By Tim Ryan
Crystal Lugo, the brilliant mind behind Glove Scaler, has just marked an incredible milestone in her entrepreneurial journey. As a winner of the 2024 Black Ambition Demo Day, Crystal was awarded $100,000 by none other than Pharrell Williams, whose Black Ambition Prize initiative is focused on empowering Black and Latinx founders to bring their ideas to life. This recognition comes on the heels of her significant achievements at the 2023 and 2024 Start Peninsula competitions and 757 Collab is where she established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the Hampton Roads innovation ecosystem.
Glove Scaler, an innovative startup aiming to revolutionize workplace efficiency and safety, has been on a meteoric rise. Crystal first captured attention during the Start Peninsula competitions, where her idea stood out for its creativity and promise. Being a finalist in both 2023 and 2024, she earned the respect of judges and peers alike, solidifying her place as a vital contributor to the growing entrepreneurial spirit in Hampton Roads. In between her Start Peninsula appearances, Crystal sharpened her entrepreneurial skills at 757 Collab as a member of 757 Startup Studios.
It was only a matter of time before Glove Scaler and Crystal’s tenacity caught the attention of a national platform. The Black Ambition Demo Day, hosted by Pharrell Williams, is a prestigious showcase that empowers diverse founders through financial backing and mentorship, and this year, Crystal stood out from hundreds of applicants. Her success story embodies the kind of hard work, resilience, and ingenuity that Black Ambition seeks to uplift.
The $100,000 award from Black Ambition is more than just financial support; it is a catalyst for Crystal’s vision. With these resources, Glove Scaler is set to expand its reach, enhancing its product line and bringing increased value to industries in need of safer, more efficient solutions. For Crystal, this win isn’t just personal—it’s a reflection of the dedication that Hampton Roads fosters in its entrepreneurs and a signal to other founders in the region about the power of persistence.
For aspiring entrepreneurs eager to follow in Crystal Lugo’s footsteps, Black Ambition provides an inspiring platform. The application process is designed to identify high-potential founders and give them the tools they need to bring their visions to life. You can learn more about how to apply and join this vibrant community of innovators by visiting Black Ambition Prize.
Crystal Lugo’s journey is also a testament to the transformative power of community support and mentorship. After years of perseverance and self-reliance, her discovery of resources like 757 Startup Studios, Pitch Perfect, and Start Peninsula marked a turning point in her entrepreneurial path. These platforms connected her to valuable workshops, networks, and mentorship opportunities that helped her refine her pitch and scale her idea. The support she received not only bolstered her confidence but also created a ripple effect, enabling her to mentor other budding entrepreneurs in the region. This cycle of giving and receiving highlights the vital role of collaboration in fostering innovation and growth within the Hampton Roads ecosystem.
Moreover, Crystal’s story is a call to action for other founders to leverage the untapped potential within their local communities while keeping an eye on national opportunities. Her involvement in initiatives like the Something in the Water pitch competition and Black Ambition demonstrates the power of being “in the right room” at the right time. By combining local resources with broader exposure, Crystal exemplifies how entrepreneurs can amplify their impact and gain the recognition they deserve. Her journey serves as a beacon of hope and a roadmap for those who aspire to turn their visions into reality, proving that resilience, resourcefulness, and community are the cornerstones of entrepreneurial success.
