Bloom Creative Summit is a one-day conference designed to hold space and community for Black women and non-binary entrepreneurs.

This summit will provide you with the community, tools, and resources you need to bloom in business and flourish in wellness. This year, the Summit will take place at Common House Chattanooga.

Speakers, workshops and more information here.

Lunch is included in the ticket price. To purchase a table (seats 6), please email [email protected].

Bloom Creative Summit is brought to you by: Lillian Colby Foundation, TVFCU and SVN | Second Story Property Management. Table sponsors are Women's Fund of Greater Chattanooga and Derek Farmer Foundation.

Please note: Common House Chattanooga is a 21+ establishment.

No refunds.

SCHEDULE

9:30 a.m.: Coffee Power Hour in Ruby Hall

Check-in for the conference at Common House Chattanooga and enjoy coffee & a performance by harpist Angelica Hairston. 

10:30 to 11:15 a.m.: Workshops Round 1 

Business Track: Work-Life Harmony Panel in Ruby Hall

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, student, or full-time employee, hear from a panel of parents on how to align your passion with your profession (without burning out).

Moderator: Shadrina Booker of Big Brothers, Big Sisters

Panelists:  Amanda Jelks of Jelks Law, Felicia Jackson of CPR Life Wrap, Dominique Harris of Natty Naturals

Wellness Track: Advocating for Your Health Panel in Pennybacker

Healthcare is complicated and speaking up for yourself can be intimidating. Join us for a discussion about advocating for yourself in the doctor’s office, from what questions to ask to how to push for the support you need.

Moderator: Kratina Baker

Panelists:  Onteaya Tate of Plant Candy Collective, Dr. Michelle Little of Foundation Direct Family Care and Courtney Smith of Functional Patterns Chattanooga

Daydreaming Lounge: Journaling Session in the Garden

Join us in the garden to journal your ideas. In this self-led session, you’ll be given time to daydream your goals and dreams.

11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.:  Workshops Round 2

Business Track: Trailblazers & Treatmakers Panel in Ruby Hall

Ever wonder what it takes to turn a sweet idea into a thriving business? Hear from a panel of entrepreneurs who are making their mark in the dessert world. From the risks to the rewards, they’ll share everything that comes with starting a deliciously sweet business. 

Moderator: Brianna Jones of Arts Build

Panelists: Ella Livingston of Cocoa Asante, Marckita Wilkes of Marckita’s Munchies and Sharika Wilson of Scoop Around Ice Cream Shop

Wellness Track: Blooming in Balance in Pennybacker

Join mental health clinician, educator and founder of the Wellspace Collective, Dr. Kia Ruffin, for a transformative session on incorporating mental wellness into leadership and everyday life. 

Presented by: Dr. Kia Ruffin

Daydreaming Lounge: Make Your Own Candle in the Garden

Join Escential Things owner Osha Thomas to create your own candle! First 20 participants receive a free candle. Candles are $10 per person after.

12:30 to 1 p.m.: Lunch in Ruby Hall

Join us for lunch in Ruby Hall, provided by Common House Chattanooga.

1 to 1:45 p.m.: Keynote Speaker: Marsha Barnes of The Finance Bar  in Ruby Hall

Join us in Ruby Hall to hear from our keynote speaker, Marsha Barnes of The Finance Bar. 

2-2:45 p.m.: Workshops Round 3

Business Track: Ageless Ambition in Ruby Hall

Success doesn’t have a timeline. Hear from a panel of business owners who are actively pursuing their passions, proving it gets greater later. 

Moderator: Karen Collins

Panelists: Renita Johnson of Pancake Bakery,  Chery Jordan and Darlene Payne

Wellness Track: Self-Care: Mind, Body & Soul Panel in Pennybacker

True self-care is more than spa treatments and vacations. In this discussion, hear from experts across a range of fields including fitness, therapy, and more as they share accessible strategies for caring for your mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Moderator: Antionette Rollins of Alchemy by Ant

Panelists: Joyre Montgomery of Intentional Healing Empowerment Center and Intentional Healing Foundation, yoga instructor Jequise Beverly and Lakweshia Ewing of Unlearn Everything and Live 

Daydreaming Lounge: Watercoloring in the Garden

Join us in the garden to watercolor. Take a little break and use art to think through your ideas from the day.

3-3:45  p.m.: Final Panel in Ruby Hall

Take the Leap: Resources to Grow Your Business
Presented by TVFCU

TVFCU’s Idea Leap began in 2018 to help local small businesses grow and enhance their services. Hear from a group of dynamic entrepreneurs who have competed in the program and used the opportunity to expand their business.

Moderator: Jenna Wright of Southern Soul

Panelists: Dr. Lar’Mara Henderson, Cassandra Tucker of Divine Purity and Jordan Gustus of TJA Agency

4 to 5:30 p.m.: Happy Hour+ in the Daydreaming Lounge

DJ MCPRO will spin tunes while you relax post-event. Enjoy a drink (or two!) and mingle with the other attendees in the Garden.

Added bonus? Tarot readings available for purchase from Alchemy by Ant, complimentary massages from Bryn Medical, bouquets for purchase from Every Last Petal and a live painting from Briah Gober.

Happy Hour+ is sponsored by SVN, Second Story Properties.