Reported By Women: The 2019 Professional Pretty Conference
Reporting by Kristyn Bridges. Photography by Ayesha Nurredin.
“A single flower blooming looks very nice, but a field of flowers in bloom is overwhelming.”
–Chara Jackson
The second annual Professional Pretty Conference by Morgan A. Owens, entrepreneur and founder of Curvy Cardio, converged in Cincinnati, May 24-26, 2019. The conference, located at the Kennedy Art Center Annex, opened with a V.I.P. night full of local vendors, energizing music spun by Ms. Ebony J., and plenty of time for impactful mixing and mingling. With the theme of the weekend in mind, State Representative Alicia Reece spoke to the crowd, reminding us all that behind every blooming season is the preparation season, the one that people don’t see. It takes investment, consistency, and belief in your work to reach your goals and create a lasting business.
Conference day, hosted by Ask Ashlee, was filled with five insightful panels, providing the 250-plus conference attendees with a wealth of information to help carry them forward in their entrepreneurial efforts, or in achieving their corporate aspirations. Keynote Chara Jackson, Acting President/CEO of Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio, spoke eloquently about “leveling up,” and stood firm on the belief that blooming together is more powerful than blooming apart; there is enough success to go around. Morgan Owens (who was graciously surprised throughout the day by praises and accolades from colleagues, the city of Cincinnati, and the Ohio House of Representatives) also hit the stage to share a bit about her journey and the behind the scenes of how she got to where she is today. Food, provided by corporate sponsors, was available for all conference goers, and “Slay Alley Way,” which consisted of Morgan’s entire glam squad, was open for vending for the duration of the conference.
“The only way we can make it to the top is together.”
–Carmen Gaines
On May 26, the conference weekend wrapped up with a “Self-Care Sunday” brunch at Blush, which consisted of another gem-dropping panel plus opportunities for networking.
The Professional Pretty Conference was a weekend full of inspiration, truth bombs, and meaningful connections. As Carmen Gaines of Women’s Liberation Workshop said during the thoughtful entrepreneur panel, “The only way we can make it to the top is together.”
Be on the lookout for details about The Professional Pretty Conference 2020. You don’t want to miss it!
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