The Biscuit – 1/30/25
The Fall 2024 CEI Cohort
MEET THE SPRING 2025 CEI COHORT!On behalf of our publishers, Charlotte Is Creative, we’re thrilled to announce the 15 local artists and makers selected for the next Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative (CEI) Cohort.
The 7th CEI cohort showcases individuals engaged in a diverse array of creative practices including visual arts, filmmaking, culinary arts, fashion design, music, improv comedy, and more. They begin their journey on Monday, Jan. 3. Cohort members will be paid to attend 10 business training courses and workshops, most of which are open to the public. They will network with fellow creatives, CEI alumni and Charlotte’s business community. They’ll also get headshots and one-on-one consultations. After completing the program, they’ll receive a $1,500 honorarium to invest in themselves. JOIN IN ON THE FUN (AND LEARNING)As mentioned above, many of the CEI classes are open to anyone for audit. If you’re not in the cohort, come learn alongside them. Each of the classes below are free and open and will take place at the Do Greater CTRV Lab at 2400 Greenland Avenue (the ground floor of Shiloh Institutional Baptist Church). Sign up for any or all of them by clicking the button below. - 2/17 (6-8 p.m.) – Tax Workshop
- 2/24 (6-8 p.m.) – Budgeting & Business Finance
- 3/3 (6-8 pm) – Legal Matters & Contracts
- 3/17 (6-8 p.m.) – Overcoming Fear & Imposter Syndrome as a Creative Entrepreneur
- 3/24 (6-8 pm) – Promotion & Marketing for Emerging Creatives
MEET THE COHORT
What is your creative discipline?
My fashion designs are a physical manifestation of my personality – bright, bold, and transformative. How can people hire/support you? - Commission work for one-time events and clients
- Ready-to-wear collections I have designed in the past for my own line
What excites you about the journey ahead in CEI?
I’m excited to establish and legitimize my brand through the help of the CEI program. Growing my network to make money outside of my current primary income. I am also excited to meet new creatives outside of my current creative circle and learn from them. 
What do you do?
I love drawing, painting and teaching art. How can people hire/support you? - Murals and art commissions
- Screen printing
- Customization
- Body painting
- Teaching and workshops
What excites you about the journey ahead in CEI?
Gaining new knowledge that will push my passion forward. 
What do you do?
Authentic storytelling through cinematic visuals, capturing unique perspectives and emotional connections in every project. How can people hire/support you? - Videography Services: Creating promotional videos for gyms, restaurants, and small businesses
- Documentary Filmmaking: Producing short films that tell unique, character-driven stories
- Content Creation: Developing branded social media content for clients
- Video Editing: Providing post-production services, including cutting, color grading, and sound design
- Photography: Capturing professional photos for marketing materials, events, and food styling
- Consulting: Advising businesses on creative strategies to enhance their visual branding
What do you do?
Pertinacious Coffee strives to offer top-tier catering services to each unique event. How can people hire/support you? - Order pre-booked catering services
- Visit for regular operation at The Long Room in Plaza Midwood
- Buy specialty house-made bottled syrups
- Attend latte art classes (new venture)
What excites you about the journey ahead in CEI?
“I’m excited to grow my community/network in a powerful way and gain confidence in areas where I don’t feel strong yet!” 
IG: @OnlyFromEm
WEB: EmilyLittleExpressions.com What’s your creative discipline?
I create 2D artworks in a range of mediums, from pet portraits to abstract. How can people hire/support you? - Prints
- Commissions
- Original paintings
- Poems
What excites you about the journey ahead in CEI?
“Using my newfound knowledge to level up my business.” 
IG: @JamieLykesii
WEB: CLICK HERE What’s your creative discipline?
My goal is to create custom unique wearable art pieces that exude one’s inner beauty. How can people hire/support you? - Designing and creating custom clothing
- Tailoring/upcycling garments
- Styling
- Event decoration/planning assistance
- Closet revamping
- Beginner sewing lessons
- Culinary side-quest (meal prepping and baked goods)
What excites you about the journey ahead in CEI?
I am most excited to be in a room of like-minded individuals striving to scale their businesses and elevate their craft. 
