One last push: Doula bootcamp founder wins PHKC’s $10K pitch after setting due date for success

James Hogue gave himself a deadline: score a big win for his fledgling nonprofit by May 1 or pursue another career. On April 30, he earned the validation he needed — winning The Porter House KC’s Pitch Night and a $10,000 cash prize.

“Today’s the day right before May, and so the opportunity for us to continue is amazing,” said Hogue, founder of Fathers Assisting Mothers, Tuesday after the award announcement. “It feels really good that what I’m doing is what I’m supposed to be doing and that things are starting to shape up on a much bigger level.”

James Hogue, founder of Fathers Assisting Mothers, receives $10,000 check from Porter House KC; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

The first-place victory cemented Hogue’s belief in the viability of the venture, which is dedicated to equipping expectant fathers with birth education through a male-focused doula training program. Fathers Assisting Mothers empowers dads-to-be to engage actively and knowledgeably in the childbirth journey through coaching, bootcamps, and events.

Hogue appreciates the opportunity from PHKC to delve deeper into the numbers and business aspects of Fathers Assisting Mothers, he said, crafting a canvas of the venture and repeatedly analyzing finances for a more accurate understanding.

“My plan, my competition, my finances, all those things in one place — I hadn’t had an opportunity of people walking me through how to put it all on paper,” he said. “Now, I know that my new price is one that not only gets the mission done, but also feeds me as a business owner.” 

James Hogue pitches during the Porter House KC’s Pitch Night event; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Host Kevin Manning and Miranda Schultz, Porter House KC, entertain the crowd during the Porter House KC’s Pitch Night event; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

PHKC’s pitch night awarded $20,000 overall to entrepreneurs and celebrated the end of the program’s fifth cohort. PHKC supports early-stage businesses facing barriers to launch or achieve growth by providing resources, education and support.

“Each of the pitchers went through their own growing journeys,” said Miranda Shultz, director of operations for PHKC. “Then you get to solidify that and to see their progress on stage was really cooI. I think that the important piece was just for the public to be able to see their growth.”

Click here to learn more about The Porter House KC.

Ravon Johnson, founder of KurlCulture KC, a natural hair salon catering to all curly and coily hair textures, also received the boost she needed for her business, securing second place and $7,000. The funds will support her pursuit of further education in Black hair care and treatment through college classes.

“It’s kind of hard for me to believe. I have terrible stage fright, and so being able to get in front of 50 people was in itself a win for me,” said Johnson. “Even if I didn’t get this, I still could have felt like a winner because I did that.”

Ravon Jefferson, Kurl Culture KC, pitches during the Porter House KC’s Pitch Night event; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Iyshia Sims, ‘Amir’acle Body Butters and More, accepts her $3,000 check from Charon Thompson, Porter House KC, during Porter House KC’s Pitch Night event. Photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Third-place winner Lyshia Sims, founder of ‘Amir’acle Body Butters, received $3,000 for her business that provides all natural products like body butters, face moisturizers, face mask, deodorant, and lip balm for beauty without the guilt.

Check out a brief photo gallery, then keep reading. (And see more pitch photos below!)

Charon Thompson speaks during the Porter House KC's Pitch Night event; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

James Spikes, co-founder of the AI Hub and winner of last year's event, gives an update at Porter House KC's Pitch Night. Photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Judges observe pitches during the Porter House KC's Pitch Night event; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Ritchie Cherry owner of BOXOUT Stress speaks during the Porter House KC's Pitch Night event; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Crowd cheers during the Porter House KC's Pitch Night event; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Cohort organizers at The Porter House KC's Pitch Night. Photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Cohort members, organizers, and judges at The Porter House KC’s Pitch Night. Photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Additional Kansas City pitchers who competed at Tuesday’s pitch night included:

Meko Burnett, Raw Imij Nails, pitches at Porter House KC’s Pitch Night. Photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Raw Imji Nails (Meko Burnett) — Specializes in delivering healthy nails and toes through her manicures and pedicures, using custom-made oils and scrubs and reshaping and reworking nail plates to her clients’ desires.

William Fondren, Hive and Harvest, pitches during the Porter House KC’s Pitch Night event; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Hive and Harvest (William Fondren) — Meticulously crafted coffee beans, roasted to elevate the coffee experience.

Keisha Jordan pitches during the Porter House KC’s Pitch Night event; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Complex Flavors (Keisha Jordan) —  Urban wallpaper and textile company, celebrating Black culture through custom fabrics, furniture, pillows, and home decor.

Dorothy Betts, Layla is my Joy, pitches during the Porter House KC’s Pitch Night event; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

LaylaIsMyJoy (Dorothy Betts) — Book company providing children’s stories with activities for the whole family.

Carlie Shockey, Beauty Enhancement by Carlie, pitches during the Porter House KC’s Pitch Night event; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Beauty Enhancement by Carlie (Carlie Shockey) — Specializes in eyelash extensions, body hair removal, and customized facials. 

Michelay Green pitches during the Porter House KC’s Pitch Night event; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

Mich on the Mix (Michelay Green) — Offering customized bartending services for special events. 

Angela Hughes pitches during the Porter House KC’s Pitch Night event; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Just a Little Suga (Angela Hughes) — Cottage bakery that provides sweet treats such as pies, cupcakes, cakes, rolls, and more.

Rachel Blankenship, RR Mediation Services, pitches during the Porter House KC’s Pitch Night event; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

RR Mediation Services (Rachel Blankenship) — Domestic court mediation services, helping families decide what works best for them.

Grace Finley, Grace Finley Fitness, pitches during the Porter House KC’s Pitch Night event; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Grace Finley Fitness (Grace Finley) — Private training studio offering in-person and online training tailored to each individual’s fitness goals.

Deaunte Thomas pitches during the Porter House KC’s Pitch Night event; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

Duddy (Deaunte Thomas) —  Self-taught painter turned muralist and art instructor  with artwork focused on realism, abstract and impressionist art.

Check out a photo gallery from The Porter House KC’s Pitch Night event below, from Startland News reporters Nikki Overfelt Chifalu and Taylor Wilmore.