Meet Darius Caffey: Creator | Innovator | Realist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Darius Caffey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Darius, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

Honestly, I never considered starting a business until I realized that it was exactly what I was preparing myself to do. All I wanted to do initially was create a community for my people and to learn how to do it in my own way. I wanted to build something that made us feel good; to empower us.

When I first began blogging, I used it as a small tool in finding my voice advocating for the Black, LGBTQ community. It wasn’t until I had gotten more experience doing it that made me want to do more for it. I had all these creative ideas about ways to expand what I was doing, the things that I offered to the public, and how to keep things sustainable. The hours that I put into creating all of it, in addition to what I was learning in graduate school, motivated me to begin thinking of what my own organization would look like if I had the capacity to create one. And even then, it still seemed like a far-fetched idea.

It was only after one of my peers, Ciara Imani May, referred to me as an entrepreneur to someone in her network that made me begin to see my potential differently. It was after that moment that I actually began thinking “Wow, maybe I can do this. Maybe what I’m doing does seem realistic to people. Maybe I’m more prepared for this than I thought”.

And I’m still in the thought process of what this business will look like long-term. However, I believe that with my background, experience, knowledge, and support system, that this is something that I can continue to grow.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

To be fair, I do a lot of things. I think that is what set’s me apart from others. I’m not afraid to take risks and to step out on faith. I’m not afraid to try new things and live in the moment. I’ve always been interested in so many things growing up; I just never truly knew how to fulfill them all at once. It’s only been more recently that I’ve been able to figure out different ways to do just that in various capacities.

I decided to attend college because that’s what I thought would separate me from everyone else. So now I have a background in Psychology, Sociology, and Public Policy/Non-Profit Management. That’s my foundation. My education and experience in those areas are what I have used to fuel the rest of the work that I do within the community. And it hasn’t always been easy.

I’ve failed a lot, but I just keep going. I just keep trying new things until I find what works best for me. And although I stuck through college, it is not the only thing about me. I wanted to do more outside of what society expected me to do with my degree. I wanted to find more ways to stand out from the crowd and welcome them in at the same time. This is what led me to co-host the A Dab of Life podcast and create The Closet Unlocked platform.

I was entering a completely new field of work and at first, it scared me. I had committed myself to build a community with folks and I had no idea what I was doing. But with the constant support of my peers (and Google), I’m figuring things out. I’m learning. I’m growing. But most importantly, I’m trying — that’s all you can do. When the world finds out about me, I just want them to see the love and know that I will continue fighting for it.

Inclusive spaces, equitable rights for all, genuine relationships, less violence, support, guidance, respect, and a fun time. That’s love.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Well since I’m from Chicago, I’ll take the people on a brief tour of the city! There is just always something to do, so it really depends on what you’re in the mood for.

If you’re coming to the windy city, then brunch is a must. Luckily, Chicago has a ton of them. Some of my favorites are Flavor, Batter & Berrie’s, Fremont, 80 Proof, and the occasional Blueberry Pancake House. A few of these are mimosa verified just in case you were wondering. There are also a couple of Black-owned ones in there, so check them out!

If you’re looking for a good drink, you can honestly go anywhere around the city. Some may be cheaper than others, but they’re all around the same price. Some of my favorites though (s/o to my friends), are Bocce’s, Federales, Pepe’s, Sidetrack, and House of the Killer Margaritas. You might see me there if it’s nice out!

And if you’re looking for a good time, there are tons that you can do! You can hang at any of the beaches, visit any of the 60+ museums/art exhibits, relax in any of the city parks, pop up at your favorite clothing store, find a lit happy hour, or just walk the lakefront. As long as you are open to trying new things or going different places, you’ll never be bored here.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I want to dedicate my shoutout to my family. And when I say that I mean the people that have made me feel loved over time. Whether that has been in the past or now — finding people that take you in and accept you for who you deserve some credit in your story.

My entire life, I’ve been surrounded by family that has always told me how proud they were of me. My family always made sure to send their love around and show up when they could. I know how hectic life can get sometimes, so I appreciate those that still take the time to pour love and support into me.

The Lord, my lover, all the mother figures in my life, my brothers, cousins, aunts & uncles, best friends, teachers, fellow creators, and everyone else who has influenced me — I appreciate y’all. I wouldn’t be the person that I am today without having each one of you all in my life. I’m not big on sharing my accomplishments, but I owe it to my family for always helping me recognize my success.

So, like I always say, “It’s only up from here for all of us!”

Website: dariuscaffey.com ; theclosetunlocked.com

Instagram: instagram.com/dcaffgotem ; instagram.com/closetunlockd ; instagram.com/daboflifepod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariuscaffey/

Twitter: twitter.com/closetunlockd

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/closetunlockd/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPJBUim05AKrEIqXwDCcHQw/featured

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