Hey friends, family, and supporters –

I’ve been given an amazing opportunity: My client and mentor, actor (and activist) Brian Michael Smith, has invited me to come stay with him in Los Angeles for the next 3 months. This is an affirmation that he (and the universe) believe in my creative vision, and the work I’ve been building — and he wants to help me take it to the next level.

This move is a major chance for me to get my boots on the ground (… ) in LA, meet new people in PR, media and entertainment, and make lasting connections to strengthen The Detroit Deviants Dinner Club (@DtrtDeviants on IG) the community that I’ve been building here.

This feels like an opportunity to step into a future I’ve been working towards — not just for myself, but for the communities I represent and uplift.

While I do have some money set aside, the cost of starting fresh in a city like LA adds up fast. That’s where you come in. I’m asking for 2,000 dollars to help me begin my journey.

I’m asking for your help with:

• Getting settled (transportation, groceries, clothing racks, air mattress, etc.)

• Local transit & rideshares to job opportunities and events

• A few tech upgrades to help me work remotely and build my brand

• ️ Food and everyday expenses while I get established

• ️ Safety nets for unexpected costs

If you’d rather send something tangible, I have an Amazon Wishlist with essentials for my LA transition.

Even $5 helps. Even a share helps.

I’ll be posting updates about the journey, the people I meet, and the life I’m building. Every donation, wishlist gift, or repost gets me one step closer.

Thank you for investing in this moment with me. I promise to make the most of it.

With love and big LA energy,

El