The founders of Ladies Who Brunch Atlanta, Daysira “DayBella” Jones and Bianca Rush, are expanding their royal tea-themed soiree into a national business seminar. After just a few years of successfully bringing together hundreds of female entrepreneurs and socialites at their inaugural event the powerful duo is turning things up a notch for the new year with their first Ladies of Business conference happening Feb. 5-7, 2016, at private posh locations across the city. Attendees will have a chance to participate in fitness sessions, cocktail hours, networking mixers, mingle at exclusive dinners and, of course, attend the signature brunch.
The one-of-a-kind convention will give aspiring entrepreneurs a once in a lifetime opportunity to rub elbows with several heavy hitters representing a diverse group of industries. Recently, the ladies have released a few notable names from the star-studded lineup of speakers, including Fashion Bomb Daily editor-in-chief, Claire Sulmers; VH1 reality star, Toya Wright; Snob Life Studio CEO, Ming Lee; branding expert, Miss Diddy; and Eden Body Works founder, Jasmine Lawrence. Rolling out spoke with the co-founders to find out more details on their new business venture, how they continue to brand themselves, and they dish a few tips on how to use social media as a marketing vehicle.
How did the two of you become acquainted with each other?
Bianca Rush: We initially met at a turkey giveaway during Thanksgiving a few years ago at Ming Lee’s Snob Life Studio. We networked and really hit it off and realized we had a lot in common. From that point we became business partners and started Ladies Who Brunch ATL.
Why did you guys decide to expand the brunch into a conference?
BR: We really want to help women and young girls grow their brands. This conference gives local and national business owners a platform to talk about their personal journey in becoming successful businesswomen. Those testimonies can help these women elevate in their careers and figure what their next move is going to be or how to start their own company. We really want to empower women with this conference.
How do you select the speakers for your conference?
BR: We try to bring women from a variety of different industries so that the conference will appeal to all types of women. We have speakers that are salon owners, branding experts, reality stars, journalists and general business owners. So far we have Claire Sulmers, Toya Wright, Ming Lee, Miss Diddy and a bunch more coming.
How will the Ladies of Business conference differ from other female empowerment conferences?
Daysira Jones: Our conference is different because it’s put together by young millennials who are looking at business from a different point of view.
How do you guys brand yourselves and your company on social media.
BR: We always stay consistent with our message and true to who we are. We also pay attention to the quality of the content we post. We make sure our pictures are always high resolution images. Followers really pay attention to the quality of of what they are looking at. Another thing we do is make sure to use the same hashtag to keep the brand trending. We are also strategic in the events we attend. If it someone when want to work with then we will go to the event to network, send representatives with flyers for our events or find someone who can speak on our behalf if we can’t make it.
When you are seeking entrepreneurial advice, who do go to?
BR: I always go to my father. He has made a lot of smart entrepreneurial decisions to make him very successful after growing up poor. I really trust his judgement.
DJ: I would have to say my mother. I don’t know what I would do without her. She always pushes me to do better.
What do you hope women will learn after attending your conference?
BR: I hope they get excited for Monday and a fresh start being back in the office.
DJ: I want them to feel uplifted and excited about their future. I hope they leave with knowledge of how to grow their brand.
Where can women register for the conference?
DJ: For women who want to attend or get involved, they can go to our website at www.ladieswhobrunchatl.com and follow us on social media @ladieswhobrunchatl. If they are interested in volunteering, they can email Shawntel White at [email protected].
