Welcome

GUEST SPEAKER - WORKSHOP - AYO UNIVERSITY

 AYO Boutique is not just a clothing store but is a group of entrepreneurs that came together to create a mega investment group. The goal of the store is to bring entrepreneurs from all over the world together to work as one to create opportunities outside of the clothing store alone. The overall goal is to open up one store in each state full of not just clothing brands, but entrepreneurs that make jewelry create custom sneakers and more.

My goal has always been to change the world. I just needed to do it my way and this is my way!

ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND THE QUALITIES WE NEED TO HAVE IN ORDER TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN OUR FIELD OF CHOICE.

WORKSHOP - THE ART OF VENDING

Malaika Tamu Cooper, Owner of DreadznHeadz Salons and The Natural Hair Care Expo

Malaika has over 20 years of professional natural hair care expertise. 

Marketing with Malaika started out as an email blast/ radio shout out service offered to all of her many vendors but has evolved into a larger selection of affordable marketing solutions.

We are adding new tools all the time, so keep checking back!  

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

GUEST SPEAKER

Cashland is a clothing brand that sells t-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, and leather jackets. Cashland West Inc. is a cozy shop in Baltimore, Maryland that sells the Cashland brand. They also offer custom t-shirts, embroidery, and men's clothing. 

 The owner Jon Cash started the company in January of 2000.  He has had several locations in malls and on storefronts but now he operates a flagship store on the southside of downtown near the casino.

GUEST SPEAKER

Sharron Johnson known as Ms.Critique is a serial entrepreneur that specializes in Branding, Mental Health, Beauty and Entertainment. She’s a Lifestyle Coach and Licensed Cosmetologist that utilizes her skill to enhance the success of her business in order to help others. At the expo she will tackle the importance of image and building a strong team. 

GUEST SPEAKER - GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Multi Media Creator: Manual & Digital Graphic Artist, Podcast Host/Engineer, Recording Artist, Music Producer, Writer.

My practice has been mastering the language of art in all Facets.  In everything I do art has played a substantial role, and I’m the type where if I commit to doing something I aim to be elite.  Art has always been a passion of mine but the marketability came when I crossed paths with Daryell Mack, who has become a mentor and business partner.

My plan is to revolutionize the graphic design experience to not only grow my business but to educate others and bring up other aspiring artists who are looking to establish themselves in this field.

GUEST SPEAKER - SPONSOR

Kermit Fowlkes is the CEO of Focus Movers Relocation Service.

Choose FOCUS !! One the most affordable moving companies that Baltimore, MD has to offer, turn to Focus Movers Relocation Services. Kermit and his Moving Teams are bringing well over 20 + years of experience to the table, they're a local, family-owned company that's always up to help with a list of community events. Mr. Fowlkes is a guest speaker this year and also our Branded Vehicle Wrap Business Sponsors.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER - GRAPHIC DESIGNER

HUSBAND, DAD, PRODUCTION SPECIALIST, GRAPHIC DESIGNER, INSPIRING CHEF, HALL OF FAME BALTIMORE BATTLE RAP LEGEND (PITFIGHTS & BALTIMORE BATTLES). I HAVE BEEN IN THE BRANDING INDUSTRY SINCE 2015. UNDER THE MENTORSHIP OF DARYELL MACK I HAVE MASTERED THE DESIGN, PRINT AND PRODUCTION ASPECTS. IM HERE TO HELP BRING YOUR VISION TO LIFE. MY GOAL IS TO HELP BUILD AND ELEVATE YOUR BRAND.

GUEST SPEAKER

GUEST SPEAKER - EXHIBITOR

Walidah Yaminah Tech Professional and Founder of Selfie Space Baltimore Selfie Museum - Prop designer/builder

The founder of the Selfie Space Baltimore Selfie Museum is Walidah Yaminah. With  a passion for art, photography, and social media, Walidah recognized the growing trend of selfies and saw an opportunity to create a unique experience for people to capture and share memorable moments at Mondawmin Mall. In 2021, she established the Selfie Space Selfie Museum at Mondawmin Mall, a creative space where visitors could explore various themed backdrops designed specifically for capturing stunning selfies. Walidah’s vision and entrepreneurial spirit brought joy and inspiration to countless individuals seeking a fun and interactive way to express themselves through the art of selfies. Selfie Space has expanded to offer event focal points, custom prop/backdrop builds.

