Sterling J. Douglas
š Greensboro, NC | Sr. Product lead AI/ML @SeriesA Startup, Former VC, current Angel Investor, & Adjunct Professor @ High Point University (Entrepreneurship)
Why Sterling?
Sterling has quickly become a close friend. We have a mutual propensity for suffering as Panther fans and our kids are in the same preschool class. You can probably find us around Greensboro pushing strollers, drinking local coffee, and talking about business ideas.
Follow Sterling on Instagram @PrettyDoorsofNewYork
Self-Description
A UX-focused product lead driven by AI/ML, 2x founder, VC director, and angel investor with the goal of eliminating hurry and launching at least two personal products per year.
Sterlingās Recommendations
Written in his own wordsā¦
Brands
Wearoya: a femtech-focused sustainable fashion brand that offers stylish and eco-friendly clothing made from organic and recycled materials. (Story Here)
Noula: Noula is a subscription-based app offering a digital-first approach to health with three key features: personalized health insights through at-home testing, access to dedicated Noula Care Coaches and hormonal health and nutrition experts, and personalized care plans for members from menstruation through menopause. This solution was created to address the needs of the 80% of people who menstruate suffering from hormonal imbalances, a problem often denied, dismissed, and misdiagnosed.
Alpine Parrot: Inclusively sized outdoor clothing for women, they may be the next Patagonia.
Cafe Lyria Sporting Club: a clothing brand born from a coffee shop that fuses NYC streetwear with Italian urban and rural elements. Its unique reverse-engineered approach sets it apart in the fashion world, reflecting the founders' passions for both coffee and fashion.
TUFT Barbershop SoHo NYC: a stylish, modern barbershop for men, offering high-quality grooming services in a minimalist and welcoming environment. With skilled barbers providing personalized attention, Tuft.nyc ensures anyone from a random guy from Greensboro to Harry Styles, Blake Griffin, Aaron Judge, or a Fashion mogul can sit relax and enjoy the aesthetic.
All Manās Right: draws inspiration from the Swedish allemansrƤtt tradition, advocating for everyone's right to explore the outdoors freely. With purpose-built ultralight outdoor gear, allmansright aims to bring the outdoors to the world, offering minimalist bags and sacks designed to anticipate users' needs. Learn more about their People Planet Promise.
Kobees: KOBEE'S organic beeswax balm is an environmentally conscious brand that creates all-natural, cruelty-free, and compostable lip balm. By supporting KOBEE'S, you're taking a step towards positive change and making a difference for the environment. KOBEE'S is committed to supporting organizations that protect our planet, and they believe that even small changes can make a big difference in the long run.
Playerās Lounge: Playersā Lounge is a wagering platform for gamers cofounded by Austin Woolridge, Zach Dixon, and Dan Delaney. Using Playersā Lounge, gamers can place bets on matches theyāre playing against others. Users can play in solo head-to-head matches, tournament formats, or with friends to win real money.
Digital Product
Firstbase.io: start a company or start a company for your children :)
Well-Being
Daily Habit Tracker with my buddy Steve Svoboda's One Month Club. Each month we do the following:
(1) Pick up a Fitness task
(2) Give up a Bad Habit
(3) Pick up more Faith
Read 3 chapters daily from the Bible
Journal your favorite verse
Daily declarations
Books
Watch
The Last Thing He Told Me (Apple TV) āA woman forms an unexpected relationship with her 16-year-old stepdaughter while searching for the truth about why her husband has mysteriously disappeared.ā - IMBd
Food & Drink
Any all things Thrive Market
Vignette Coffee Roasters: A great married couple that are top-notch CX and coffee roasting talent
Loom Coffee: A great company founded in Greensboro, North Carolina focused on fair trade negotiations and fair wage salaries for all employees. Paying $15+ to all employees.
Sightglass Coffee: Sourcing green coffee is at the heart of what we do at Sightglass. It is meticulous and essential work. Processing methods, varieties, growing altitudes, climate, soil, and farm conditions are a few of the many factors that shape and determine a coffeeās overall quality. Being present at origin allows us to see these factors firsthand and ultimately, helps us determine the best expression of each coffee we work with.
Professional
Zapier subscription + Fiverr: There's nothing that you can't automate with the help of a cost-efficient consultant. Take advantage of that.
Jasper AI: Instantly generate high-quality Copy For Emails, Ads, Websites, Listings, Blogs & More. Best for writing blog posts, social media content, and marketing copy. Empower Your Team. Collaborate With the Team. Write Better.
Gift
Spa days, massages, and the gift of silence.
Music
SofarSounds: There's always a great intimate venue and incredible music talent to follow.
Open
Best marriage advice: If you think of something good about your spouse, make sure you immediately text, write, or say it directly to them.
"Love and Hurry are incompatible" - John Mark Comer
Personal Plug from Sterling
Remote Coffee May 17th: If you know of anyone in the Triad that works remotely. Tell them about a monthly meet-up in GSO, called Remote Coffee.
Want to get in touch with Sterling? Email him at sterling.douglas@hey.com
Thank You, Sterling!