Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Simmons and Derreka Shelton.
Danielle and Derreka, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I (Danielle) grew up in the Inland Empire (Moreno Valley) and always wanted to attend an HBCU (Historically Black College/ University) because of the hit series “A Different World”. I chose Prairie View A&M University in Texas and it was there that I met my future business partner, Derreka Shelton. We met while pledging Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority.
Our friendship continued through the years post-graduation and we both had entrepreneurial aspirations. We would brainstorm ideas all the time but nothing we would come up with would be something we were passionate about. Then Derreka came to me with the subscription box idea for HBCU’s and we knew it was something we had to do.
We experience not being able to find nice things to represent our HBCU all the time and we knew we weren’t alone. So we started My HBCU Box LLC. The first quarterly subscription box for HBCU students and alumni.
Has it been a smooth road?
Definitely not!! We have had issues with manufacturers ripping us off. People we trusted not following through or meeting crucial deadlines. Not being supported by “friends”. But all of it has made us stronger and has prepared us for what’s to come.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with My HBCU Box LLC – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are the first and only quarterly subscription box dedicated to HBCU students and alumni. Our motto is that “We put the HBCU experience in a box.” Each box has a theme and will have a minimum of 4 items in it. Our current box is the “HBCU-ish” box (A play on the shows Blackish and Grownish). That box contains a crewneck sweater, tee, a bow tie for men and bling hairpins for ladies and a surprise item!
We also have seasonal boxes that align with HBCU happenings like the Graduation Box, the Homecoming Box and the Fresh On the Yard box which is designed for those getting ready to start their collegiate career at an HBCU.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I (Danielle) am a California girl through and through. What I love most about LA is the love for creativity, diversity and inclusion and the bravery to stand up for what’s right and fight for it. I remember watching teachers going on strike for better pay. Women fighting for pay equality. People of color fighting against police brutality and injustice.
What I like least is that LA doesn’t have any HBCU’s
Pricing:
- Quarterly Subscription $49.99/quarter
- Seasonal Boxes $44.99 – $74.99
- Apparel $22.99 – $74.99
Contact Info:
- Website: www.myhbcubox.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/myhbcubox
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/MyHBCUBox/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/myhbcubox
Image Credit:
Blackshot Productions, Alexis Taylor, Malik Norris (Brolic Studios)
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