have set a blaze worth trailing. 1st popping out for their Launch Party back in September. These women know their beauty can only "elevator" by leading with their brains. From simply highlighting their purpose to connect has given them access to influence the day and night life of high-class networking events and guests.
Ashley is a creative event planner + designer. Creative Connections has placed a heavy emphasis and reward for networking at their event. From covering drinks, cash prizes, raffles, themes, and contests. It's hard not to have a great time and meet talented people at these events. Which is interesting because if my memory serves me correctly, I don't recall neither Creative Connections event I attended had a live dj. I could be wrong but if I'm not, that says a lot about the potential of these women staying power. Madison's premiere list of who's who can be seen on location of these type of events. Now imagine what that next step looks like after locating your likeness and acting on it precisely?
Breanna is the outspoken and close the deal type of shark in this male dominated tank we call the entertainment space. My specific advice to her was to "continue showing up and showing out because as the host by default you're in the front. Take the lead that you would follow if you had the option to choose." Now is the time Black Madison! These women are here and setting fire to every venue they touch. Collaboration is key and over stand that they know their value and roles. It is literally "less work" when we do it together. We Say, Easy Wins.
The difference between Creative Connections Launch Party and their Holiday Mixer & Pop-Up Shop is the Launch was the introduction to a new way to engage with the movers and shakers of Madison. The Holiday Mixer was focused on networking of course but it was led by the Holiday feel of giving in the form of supporting Black vendors with the intentions of gifting your purchase to someone else just in time for the holiday and new year. One vendor ( Living Loaded ) was hosting a raffle wheel allowing attendees to simply write their name on the wheel for a chance to win merch and more.
If you know anything about Black Madison then you know not many venue owners open their minds let alone their doors to Black business. Brink Lounge hasn't always been on Black Santa's nice list but on December 19th, Creative Connections and Breanna Guenther positioned a total of 16 black business owners selling a wide range of goods from apparel, jewelry, restraints, homemade soaps, books, and more.
No Boring Sex (Lady Cedes) was on location conducting demonstrations to get the most pleasure with your partner. For more info follow her page.
Every vendor was dope! You definitely missed a blueprint if you couldn't make their last event. The day before the event I had purchased a pack of cultural stickers and a sweatershirt. I wore my new sweater to Mixer and saw the vendor I bought it from getting to it inside this event as well. This vendor checked off every list. From having product on hand, using their work in more than one way, hosting a website, selecting great fabrics and products, and professional images on their site. I bought-in and thought since she was at this event it will only assist both platforms to share my thoughts on my purchase. Here is my review on B.Denae Artistry cultural/outspoken stickers.
This event was captured by MCT VISIONS & GAUTSCH VISION. Exclusive footage and photos will be released at the top of the new year. The purpose of the Mixer was to unite business owners, entrepreneurs, and to encourage business oriented people to start their own! We helped celebrate as a whole by supporting each other while simultaneously celebrating individual wins!
As if the value wasn't already over the top. Creative Connections then went on to giveaway a vendor spot. We Say, Easy Wins.
My takeaway from both experiences so far is the ability to tap into untapped areas of entertainment and networking with an inclusive approach. As Black people our immediate next step must be to monetize our influence before the day of our event. This way we not only put on a great final presentation but it's a forward motion in the right direction of progress. Our ability to fill rooms with opportunities is extremely valuable in these times. Don't sell yourself short because you don't know what you are worth. For more assistance please connect with us.
Ashley says: "When I started Creative Connections I was met with a million reasons why it would be hard to get it off of the ground the most common reason being that people in Madison don’t support each other! I even allowed some of that projected fear to linger in my mind, but through hard work and a strong will to create a new vibe in Madison I was able to get it done with the help of Breanna!"
This event embodied why Creative Connections was Created in the first place! We not only showed that madisonians can support each other but took it a step farther and got love from other surrounding cities!
"My goal is to build a network of small business owners, entrepreneurs, and like minded people to help ditch the stigma that you can’t support your neighbors and still win. The success of the Launch Party and the Holiday Mixer & Pop-Up Shop just shows that all Madison needed was the vibe to create the connections and that’s what I’m here to do. - Ashley #partywithapurpose
Thank you Ashley and Breanna for allowing us to cover your footprints and share your growth with our family. Which makes you family now. We greet and depart each other by one saying first, Love is, Love then the other person says Always. If you would like to learn more about Creative Connections or Breanna Guenther please click on their images or visit their social media.
Respectfully, contact the details below for more information or to be featured in our blogs.
Breyon "1neofmani" Sommerville
lessworklifestyle@gmail.com 1444 E. Washington Ave, Madison, Wisconsin, 53703
LessWork Literature is not your normal blog site. We don't survive on clicks. We don't create content for advertising dollars. Our goal is to create a template for local artists to make a local living, forever. We need you. If you can help today—because every gift of any size matters—please do.
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Written by: 1neofmani Pen
Photos/Video: LessWork Lens
