November's Brightest Updates from The Light Providers!
Founders Corner
Hello Light Providers Family!
Last month, I attended TEDCO’s Entrepreneur Expo. It's Maryland’s largest gathering of innovators, founders, and investors. TEDCO (the Maryland Technology Development Corporation) supports early-stage entrepreneurs and startups with funding, resources, and mentorship. Being surrounded by that much energy reminded me of why we started The Light Providers in the first place.
Throughout the day, I connected with other Maryland entrepreneurs, attended workshops, and had the opportunity to hear from leaders such as Maryland Governor Wes Moore and IonQ's CEO, Niccolo de Masi.
Here are a few takeaways that stood out to me:
- Don’t fly solo. Build a board of advisors.
- Limited resources aren’t a weakness. They’re a test of creativity.
- Your health and time are your most limited resources.
- Be passionate about your idea, but don’t fall in love with it. Stay open to feedback and remain receptive to coaching.
At The Light Providers, we’re continuing to grow, learn, and refine our mission to illuminate homes, communities, and futures.
Thanks for being part of this journey.
Ishmael, Co-Founder & CEO
P.S. This professional headshot was captured at TEDCO’s Expo.
NEW WEBSITE & PRODUCTS LOADING...
It’s been a long journey. One shaped by your feedback, real-world testing, and our commitment to getting things right. Over the past few months, we’ve increased our inventory, worked with a professional photographer, and refined every detail of our online experience.
We’re excited to about the upcoming launch of a brand-new website and several new products, all arriving in time for the holiday season!
We can’t wait to share what’s coming, and we want to hear from you. Whether it’s praise or suggestions, every comment helps us shine a little brighter.
Stay tuned for the reveal and be the first to explore what’s new!
Shining Our Light on Others (SOLOO)
At The Light Providers, we believe impact grows when we lift each other up. That’s why we created Shining Our Light on Others (SOLOO) — a video series that highlights and celebrates other businesses in our community.
We're excited to 'Shine Our Light' on Valerie from Caribbean Fusion (Restaurant & Pastry School), another inspiring Sierra Leonean entrepreneur we met at a recent event.
Valerie's business, which creates and sells delicious snacks, is more than a commercial venture. It’s a mission to empower young girls in Sierra Leone by providing them with skills and a source of income. This passion for giving back is what truly makes her business shine.
When she spoke about the necessity of light, it resonated deeply with our purpose. As Valerie eloquently put it, our portable wireless light products are a "lifeline" in places like Africa, where reliable electricity is scarce. This is because light enables young people to stay online, use their phones, and connect with the world, opening doors to education and opportunity.
📺 Watch our SOLOO feature on YouTube
Enlighten Africa Trivia
Think you know Africa?
With Enlighten Africa Trivia, we test people’s knowledge of African history, culture, and achievements. Each episode is fun, surprising, and educational — with a few laughs along the way.
Today we’re testing Princess's knowledge of Africa! See if you know the answer to this question:
👉 Which country is known as the “Rainbow Nation”?
📺 Watch the full Trivia video on YouTube
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