Ghettoff’s Nefertiti Mitchell and Venus Mason on self care, intimacy and beating cancer
BY MARK ARIEL | PHOTO BY DUSTI CUNNINGHAM
Nefertiti Mitchell, the founder of Ghettoff, the first and only Black female-owned concierge posh adult retail store located in Inglewood, says that being a Black woman in the LGBTQ community and trying to start a business in the intimacy sector was challenging.
“This is a male dominated field and I have had to grow some tough skin very quickly in order to be successful,” reveals Mitchell in an interview with THE FIGHT.
“I have been challenged on what my mission and vision is for this company several times and yet I am still standing. My journey to know the unknown is what gave me the strength to continue on this path. I am completely devoted to self care and letting people know what they don’t know about intimacy.”
Originally from Chicago, Mitchell says that she had “always been a part of the LGBTQ community but I just didn’t know what it was called. Growing up in a religious household—intimacy or sexuality was never a table topic that was discussed. But the one thing I learned was that I had to be ready to expose my truth—and that’s where discovering self-care comes in.”
Coming from the corporate world prior to creating Ghettoff, Mitchell says that her “romantic/sexual orientation was one that was never displayed or discussed because of the role I was in.”
“I left the corporate world to pursue my passion,” reveals Mitchell. “I wanted to give people like me a place where they could experience a discreet and exclusive way of talking about intimacy and enhancing their current situation. I wanted to create a showroom boutique where everyone—regardless of age, sex, gender, sexual preference, or kink—could come in and feel comfortable to talk about their wants and desires without others eavesdropping or judging their pleasures.”
Two years ago Mitchell met the love of her life—Venus Mason. “We met on a social media app … we communicated over the phone and texted before meeting face to face,” reveals Mitchell. “We met in December, right before Venus left for the holiday. When she returned in January, we met again for dinner at a restaurant. I thought she is so sexy in her mellow demeanor way [laughs]. We met just one more time and at that time she informed me that she was having minor surgery and would need a couple of weeks to recover… After her healing time, we met at my house, where I cooked her dinner and totally messed it up. How could you mess up salmon? I did. Realizing that I was nervous as this was her first night staying at my home—she opened up to me and told me she had been diagnosed with cancer and showed me her scaring. I told her at the moment that it doesn’t change how I feel about her as I embraced her closer in my arms. We kissed and all is history.”
When asked how she knew Nefertiti was “the one”—Venus says that “not only was I captivated by Nefertiti’s smile, she has a wonderful sense of humor, we laugh at the corniest situations. I am able to confide and share my highs and lows with Nefertiti. She provides me support without judgement. She is charming, super smart and sexy. And she doesn’t snore [laughs]! We are our authentic selves when we’re together.”
In March of this year Mitchell was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“It was Venus that felt the lump and insisted that I get tested,” reveals Mitchell. “Venus and I both had doctor’s appointments. After getting the news I quickly got into my car, I texted her the diagnosis, since I didn’t know if she was still in her appointment. She called me immediately and told me that I will be fine and that she had had the same diagnosis. She then asked me where I was. I was so lost for words that I said NOTHING. Her next sentence was: I am on my way. Remember she didn’t get a response from me. But within twenty minutes, she was at my location, embracing me. Since the diagnosis she has been at EVERY appointment and even getting me introduced to her team of doctors that saved her life… She has been a wonderful partner to navigate through this experience with. She totally helped me transform my health and take control of it through exercise, food preparation and nutrients. I lost 45 pounds before my surgery to get my body ready for the amount of work that it was going to have to do after. I cut dairy, grain and gluten out of my diet as to not feed cancer cells in my body. I am truly grateful for Venus and all the experience that she shared to save my life. She devoted her time to ensure that my post and pre-care was the best.”
“My cancer diagnosis has brought more clarity to what’s important in my life,” says Mitchell. “I realized that time is something that can’t be replaced and while I am here on this earth, I will enjoy more moments.”
To explore more about what Ghettoff, the first and only Black female-owned exclusive concierge adult boutique has to offer—visit: www.Ghettoff.com. Follow them on Instagram/Facebook/Youtube
@shopghettoff.
For various healing and self-care items visit Venus Mason’s web site: https://curesessentials.com.
