Building and Growing a Digital Business

I launched Dragaholic as an independent LGBTQ+ digital media and community platform focused on drag entertainment.

What began as a content-driven website grew into a business that also included merchandise, an events calendar, partnerships, and contributors.

Unlike my later work inside established organizations, this was a business I built and operated from the ground up.

Growing an audience was only part of the challenge.

To build a sustainable business, I had to determine which features and activities were worth pursuing, how to engage the community, and how to create opportunities for revenue without losing sight of the audience that made the platform successful.

Time and resources were limited, so decisions about what to build and where to invest attention mattered.

As founder, I owned the overall direction and operation of Dragaholic.

My responsibilities included brand development, website development, editorial direction, audience growth, contributor coordination, partnerships, monetization efforts, and ultimately the sale of the business.