Dear Black Girls Pole

I always knew I wanted to build a platform to uplift and inspire women of color. Growing up in a predominantly white area, I only thought Black Women being entrepreneurs and “Girl Bosses” existed on TV. When I moved to New York City as an adult and saw how many Dope Black Women were taking charge, starting businesses and being successful, I questioned if I could join the ranks of these Extraordinary Queens! I quickly learned the best way for me to become an entrepreneur was to dive in head first and ask questions later. Black Girls Pole has given me the chance to do just that. My faith has always been so much larger than my fear and once BGP began, I knew there was no way I could slow down.

In my eyes, there is not really a word to define Black Women. There are so many layers to our makeup that we can not be put into Webster's definitions. When I think of the number of beautiful faces I have encountered in the 5 years of BGP, I get goosebumps because you ladies are just so LIT!! I am finally down from my high of the Black Girls Pole Cayman Island Retreat and as I reflect on the retreat the feeling I feel is fulfilled. You all came to this retreat eager to work and pole but also open to meeting new friends! Every BGP event, whether it be a retreat or show, always amazes me. You always express community, sisterhood and most of all support. The Retreats display constant encouragement and love. You each come from all over the globe with your WHY whether it be to learn new pole moves or take a break from every day life!

I was once asked why I pick new locations for the retreats every year? The answer was simple. Seeing us travel the world, experience new cultures and be open to adventures of the unknown is what helps us continue to smash stereotypes of who we are, what we do and where we go. Every new country and city leaves an impression on each attendee and we all come back with a desire to be better. To the women (and men) of BGP, thank you for believing in the brand. Thank you for continuing to show strength both physically and mentally. Thank you for every tag, for every time you use the hashtag, for every “Yasssssss” you yell or comment when you see someone killing it. Thank you for every beginner who followed on IG and got the courage to try a class. For every person who said “This year I am coming to a retreat!” Thank you for all of the instructors, and for every black owned studio that opened across the world. For every ambassador who trusted me when I freaked out and thought I couldn’t do it. Thank you to all my homegirls who checked me when I was having my growing moments, also known as “Dalijah Tantrums”. I can’t imagine what I would be doing if it weren’t for you all. You each give me a reason to jump out of bed every morning. This movement is so much larger than pole dancing. It is the bonds we have all created with each other. I LOVE seeing this community continue to grow. To see you connect with women you don’t know and show compassion and love for each other is a true sign of sisterhood. I am forever grateful to you and I will continue to inspire each of you to keep chasing greatness! No one can stop you from achieving any and everything you put your mind to. You Got this! Again, Thank you!

Love,

Dalijah

Founder of Black Girls Pole