What’s your creative discipline?
Songwriting and live performance. How can people hire/support you? - Stream or download released music
- Follow me on streaming and social platforms
- Use my music for social media posts, YouTube videos, commercials, or indie films
- Hire me for a private performance or attend a public show
- Buy my merchandise
- Send virtual tips
What excites you about the journey ahead in CEI?
Getting clarity on my brand, creating a consistent marketing/PR strategy and getting better connected with Charlotte’s creative ecosystem. 
What do you do?
West & Remount creates personalized embroidered apparel, blending artistry and branding to celebrate identity and culture. How can people hire/support you? - Custom Embroidery Services – Personalize apparel, accessories and home decor with unique embroidered designs
- Branded Merchandise – Create custom logo apparel and promotional items for businesses, events and organizations
- Personalized Gifts – Design and produce monogrammed blankets, towels and tote bags for special occasions
- Team and Uniform Apparel – Provide custom uniforms and branded apparel for sports teams, schools and organizations
- HBCU and Divine 9 Products – Craft specialized merchandise celebrating culture, pride and heritage
What excites you about the journey ahead in CEI?
I am most excited to meet other creative small business owners. Learning and collaborating with them is the real gain in this program. 
What is your creative discipline?
I am a theatermaker and director, producing original works that address social issues of the times. How can people hire/support you? - Freelance theater directing
- Teaching artist work
- Producing original theater
What excites you about the journey ahead in CEI?
I’d like to develop my presence in the Piedmont theater scene and refine my business tools, including pitching, budgeting and grant writing. 
IG: @beardrian
WEB: AdrianMcqueenParrish.comWhat is your creative discipline?
I am a queer, non-binary poet, comedian and storyteller engaging audiences with authenticity, humor and emotion. How can people hire/support you? - Event organization and hosting
- Performing at events
- Writing commissioned poems
- Leading writing and meditation workshops
- Selling self-published books
What excites you about the journey ahead in CEI?
Meeting and collaborating with other creatives is one of my greatest passions. 
What do you do?
I design residential and community spaces to amplify culture, reflect identity, and foster belonging. How can people hire/support you? - Design contracts
- Event space booking
- Community group partnerships
What excites you about the journey ahead in CEI?
I’m most excited to collaborate with and foster community with other creatives. 
IG: @RansonStuart What is your creative discipline?
I teach and perform improv comedy with a specialty in musical improv. How can people hire/support you? - Coaching improv
- Teaching improv classes
- Business facilitation/team building
- Improv performances for events
What excites you about the journey ahead in CEI?
I look forward to building my personal community through CEI and stepping into full entrepreneurship for the first time. 
IG: @ArtByIngridSwanson
WEB: IngridSwanson.com What is your creative discipline?
I create whimsical murals, sculptures, resin, paintings, and poetry. How can people hire/support you? - Murals
- Etsy shop: MyWhimsicalities
- Custom commissions
What excites you about the journey ahead in CEI?
I’m excited to explore new strategic opportunities and deepen my connections in Charlotte’s creative community. 
What is your creative discipline?
Mixed media paintings on glass. How can people hire/support you? What excites you about the journey ahead in CEI?
Learning how to market and how to be self-employed. 
IG: @BeeTheSage
WEB: BeeTheeART.com What is your creative discipline?
My work is dedicated to amplifying the voices of historically marginalized people through art and literature. How can people hire/support you? - Illustration services
- Art education
- Speaking engagements
- Consultation services
- Purchase The Creative Composition Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing Children’s Books
What excites you about the journey ahead in CEI?
I’m always eager to learn and grow while building meaningful connections within my community. My goal is to transform into a consistent professional, moving beyond being an “on-again, off-again” entrepreneur to someone who thrives fully in their art with focus and purpose. CEI SPONSORS The Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative (CEI) is a program of Charlotte Is Creative, made possible with support from Wells Fargo, Mecklenburg County (through the American Rescue Plan Act), Interact Studio and the DoGreater Foundation. | The Biscuit is proudly sponsored by: |
 |
 |
 |
| 
