Name: Simone Egwu
City, State: Washington, D.C.
Age: 29
Profession: Co-founder of SimplyLead LLC and bartender at A League of Her Own
Website: www.simplyleadllc.com
In a few words, how would you describe yourself?
I am community-oriented. I want the best for everyone and I want everyone to feel comfortable and safe and valued. It’s part of the reason I love working at ALOHO (A League of Her Own).
Your favorite hangout spots.
A League of Her Own, duh! I’m just as liable to be at Union Market or Crispus Attucks Park with my dog, Joe.
Favorite guilty pleasure.
French fries from Amsterdam Falafel, heavy on the garlic cream. I will brush my teeth after, I swear.
Favorite quote.
“Give up to grace. The ocean takes care of each wave ’til it gets to shore.” -Rumi
Who is your biggest influence? And why?
My parents. They instilled me with this system of values: that community and people should always come first. They taught me that my Black is beautiful and so is my queerness. And now I want to bring that message to every Black queer [person] who hasn’t heard it yet.
Favorite event.
Honey Groove DC. It’s a DC music and arts festival devoted to queer artists of color. It is a gift to be surrounded by QPOC in a space meant for us. I think that the amount of QPOC community in this area is special and rare, and I love being a part of it. Plus, the music is always fire.
Do you have any regrets in life?
No. I like to think the universe is unfolding exactly as it should.
Favorite lesbian/queer celebrity.
Niecy Nash. She’s femme, funny, fly, and always herself. I love that. I aim to be that.
Any fun facts or anything else you want our readers to know?
I’m an intense plant lady. This year I collected my first harvest of strawberries that I grew from seed.
