $2.8 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 11.5% from 2022 to 2027.

In this interview, we speak with 23-year-old Augustine Amoakohene, the co-founder of Augi Water, to learn more about his journey from streetwear aficionado to health-conscious entrepreneur.

What inspired you to create Augi Water and enter the alkaline water market?

In short, my mother and my interest in streetwear and high fashion inspired me to create Augi Water. One of my many idols is Virgil Abloh, who has a strong influence in high fashion and streetwear, or the culture language, which has been a hobby of mine since a very young age.

At 10 years old, Supreme was the brand that opened my interest in streetwear. As I grew older, my interest in high fashion was triggered by my mother, as I accompanied her during her shopping sprees. Not only do I credit her for her ability to spot trends and be fashionable, but she also exposed me to the understanding that health is the most important component of wealth by constantly consuming premium-grade water, such as Fiji and Evian. Taking note of this habit is what subconsciously brought Augi Water to life.

What makes Augi Water stand out from other alkaline water brands in the competitive market?

Augi Water differentiates itself from other alkaline bottled water because we are not just a bottled water brand, we are everything a bottled water brand entails and more. Of course, our mission promotes the consumption of high-quality alkaline water and understanding the many health benefits of alkaline water.

In addition to the importance of sustainability, we exceed minimal sustainability efforts by utilizing our landfill biodegradable bottles. However, just as important as the functional benefits, Augi Water has developed a bottled water brand that has attached itself to streetwear, high fashion, and current culture trends, attracting a new customer group and conclusively inspiring a new generation of bottled water drinkers; Blurring the lines between a lifestyle and a bottled water brand. For clarity, think of us as the Balenciaga of water.

What strategies have driven your nationwide retail partnerships, and how do you plan to expand further?

Persistence, dedication, and faith are the strategies that have driven my current retail partnerships. Augi Water is not a venture-back start-up, with the ability to call on an investor who can provide additional funding or has a pre-existing relationship with retailers.

Therefore, every retail partnership established has been on my own through communication with these company’s decision-makers. When given the opportunity, I executed sharing the mission behind the brand with category managers and buyers, who I believe appreciate my mission and aptitude.

As with any start-up founder, I plan to expand further by maintaining relationships and pushing forward new outreach with retailers’ decision-makers, leaning heavily on self-introduction and introductions from existing distribution partners. I also intend to look for the involvement of brokerage firms and/or hire personnel with existing retailer relationships.

What unique relationships or partnerships have you developed that you feel will help grow your business?

There are several relationships I believe will benefit the growth of Augi Water. The ones I think will be the most impactful, initially, are Matthew Odunuyi, Nick Jarjour, Chief Keef, Lil Uzi Vert, and select beverage team members at GoPuff. All of these individuals play unique roles in past and upcoming opportunities.

What challenges have you faced as a young entrepreneur?

A shorter question to answer is what challenges haven’t I faced as a young entrepreneur? I feel like I have encountered every challenge there is as a young entrepreneur. The beauty of it all is that Augi Water is still thriving. Did you know that the average age of a successful start-up founder is 45 years old?

Being overlooked or brushed off and told to come back at another time due to my age is the challenge that bothers me the most. As a result of my age and or lack of experience, some retail buyers and investors are questionable about my brand’s ability to perform. I can only continue to push forward and work hard enough to be an outlier of statistics for the average age of a start-up founder.

augi water

Where do you see the company in the next 5 years?

In the next five years, I see Augi Water’s availability in 75-90% of large chain retailers accessible throughout the United States. At that time, I would love to see the company in discussion with potential acquirers.

What advice would you give other entrepreneurs interested in starting a beverage brand?

My advice to others would be to remain persistent with outreach to retailers. The squeaky wheel gets the oil. A great quote to reflect on is one by Saint Augustine, ” Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.”

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Fantasy Sports Stock Market, PredictionStrike Secures $10 Million

2 mins read

PredictionStrike, a fantasy sports stock market that allows fans to buy and sell shares of professional athletes, announced yesterday that it has raised $10 million in Series A funding.

The round was led by Bullpen Capital, with participation from MaC Venture Capital, Sixty8 VC, Correlation Ventures, Elevate Capital, Gaingels, and HighSage Ventures.

The new funding will be used to expand PredictionStrike’s platform and reach new users. The company plans to add new sports leagues and countries, develop new features and products, and grow its marketing and sales team.

PredictionStrike is a unique and innovative way for fans to engage with sports. The platform allows fans to put their knowledge of sports to the test and potentially make money by making accurate predictions about the performance of athletes.