GUEST SPEAKER - EXHIBITOR - SPONSOR - WORKSHOP

Multi-Award Winning Poet/Writer, Singer, Songwriter, Musician/Creative, Healer & Certified Life Coach

As Founder and Executive Director of The Baltimore Scene, Chin-yer has created, organized, produced, promoted, and sponsored a plethora of poetry, hip hop and artistic events and outlets that showcase Baltimore's youth and Baltimore's underground artistic scene. Her many events in the city including The Baltimore Crown Awards, The Annual $700 Word War Poetry Slam Series, Baltimore Beat Academy, The Masters MC battles, Rap God Competition, Track Meet, Numerous Open Mics, Baltimore Town Hall Meetings, Reggae Live!, Energy, Fundraisers have enhanced Baltimore's inner-city art community over the last decade. Her platforms TheBaltimorescene.FM "where the scene is heard" offers discussion, connection, and offers growth for the scene. Her blog "bmore candid" provides an honest take on several scene related subjects.

In addition to serving the scene, Chin-yer is a writer and professional artist. She has performed in numerous major festivals, venues, and events in the country and has released three multi-genre albums. She won Mustang's Battle of the Bands as lead vocalist. She holds a degree in English and is currently earning her Masters Degree in Creative Writing. Chin-yer conducts workshops in vocal training, poetry, and writing (multi-genres).

WORKSHOP - SIP.LEARN.PRESS

Julie Williamson Sapp, founder and CEO of Sip. Learn. Press!, a pioneering Black-owned design company, is thrilled to introduce the T-Shirt Business-in-a-Box, an all-in-one kit for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners interested in starting or expanding their t-shirt businesses. This groundbreaking product, now available to Walmart's online shoppers, empowers individuals to effortlessly kickstart their ventures, offering comprehensive tools and resources in a single package.

GUEST SPEAKER - EXHIBITOR

Topic: How to start your children's event planning business and brand it like a pro.

I am a branding specialist from logos, website, marketing and more. I teach Artist to present themselves in front of and behind the camera. I lead workshops on public speaking, creative writing, vendor marketing , customer service, building network relationships and so much more!

Presently, I serving as one of Visit Baltimore – CIAA Ambassadors. My current project is A TASTE

OF SOUL culinary tourism initiative which includes publishing Maryland’s newest “Green Book”.

Which includes your best listings of restaurants, retail shops, tourist attractions, events, clubs,

professional services in the greater Baltimore region.

TOPICS OF DISCUSSION:  

How to MAP your business!

M.A.P.=Marketing, Advertising & Promoting Your Business

 I am a strategist that creates my clients visions. To help them, I create their branding, marketing materials, coordinate their events, help with their business plans and grants, and do strategic planning (because businesses need sustainability) To date, I have helped many businesses with strategy and content to flourish. Some notable, some fledgling. To date, none have folded under my direction/oversight. 

 My name is Odessa White I’m a #1 best selling author of 2 titles and have won 7 awards the biggest being WDAS woman of excellence in 2019. I’m founder and CEO of OGW PUBLISHING where I teach writers how to turn their book into their brand as they build their legacy. This is done thru one on one coaching to develop their stories and than they have the option to utilize our publishing services. I have authors all over the world and have published over 40 books to date. 

Cykeithia "The Beauty Boss" Henderson is an empowering educator devoted to inspiring others to be their best while simultaneously sharing best strategies to SUCCEED in any business effortlessly.

Not only is Twizz one of thee best DJs ever but he is also one of thee best graphic designers to work with.   Watch as he demonstrates how branding and music go hand in hand.

Fashion and music marketing veteran has influenced companies for years with his prolific approach to creating brands. Hear parts of his strategy at The Branded Expo.
 

Sam (Shena) Smith is a conductor of creativity energizing the Art & Fashion landscape in Baltimore and beyond. 

Hey friends, I'm Sam!

A wife, mother and creative with an immense passion for empowering the local and global community.  When I am not styling or involved with client projects, I serve as an Art & Fashion educator for the community and a designer and curator of unique luxuries for the New Vintage by Sam brand. 

 Music artist, actor, clothing designer, record label CEO, writer/producer & WGYC Street Team Capo

My life partner and I created Nappy Natural Swagg to represent US unapologetically.

I also run WGYC Street Team DMV and one of our biggest clients is Mogul Printing.  If you have seen a MP pole sticker or flier anywhere in VA it probably came from me.

TOPICS: Having an online and on street presence ... How to turn bad times into profitable situations.

Donna Bruce, Founder and CEO of Donna Bruce Unlimited Inc., is a

Senior Stylist, author, social justice activist, and inspirational speaker

who has overcome personal trauma experiences spanning 25 years.

With the support of her husband, she has dedicated over three decades to the cosmetology industry, mentoring aspiring stylists and leading various beauty schools.

She serves her community with passion, zeal, and integrity! Donna

Bruce Unlimited Inc. embodies the belief that community is

everybody's business.