Pride Month is not just a marker of time but a celebration of resilience and equality for the LGBTQ+ community. As a queer owned and operated business deeply committed to inclusivity, Stoke resonates with the spirit of Pride on a profound level. Our core values of authenticity, connection, and inclusivity drive everything we do. From supporting LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs through programs like AccelerateHER to participating in local Pride events, we strive to create a safe and empowering workspace where everyone can thrive.
Fueling Inspiration at FlintConf 2024: To Recap
We were thrilled to host this year’s FlintConf at the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center, home of the Greater Denton Arts Council. GDAC is a catalyst for creativity, advocacy, and collaboration while Stoke is a champion for creative entrepreneurs and Denton’s hub for ambition and community. Name a more iconic duo, we’ll wait.
But while we wait, here’s a recap of this year’s FlintConf - Let’s Start a Fire.
Let's Start A Fire: A Personal Reflection on FlintConf
From my first Flint as the newest member of the Stoke team, to helping cultivate an event that means so much to me - the inspiration and dedication surrounding each FlintConf is palpable. This year marks my third FlintConf and I can't help but feel a surge of gratitude and nostalgia for the growth and transformation these years have brought. Not just me, but the event as a whole. Join me (Mary) in reflecting on the two FlintConfs I helped bring to Denton as we approach FlintConf 2024.
A Women's History of Stoke
In the heart of Denton, Texas, Stoke stands not only as a coworking space but as a beacon of empowerment and support for entrepreneurs. As a woman-owned and operated business, uplifting women entrepreneurs has been particularly important to our mission. Let’s take a look at the history of Denton’s favorite coworking space with one key theme: women supporting women.
Create Together: The Power of Community and Collaboration in Denton's Creative Scene
In the heart of Denton, Texas, lies a vibrant creative scene that brings together a diverse array of artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers, and more. Dentonites' dedication to supporting local businesses and artists creates an environment where creative professionals and entrepreneurs can thrive side by side.
Colearning with Stoke
AccelerateHER Cohort Stories: Taushey Sias, Taushey's Vocal Lab
Taushey Sias is the CEO and Founder of Taushey’s Vocal Lab, a premier vocal coaching resource offering lessons to both aspiring and seasoned singers across diverse musical genres. Taushey brings a wealth of expertise to her one-on-one sessions, where she collaboratively explores each student's strengths and growth areas. Taushey's approach fosters an open and healing platform for students to express themselves confidently. Her mission is to instill self-belief, guiding individuals to trust their innate talents and hard work on the path to personal success. Keep reading to learn more about Taushey and her business in her cohort story.
AccelerateHER Cohort Stories: Katherine Waddell, Faul Magic
Katherine Waddell is the owner of and creative force behind Faul Magic. Faul Magic is a Denton-based brand that got its start crafting inclusive art with a cheerful aesthetic, but recently Katherine has pivoted their business to include Digital Marketing and Accessibility Consulting. A graduate of Dallas College, Kat launched Faul Magic in June 2022 to reshape narratives around invisible disabilities and neurodivergence. Originally envisioning a nerdy business wear line, the brand evolved to express Kat's experiences as a nerdy, queer, and neurodivergent individual through captivating art. Faul Magic challenges societal notions of laziness, embracing authenticity and creativity.
AccelerateHER Cohort Stories: Consuelo Ligus, Yellow Rose Paint Party
Connie Ligus is the Chief Creative Officer and Owner of Yellow Rose Paint Party. Painting has been her lifelong joy, evolving from a personal retreat to Yellow Rose Paint Party – a mobile paint extravaganza rolling through Texas and beyond. She’s blending art, laughter, and (sometimes) a bit of spilled wine to create unforgettable moments. Balancing roles as a mom, wife, and independent business owner, she’s turned her passion into a company. Read on to learn more about Connie and Yellow Rose Paint Party in her Cohort story.
AccelerateHER Cohort Stories: Ashlee Vail, Austyn Wyatt & Co.
From her roots in Grenada to the flourishing food scene of Denton, Latoya's culinary adventure is a story of passion and perseverance. As the proud owner of a thriving food trailer Groovy Chicken and Waffles and T's Table Catering Services, she has transformed her love for cooking and baking into thriving businesses.
Stoke Wrapped 2023
AccelerateHER Cohort Stories: Latoya Jackson, Groovy Chicken & Waffles
From her roots in Grenada to the flourishing food scene of Denton, Latoya's culinary adventure is a story of passion and perseverance. As the proud owner of a thriving food trailer Groovy Chicken and Waffles and T's Table Catering Services, she has transformed her love for cooking and baking into thriving businesses.
Entrepreneurs Thrive Here: A 2023 Global Entrepreneurship Week Recap
Sunday, November 19th marked the wrap of another Global Entrepreneurship Week. For the last five years, Stoke has participated in GEW by hosting both in person and virtual events that celebrate and support entrepreneurship in our community. This year’s theme was ‘Entrepreneurs Thrive Here’ and well, that’s kind of our whole mission. We look forward to this week all year and we couldn’t be more grateful for how our community continues to turn out for us. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights from the week.
AccelerateHER Cohort Stories: Jen Johnson, Jen Johnson Consulting
AccelerateHER Cohort Stories: Madison Newman, Found & Forged Design Co.
Madison Newman is the founder and artist behind Found & Forged Design Co. and a self taught brand expert. She build brands that are handcrafted and intentionally created to showcase your businesses values, and unique offerings; building you a tribe of adoring fans, and increasing your profit. Read on to learn more about Madison and her business.
AccelerateHER Cohort Stories: Christina Barrientos, Heartstone Creative
Christina Barrientos is the owner and founder of Heartstone Creative. Heartstone Creative is the soft-skill training solution for young adults and entry level positions for small businesses. They’re closing the gap between long-time employees and entry level workers by providing scenario-based learning to help meet business expectations. Read on to learn more about Christina, her inspiration, and her business.
Pitching with Confidence: Lessons from Last Year's Denton Pitch Competition
Live, Work, and Play in Denton in 2023
“…The city has a thriving arts and culture scene and is also located near three lakes and outdoor areas that make planning leisure and entertainment easy. Just down I35 from Dallas and Fort Worth, Denton is the ideal place to be near enough to the hustle and bustle of the DFW metro area but far enough that you still have a small-town feel, the kind where you can grow a strong community and see familiar, friendly faces when you’re out in town. “