“There’s something revolutionary and fulfilling about helping Americans turn their pastimes into financial opportunities,” said Deven Hurt, Co-Founder and CEO of PredictionStrike. “With PredictionStrike, we’ve taken a new approach to participating in sports and leveled up to encourage and inspire our users to learn and understand how to invest. We’re committed to finding new ways to connect fans with athletes and building a platform where sports fans can invest in what they know”.

The company’s business model is based on charging fees and subscriptions. PredictionStrike charges a 2.5% fee on all trades, which is paid by the buyer or seller of the shares. Users also subscribe to receive lower transaction fees and gain access to other perks, such as the ability to trade more shares and participate in more contests.

PredictionStrike has seen rapid growth since its launch in 2021. It has over 100,000 users and has processed over $15 million in transactions.

by Tony O. Lawson

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Olympian Allyson Felix Launches The Felix Runner to Elevate Women’s Running Comfort and Performance

3 mins read

In 2019, Allyson made headlines when she revealed that Nike had offered her a 70% pay cut after she became pregnant. She was one of Nike’s most decorated athletes, with 11 Olympic medals, but she felt that the company was not valuing her as a woman and a mother.

In response to this treatment, Allyson, along with her brother and business partner, Wes, founded Saysh. Saysh is a collection of stylish, functional sneakers crafted for daily use, with a strong commitment to producing women’s footwear designed for women, by women.

On Tuesday, Saysh launched its groundbreaking running sneaker, The Felix Runner. This release marks Saysh’s entry into the world of performance running footwear, promising unparalleled comfort and performance for women.

the felix runner

The Felix Runner is designed to prioritize comfort, stability, precision fit, and top-notch performance. It is engineered from the ground up with Saysh’s FemiformityFIT Technology, which makes it ideal for women of all running levels, from dedicated enthusiasts to health-conscious joggers and avid walkers.

Unlike traditional running shoes that often claim to be “women’s” while being designed based on men’s feet, The Felix Runner is crafted to accommodate the unique proportions of a woman’s foot.

Allyson Felix expressed her excitement about the release, stating, “Designing and creating our very own running shoe has been an inspiring journey. Over the last three years, we’ve poured our hearts into crafting The Felix Runner – a shoe that reflects the strength and determination of women. I’m so excited for women to experience the difference of The Felix Runner firsthand – the comfort, support, and stability it brings. It’s not just about the shoe; it’s about empowering every woman to conquer her path.”

the felix runner
Allyson Felix, Co-Founder and President of Saysh

The Felix Runner boasts an array of advanced features that elevate the running experience for women. Saysh’s supercritical foam technology ensures a perfect balance of cushion and comfort while maintaining responsiveness and spring.

The Felix Runner

Saysh is more than just a brand; it’s a movement. Committed to the principle that “Women Deserve Better,” Saysh offers products designed to uplift and support women in their diverse pursuits.

Additionally, Saysh offers a first-of-its-kind Maternity Returns Policy, ensuring that women who experience changes in foot size during pregnancy receive a complimentary pair of Saysh sneakers in their new size.

The Saysh+ Community, Saysh’s community arm, is an inclusive space that rewards engagement and connects women on various topics, including health and wellness, personal growth, and, of course, fabulous footwear.

The shoes are now available at renowned retailers across the United States, including REI and Athleta, as well as a curated selection of specialty stores.

Visit Saysh.com and join them at @bySaysh on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.

Black Farmer Fund Raises $11 Million to Support Black-Owned Agricultural and Food Businesses

3 mins read

The Black Farmer Fund was born out of a conversation between Karen Washington and Olivia Watkins, two farmer activists who met at a conference in 2017. They were both frustrated by the lack of financial assistance available for Black farmers, and they decided to do something about it.

In 2021, they launched the Black Farmer Fund (BFF), a nonprofit organization that invests in Black-owned food businesses located in the Northeast that use their businesses to build community wealth, move forward economic justice, practice ecological wellbeing, and are community-oriented.

Recently, the BFF announced that it successfully secured $11 million toward a $20 million fundraising target. The funding round was led by the New York Community Trust and the Ford Foundation, with participation from other foundations and individual donors.

The new funding will allow the BFF to expand its lending and technical assistance programs, and to invest in Black-owned food businesses that are working to address food insecurity and climate change.

The Black Farmer Fund also plans to use the funds to support its new Rapid Response Fund, which supports Black farmers & food actors in emergency situations including but not limited to equipment breakdown, weather damage, loss of crops or animals, medical expenses, stolen or damaged supplies, etc.

The fund provides low-interest loans and grants to Black farmers, herbalists, restaurant owners, caterers, food distributors, and other food-related entrepreneurs. It also provides technical assistance and training to help its investees succeed.

