Red Claybon’s journey as an entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. As the founder of Spirit Gallery, an educational technology startup focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence, Red’s vision is clear: to create a more inclusive and adaptable environment for individuals with diverse identities. This startup offers e-learning courses—both off-the-shelf and custom-built—to businesses, academic institutions, and nonprofits, with the mission to close the support gaps faced by diverse populations.
Red’s inspiration for Spirit Gallery came from his personal experience navigating corporate America in his early twenties. Despite receiving support from his organization, there were gaps related to his identities, which led to a realization: these silent struggles were not unique. Many others faced similar challenges across corporate spaces and academia, and Red wanted to be part of the solution. “I wanted my company to provide contemporary, modern, fast, and mobile-ready e-learning courses that can help people get the additional support they need,” says Red. Spirit Gallery’s goal is to ensure that people feel seen and supported, offering a safe space for learning that might otherwise be unavailable in traditional organizational structures.
Red’s path into the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) space began with a lightbulb moment—recognizing his passion for creating inclusive environments. Even though Red’s primary background was in marketing and sales, he actively took on DEI work because of his personal connection to it. This passion translated into helping diversity initiatives, ensuring that diverse interns received the resources they needed to thrive. “I launched my business because I wanted to have an impact in the DEI space that was larger than just within the walls of one organization,” Red shares. With Spirit Gallery, Red also aims to address the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence, preparing individuals to engage with AI responsibly and thoughtfully.
Spirit Gallery recently launched its first course titled “Economic Survival and Mental Well-Being.” Designed to support graduate and undergraduate students as they navigate their academic experiences, the course provides resources to support both financial and emotional well-being. “The course is not yet live for everyone, but it was recorded to demonstrate the look and feel of our e-learning material,” says Red. This early version will serve as a preview to potential clients and investors.
Currently, Red is working on the next major project—a course on the ethical usage of artificial intelligence, set for release this fall. This upcoming course has already garnered interest, with individuals signing up on a waitlist. Red’s approach involves taking the time to develop the content thoughtfully and partnering with experts in the AI space to ensure its relevance and accuracy. “I’m really excited to launch that course and create something impactful,” he says.
The entrepreneurial journey comes with its share of challenges, and for Red, the hardest part has been navigating imposter syndrome. “I think the hardest challenge that I’ve overcome so far in my business is navigating imposter syndrome and striving to keep growing despite feelings of inadequacy or not really belonging in the entrepreneurial space,” Red admits. Such thoughts often arise—wondering if he entered entrepreneurship too early or without enough resources—but he keeps pushing forward.
The journey hasn’t been easy, but Red has learned to embrace the process of starting small and growing over time. “It’s OK to start small and know that you’re not going to come out the gate with all the bells and whistles,” he says. For someone with a perfectionist mindset, allowing himself the grace to build gradually has been an essential part of overcoming these internal barriers. Red’s advice to others facing similar struggles is simple but powerful: “The best way that I’ve been overcoming imposter syndrome is to just simply keep going and not give up.”
Red’s journey with Future Founders has been a full-circle moment. Participating years ago in the Future Founders Be Your Own Boss Program – an intensive entrepreneurial internship for high school students – Red rejoined as a participant in the 2024 Startup Bootcamp, showcasing the growth from a young dreamer to a driven entrepreneur almost a decade later. His success during the first phase of the bootcamp earned him a spot in Phase Two, which has allowed him to further refine Spirit Gallery and expand his entrepreneurial skills.
“I have had an amazing experience with Future Founders so far,” Red reflects. “The sessions have been relevant, helpful, and Future Founders has created a real sense of community—a godsend for the often lonely journey of entrepreneurship.” The community of alumni, mentors, and coaches has provided invaluable support to Red, and he’s looking forward to continuing to grow and learn as he participates in the program’s next phases.
For Red, Future Founders has not only been about developing his business but also expanding his community and network. The connections he’s made through the program, including thoughtful mentors like Scott and Chris, have been instrumental in propelling his work forward. “I’m excited for FounderCon and the opportunities that will arise for my company and my personal growth because of Future Founders,” he shares. For Red, this isn’t just about building Spirit Gallery—it’s about creating lasting change in how organizations approach diversity, equity, and inclusion.
As Spirit Gallery continues to grow, Red’s journey is a powerful reminder of what it means to lead with passion and purpose. His commitment to ensuring that diverse voices are heard and supported in corporate and academic spaces is paving the way for more inclusive environments. By combining education, technology, and an unwavering dedication to DEI, Spirit Gallery is poised to make a lasting impact.
At Future Founders, we are proud to support entrepreneurs like Red who are using their lived experiences to create something meaningful and transformative. Startup Bootcamp provides a nurturing environment where young founders can develop the skills, confidence, and networks they need to succeed, and Red’s story is just one example of the powerful outcomes that can emerge from such support.
We can’t wait to see what the future holds for Spirit Gallery, and we’re honored to be part of Red’s journey.
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