What do you get when you combine two friends, sorority sisters, successful brand commanders, and trailblazing entrepreneurs on the same stage? You get 45 minutes of pure joy, an abundance of Black girl magic, and an uplifting conversation that inspires everyone to aim higher and reach further!
At the ADCOLOR 2024 conference, attendees were treated to a delightful Saturday morning session featuring Eunique Jones Gibson, CEO of Culture Brands, and Luvvie Ajayi Jones, New York Times best-selling author and media maven. From the moment they stepped on stage, the atmosphere crackled with excitement and laughter as these two dynamic women shared their journeys, insights, and, most importantly, their infectious positivity.
The banter between Gibson and Jones was light-hearted yet packed with valuable lessons. Gibson shared the story of creating her groundbreaking game, Culture Tags, a fun and engaging way to celebrate and recognize cultural references. With a smile, she recounted a valuable lesson learned during the naming process—how a competitor’s clever name captured the essence of the game perfectly, while her initial idea fell flat. “Naming is everything!” she emphasized, and the audience laughed along, nodding in agreement.
As the conversation unfolded, Jones and Gibson candidly addressed the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, recounting the challenges they faced while building their brands. Their chemistry was palpable, and their shared experiences resonated with the audience, reminding everyone that the path to success isn’t always smooth. “Keep friends around you. Think bigger!” Jones urged, encouraging attendees to foster connections that uplift and inspire.
Jones, a powerhouse in her own right, is not just a best-selling author but also a book coach whose TED Talk has garnered over 10 million views. She is the CEO of Awe Love Media and a champion for women in business. Her words carried weight as she passionately addressed the common struggle of imposter syndrome. “Stop saying imposter syndrome—it doesn’t apply to us!” she declared, igniting a wave of empowerment in the room.
Drawing on her experiences, Jones shared the biblical wisdom, “Iron sharpens iron—go find you some iron.” This reminder underscored the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive and ambitious individuals who challenge and encourage growth. The audience couldn’t help but feel a surge of motivation, ready to seek out their own “iron” in the form of mentors and allies.
Throughout the session, the duo shared personal anecdotes and humorous quips, creating an atmosphere that felt like a gathering of friends rather than a formal talk. Their laughter was contagious, and their wisdom, invaluable. As they reflected on the importance of relationships, Gibson imparted a simple yet profound piece of advice: “Above all, be a good person and build good relationships—that’s all you need.” This heartfelt sentiment resonated deeply, reminding everyone of the power of kindness and connection.
As the conversation drew to a close, the audience felt uplifted and inspired. It echoed the profound words of Aibileen Clark from *The Help*: “You is Kind, You is Smart, You is Important.” In a world that often challenges our self-worth, Gibson and Jones served as a powerful reminder of the strength and significance each individual brings to the table.
This enlightening session was just one small part of the ADCOLOR 2024 conference, themed “OffMute,” which encourages advocacy and action in the ongoing fight to protect Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). With leaders like Eunique Jones Gibson and Luvvie Ajayi Jones taking the stage, it’s clear that the future is bright, filled with voices that will not be silenced.
As attendees left the session, smiles adorned their faces, and hearts brimmed with hope and excitement. The energy was palpable—an affirmation that, together, we can create and sustain million-dollar brands, uplift one another, and continue to make strides toward a more inclusive future. The morning was not just about business; it was a celebration of friendship, resilience, and the undeniable magic that happens when empowered women come together.
In the end, the message was clear: with a little joy, a lot of kindness, and unwavering support, we can all shine brighter and create a world where everyone can thrive.
