Building Philly’s Next Black Woman-Owned Boutique
More than a hotel—this is history in the making.
Project Description
🚀 Project Mission
To build Philadelphia’s next Black woman-owned boutique hotel—a space rooted in culture, creativity, and community, offering a bold example of what equity in hospitality can look like.
🔍 The Problem
Black women are vastly underrepresented in hotel ownership, especially in major cities like Philly. This project challenges that by creating ownership, access, and visibility in an industry that has historically excluded us.
📈 Market Opportunity
With 40M+ annual visitors, multiple universities, hospitals, and the Convention Center nearby, this hotel meets growing demand for boutique, extended-stay, and event-ready accommodations in the heart of the city.
🏨 Our Solution
A culturally inspired boutique hotel with:
30 extended stay rooms
Rooftop restaurant (Chef’s Kiss)
Event space + indoor pool
Retail for local businesses
It’s designed to serve travelers, support local talent, and create career and ownership pathways for underrepresented communities.
💸 Why We’re Raising Funds
Your support will help cover early-stage development costs: architectural planning, legal structure, branding, and materials needed to secure institutional investment. This is the critical next step to unlock capital and move forward.
👥 Who We Are
Led by Letisha Williams—15+ years in hospitality and hotel sales—this project is backed by experience, strategy, and ongoing conversations with Temple University and global hotel brands.
🙏🏾 Thank You
Every dollar gets us closer to history. Your support isn’t just financial—it’s symbolic. Thank you for believing in this dream and in what it represents for Philly, for women, and for future generations.
The Campaign FAQs
Q: What is this project really about?
A: This is more than a hotel—it’s a movement toward ownership, representation, and legacy in the hospitality space. I’m developing a boutique hotel in Philadelphia that reflects the city’s culture while creating space for Black-led development, extended stay accommodations, retail partnerships, and culinary experiences.
Q: Are you already working with a hotel brand or Temple University?
A: I’ve had active conversations with several major hotel brands, and I’ve been in touch with Temple University’s real estate leadership regarding potential collaboration. The support from this campaign will help move those conversations toward formal commitments.
Q: What will my donation actually go toward?
A: Funds raised will cover critical early-stage development needs, including architectural and design planning, legal and LLC structuring, branding, and investor readiness materials—necessary steps to secure institutional investment and move the project forward.
Q: Is this hotel already under construction?
A: Not yet. This campaign supports the pre-development phase, which will position the project for full funding and execution. Your support helps unlock that next level.
Q: Can I get a refund?
A: Like most crowdfunding campaigns, donations are final. If the project changes direction or timelines shift, I’ll provide transparent updates to all backers.
Q: Will backers be recognized in any way?
A: Absolutely. Backers will be acknowledged on a digital “Legacy Wall” and select reward tiers will include thank-you notes, virtual meetups, and more. You are part of this story, and I’ll never forget it.
Just Because I Care
Special handwritten thank-you letter + first invite to any community preview events down the line
Rewards
Just Because I Care
Special handwritten thank-you letter + first invite to any community preview events down the line