As a Black-owned business, we believe in the power of amplifying other Black voices and supporting other Black businesses. UpDown Nightlife is a Black-owned tech company that has innovated the nightlife scene by connecting people with safe and fun nightlife experiences and resources. We spoke with Joshua I. Lewis about how he founded his company, how contractors have helped power it, and what his experience as a Black-owned business during COVID-19 has been like.
A little about you:
GW: Introduce yourself and your business.
JL: Joshua I. Lewis — Updown Nightlife App is a company that combines nightlife and technology in order to provide information for our consumers about upcoming events, drinks specials, and important news impacting the community as it pertains to nightlife.
GW: What is your business’s mission?
JL: Updown Nightlife App’s mission is to provide a safe and unique nightlife experience.
“Black entrepreneurs are now being heard in ways they never were before and have come together to support one another.”
GW: How did you decide to start your business?
JL: While in college, I began to throw successful events that many people would attend and even anticipate. As a business marketing major, I realized that I could capitalize on my gifts of communication, networking and having a good time.
GW: How is your company different from your competitors?
JL: UpDown Nightlife App stands out because we are more than just a promotional company. While many do look to us to promote the hot spots around the city, we also have a successful and informational blog that incorporates important issues that may impact the experience of our followers. Coupled with the technology piece, the UpDown Nightlife App will offer an experience new and exciting to Kansas City.
“I have a tremendous team around me that supports my vision and puts the work in to make this company a success.”
GW: How has COVID-19 impacted or shifted your business?
JL: COVID — 19 has had a tremendous impact on the nightlife scene as a whole. With bars and clubs unable to operate as normal, our events came to a standstill. However, we got creative in order to keep our followers engaged, informed and excited for what’s to come. One way that we did this was by hosting Zoom parties.
GW: Where will your company be in 5 years?
JL: In five years, we will own a few of our own venues and will be a nationwide source for all nightlife aspects.
GW: What key factors have led to your success?
JL: After years of introspection, I was able to tap into my gifts of communication and networking and incorporate my passion for socializing. My book Find Your Passion, Know Your Gift goes into detail on how to discover and combine the two in the hopes of helping others be successful in their own lives.
Aside from that, I have a tremendous team around me that supports my vision and puts the work in to make this company a success. Without them, I would be carrying a burden too great to advance the way I envision.
“It is important to keep track of contractors and the payments made to them in order to protect your business.”
GW: What advice do you have for businesses who employ contractors?
JL: It is important to keep track of contractors and the payments made to them in order to protect your business.
GW: What is it like running a business during a time of social unrest, injustice, and inequality?
JL: With us being a minority-owned business, it is honestly empowering to witness. Black entrepreneurs are now being heard in ways they never were before and have come together to support one another. In truth, this is the awakening the world needed to show the true impact that minority-owned businesses have always had.
“Your company's ideals align with ours and I always want to support other minority-owned tech companies.”
Your thoughts on Us:
GW: What problem(s) were you trying to solve with our product?
JL: We needed to have a centralized location for our payment processes.
GW: How does our product or service stand out from other options?
JL: The simplicity of the process. As a customer, your products are extremely user-friendly and can be used by anyone.
“Gig Wage has been extremely helpful and prompt in providing my company with the documentation needed to secure the necessary funding to help sustain us through these uncertain times.”
GW: What made you happiest about working with our company? What is your biggest success story?
JL: Your company’s ideals align with ours and I always want to support other minority owned tech companies.
GW: How has Gig Wage helped you navigate the pandemic?
JL: Gig Wage has been extremely helpful and prompt in providing my company with the documentation needed to secure the necessary funding to help sustain us through these uncertain times.
As the nightlife and bar scene is opening up across America, UpDown Nightlife can be an informative tool to make sure you have a safe experience as you re-enter the bar scene. We are proud of companies like UpDown Nightlife who continue to use the power of contractors to innovate the industries they serve.
You can follow them at @UpDownNightlife on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook or visit their website at updownnightlifeapp.com to learn more.