The BFF is a community-led fund, which means that the decisions about who to invest in are made by a committee of Black farmers, food entrepreneurs, and advocates. This ensures that the fund is meeting the needs of the Black farming and food justice community.

The Black Farmer Fund has already had a significant impact. In its first year of operation, the fund provided over $1 million in loans and grants to Black farmers and food businesses. The BFF also provided technical assistance and training to help its investees succeed.

The BFF has helped Black farmers and food businesses to:

  • Increase their access to capital
  • Improve their business practices
  • Develop new products and services
  • Expand their markets
  • Create jobs

The Black Farmer Fund is a significant step towards addressing the historical discrimination faced by Black farmers and ranchers in the United States. Today, just 1% of farmers in the United States identify as Black according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). These numbers are down from 1 million Black farmers a century ago. In 1919, Black farmland ownership peaked at 16 to 19 million acres, about 14% of total agricultural land.

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5 Things Investors Look for Most in a Pitch

4 mins read

Pitching your startup to investors is a pivotal moment in the journey of any entrepreneur. It’s your opportunity to convey your vision, demonstrate your potential, and secure the financial backing you need to turn your dream into reality.

But to succeed, you must understand what investors are really looking for in a pitch. In this article, we’ll break down the five most critical elements investors pay attention to when evaluating startup pitches, supported by data and facts.

1. Compelling Problem-Solution Fit

Investors are acutely interested in the problem your startup addresses and the solution it provides. To capture their attention, your pitch should clearly define the pain point you’re targeting. According to research by CB Insights, 42% of startups fail due to a lack of market need. This underscores the importance of demonstrating a compelling problem-solution fit.

Actionable Tip: Back your claims with data and customer testimonials showcasing the demand for your solution. Highlight how your product or service is unique and more effective than existing alternatives.

2. Market Opportunity

Investors want to know that your startup operates within a sizable and growing market. They’re looking for a substantial addressable market that can support rapid growth. A study by Statista revealed that the global tech startup ecosystem was valued at over $3 trillion in 2020, emphasizing the vast opportunities available to innovative companies.

Actionable Tip: Utilize market research to validate the market size, trends, and your potential share of it. Investors want to see that you’ve thoroughly analyzed your market and understand where your startup fits in.

3. Strong Business Model

Your pitch must present a clear and sustainable business model. Investors are keen to know how your startup plans to generate revenue and eventually become profitable. According to Crunchbase, 29% of startups fail because they run out of cash, emphasizing the importance of a robust business model.

Actionable Tip: Provide detailed financial projections and explain your path to profitability. Highlight your monetization strategy, pricing model, and customer acquisition plan.

4. Traction and Milestones

Investors seek evidence that your startup is gaining traction and achieving milestones. Metrics such as user acquisition, revenue growth, and partnerships are essential indicators of progress. According to PitchBook, startups that secure funding typically have a median of two years of operation and have raised around $1.3 million before their initial funding round.

Actionable Tip: Showcase your key performance indicators (KPIs) and growth trajectory. Highlight any noteworthy achievements or partnerships that demonstrate your startup’s potential for success.

5. Strong Team

Investors often say they invest in people, not just ideas. Your team’s expertise, experience, and commitment are critical factors in the investment decision. A Harvard Business Review study found that startups founded by teams with complementary skills are more likely to succeed.

Actionable Tip: Introduce your team and emphasize their relevant expertise. Highlight their past accomplishments and how they are uniquely positioned to execute your startup’s vision.

SBLK Ventures is committed to connecting Black-led startups with our network of investors. If you are a startup that is raising capital, we invite you to fill out this form to be considered.

6 Lucrative Digital Products You Can Create and Sell with AI

5 mins read

In this article, we’ll explore six digital products that you can create and sell using entirely free AI tools. Discover how these products, some of which have the potential to earn you substantial monthly income, can be generated with the help of AI, making much of the work hassle-free.

Let’s dive into each product and learn how you can tap into these opportunities.

Clipart: A Multi-Million Dollar Market

Clipart, those versatile and visually appealing images, can be a goldmine in the digital product landscape. Imagine a shop on Etsy with over 710,000 sales, primarily focused on selling clip art products. This particular shop has raked in an astounding $3.19 million, roughly $29,540 every single month.

The exciting part is that you can create clipart using free AI tools like Mid Journey. Let’s take a closer look at the process:

  1. Generate Ideas with AI: Utilize AI tools like Chat GPT to generate creative ideas for clipart.
  2. Create Clipart with Mid Journey: Use Mid Journey, a text-to-image generator, to bring your ideas to life. Simply input prompts including “clip art” to generate unique designs.
  3. Upscale and Sell: Choose the clipart designs you want to sell, upscale them, and ensure they have transparent backgrounds for versatility.
  4. Quick Background Removal: Use tools like Shutterstock’s background removal feature to make the background transparent, making your clipart ready for sale.

This is just a glimpse into the process of creating and selling clipart with AI. If you’re interested in a more detailed guide, let us know!

Virtual Backgrounds: A New Frontier

As the way we work has changed, the demand for virtual backgrounds, especially for Zoom calls, has soared. This emerging market presents a fantastic opportunity to earn a substantial income. Be among the first movers to tap into this growing trend by creating and selling virtual backgrounds. Here’s how:

  1. Creative Ideas: Use AI prompts to come up with various virtual background concepts.
  2. Utilize Mid Journey: Employ Mid Journey to turn these ideas into realistic virtual backgrounds.
  3. Seize the First Mover Advantage: Get ahead of the curve in this market, which is set to expand further.

Digital Paper: A Niche Product with High Earnings

Selling digital paper might sound unusual, but it’s a lucrative niche. Digital paper consists of patterns, textures, and designs that people can use digitally or print. There are sellers on Etsy earning substantial sums from this product. With AI, the process becomes more accessible:

  1. Generate Seamless Patterns: Use AI prompts to create seamless patterns.
  2. Turn Patterns into Products: Convert the patterns into digital paper templates, ready for sale.

Wedding Stationery: High Earnings with AI Assistance

Wedding stationery, including printable wedding invitations, is another profitable product. Sellers are making thousands, even millions of dollars by offering these products. With AI, creating these invitations becomes incredibly easy:

  1. AI-Generated Templates: Use AI prompts to create wedding invitation templates.
  2. Refine and Customize: Use graphic design tools to add customizable elements to the templates.

Product Mock-ups: Boost Sales with Visual Appeal

Product mock-ups are crucial for enhancing the visual appeal of products on platforms like Etsy. These mock-ups help customers envision how the final product will look. With AI, creating mock-ups is a breeze:

  1. AI-Generated Mock-ups: Use AI to create mock-ups of products like frames, mugs, and more.
  2. Offer User-Friendly Files: Provide downloadable files that customers can easily manipulate using graphic design tools.

Coloring Pages: Simple yet Profitable

Coloring pages, often paired with other digital products, offer a simple yet profitable avenue. AI can assist in creating diverse coloring page designs:

  1. AI-Generated Coloring Pages: Use AI prompts to create a variety of coloring page designs.
  2. Customer Customization: Provide blank spaces where customers can add their own text or designs.

AI is transforming our world, and it’s up to us to capitalize on the opportunities it brings. These six digital products are just the beginning. With the right AI tools and a bit of creativity, you can tap into lucrative markets and build a thriving online business.

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Coco Gauff’s US Open Win Boosts Earning Potential to $50 Million

3 mins read

Cori Dionne “Coco” Gauff has won her first Grand Slam singles title, defeating Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 in the U.S. Open final on Saturday.

The 19-year-old Gauff is the youngest American woman to win a Grand Slam singles title since Serena Williams won the US Open in 1999. She is also the first African-American woman to win a Grand Slam singles title since Venus Williams won Wimbledon in 2000.

coco gauff
Coco Gauff with her parents Corey and Candy Gauff

Gauff’s win is a major boost for women’s tennis, which has been struggling to find a new star after Serena Williams’ retirement. Gauff is expected to become a major marketing force in the years to come. She is already signed with several major brands, and her popularity is only going to grow.

Earning Potential

Gauff’s victory is expected to significantly boost her earning potential. She is already one of the most popular tennis players in the world, and her win will only make her more marketable. She is expected to sign new endorsement deals and increase her appearance fees.

According to Forbes, Gauff’s earnings from endorsements, appearance fees, and other business endeavors totaled an estimated $12 million in the last 12 months. Her win at the US Open is expected to add millions more to her earnings.

Grand Slam Prize Money

Gauff’s first Grand Slam title comes with a $3 million winner’s check, pushing her prize money to $5.6 million this year and $11.1 million across her five-year pro career. This means that she has already surpassed her career earnings goal of $10 million by the age of 20.

Future Earnings Projections

Forbes projects that Gauff’s earnings could reach $50 million by the end of her career. This is based on her current trajectory and the fact that she is still young and has many years of tennis ahead of her.

Gauff is a highly marketable sports figure with a significant presence on social media. Additionally, her willingness to express her opinions on social and political matters enhances her attractiveness to brands that share her values or aim to be associated with such perspectives.

Of course, there are no guarantees in the world of sports. However, based on her current trajectory, she is poised to become one of the most successful athletes in the world, and her earnings will only continue to grow in the years to come.

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