#CharlotteIsCreative

[charlottecreativemornings]

Ready to Archive Some Amazing Memories?

Join us October 10 at CO-LAB at UNC Charlotte Center City to hear from Cheryse Terry — Charlotte native, mother, vintage collector, self-taught archivist, and the visionary founder of ARCHIVE CLT. Through grassroots fundraising, she brought her café and community hub on Beatties Ford Road to life. In just five months after opening, Cheryse's work preserving Black history and culture caught the attention of the Today Show. Her personal collection even graced the walls of the Mint Museum's exhibition "The Vault."

But here's what makes Cheryse's story perfect for our morning together: she didn't wait for permission to become the change she wished to see. She saw what her community needed and made it happen — one vintage find, one story, one preserved piece of history at a time. Cheryse knows that creative entrepreneurship isn't just about starting a business. It's about building something that matters, something that lasts, something that serves your community.

So … Let's All Have a CreativeMorning — Entrepreneur Style!

Join us Friday, October 10 from 8 to 10 a.m. when Cheryse Terry takes the stage at CO-LAB at UNC Charlotte Center City — an innovation and entrepreneurship hub that cultivates collaboration, creativity and technological advancement. (Pretty perfect venue match, right?) And speaking of perfect matches — we're helping our sponsor, UNC Charlotte, kick off Niner Nation Week 2025 with this event! That means we'll have everything you love about CreativeMornings PLUS:

🚗 FREE Uptown Parking! 🎵 Charlotte drumline and live music 🤸‍♀️ UNC Charlotte cheerleaders 🎁 49er swag and amazing giveaways ☕ Hot java from Enderly Coffee 🥐 Breakfast bites from Community Culinary School of Charlotte 🥂 Morning Mocktails from Swizzled ⚡ 49-Second Pitches & Bolts of Inspiration 🤗 HUGS, high fives & heapin' helpings of connection

Get your FREE ticket right now!

Cheryse's story proves that the best entrepreneurs don't just build businesses — they build community, preserve culture, and create spaces where everyone belongs. Come learn how she turned her passion for Charlotte's West Side into a thriving hub that celebrates our city's rich cultural heritage.

Because just like Cheryse will tell you, some memories are worth preserving forever. This CreativeMorning promises to be one of them. GET YOUR FREE TICKET NOW!

[charlottecreativemornings]

Have you seen this man before? Yeah, you have!

Whether it’s celebrating the creative community of Charlotte with us every month, gracing Queen City stages as an actor, starring in radio and TV commercials or … you know … appearing in hit shows like Ozark, Stranger Things, Outer Banks, The Hate U Give, Homeland, Nashville and The Vampire Diaries.

Brian Lafontaine has spent over 30 years as a professional actor, but his real superpower is helping people communicate with clarity, confidence and authenticity.

As a public speaking coach and event host, Brian helps people stop “presenting” and start connecting. Because your message matters — but only if people believe you when you say it.

Join us Friday, Sept. 5 from 8 to 10 a.m. when Brian Lafontaine takes the stage at Project 658 to speak on the global theme of “Blossom.”

As always, we’ll have hot java from Enderly Coffee, breakfast bits from Community Culinary School of Charlotte, 49-Second Pitches, Bolts of Inspiration, HUGS, high-fives, live music and heapin’ helpings of community connection and togetherness.

Get your FREE ticket right now at https://creativemornings.com/talks/brian-lafontaine

[charlottecreativemornings]

Do you have strong feelings about artificial intelligence? Are you looking to learn more and figure out how it’s affecting your life and your artistic pursuits? Good. Let’s get into it. 

From 8 to 10 a.m. on Friday, August 8, we’re going to do something a little different at CreativeMornings/Charlotte.

As CreativeMornings chapters around the world have been doing throughout the year, we’re engaging our chapter in a community conversation about artificial intelligence (A.I.) and creativity at Blume Studios. This is part of CreativeMornings’ international “Thriving Through Change” series.

AUGUST 8, ON A VERY SPECIAL CM/CLT …

While the morning will still feature the creative fellowship we all love – along with hot Enderly Coffee, breakfast bites from Community Culinary School of Charlotte, a giveaway game and (yes) even the infamous sponsor song – this gathering will center on a moderated chat about how A.I. is impacting the present and the future of creatives. 

We’ve gathered a panel of 7 individuals with a wide array of experience, opinions and feelings about A.I. Before we break into audience questions, we’ll be throwing a crowdsourced series of statements and questions at our panel to see how they feel about them and to allow them to share their perspectives.

Now, we need your help to develop the list of questions and statements we'll ask our panelists to react to. We are aiming for a diverse collection of opinions/positions from folks who are excited to use A.I. in their work ... to those who are still uncertain ... to those we are greatly concerned about the impact A.I. is having on their work.

That's where you come in! If you have something you’d like us to consider sharing with the panel, PLEASE CLICK HERE and take this 2-minute survey where you can share your question(s).

AND THEN, GET YOUR FREE TICKET!

This is sure to be a robust morning in a truly future-focused place – Blume Studios. And, it won’t be the same without you. CLICK HERE to claim your FREE ticket! 

[charlottecreativemornings]

Davita Galloway Jul 18, 2025 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM EDT Johnson C. Smith University Science Center

On June 2, 2017, Dr. Davita Galloway asked a vitally important question: What does it take to survive as a creative in Charlotte?

On Friday, July 18, 2025, she' back again -- our first ever repeat speaker ever -- to hare her thoughts on the global theme of "Mentor."

Davita is a creative leader. An active, beloved, engaging, supportive and challenging Charlotte creative, entrepreneur and fashion-forward force for change who believes in building safe spaces for self-expression and community empowerment.

We’re being generously hosted at the Johnson C. Smith University Science Center. Doors will open at 8:00 a.m. for coffee, breakfast bites, morning mocktails, music, mingling and more, and then our inspiring program will run 8:30-10:00 a.m. Tickets are currently available — so grab yours while you can.

And, fear not – our friends at Charlotte Star Room will be filming it for you to watch later if you’re unable to be in the room with us this month. Learn more at https://creativemornings.com/talks/davita-galloway

[charlottecreativemornings]

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN! That PUNK, Mitchell Kearney, is our speaker on June 6!

ATTENTION CREATIVE REBELS! The summer's about to get LOUD, FAST, and UNAPOLOGETICALLY RAW! Do you feel that energy coursing through your veins? That three-chord rebellion screaming in your soul? Well… ARE YOU READY TO MOSH IN THE MORNING?

GOOD! Because you're cordially invited to CRASH THE PARTY at CreativeMornings/Charlotte on June 6! STAGE DIVE INTO the newly upgraded VAPA Center – our very own CBGB for coffee, chaos, and creative anarchy!

We're going full-throttle punk on June 6th from 8-10am. Our headliner, Charlotte's Mitchell Kearney, isn't just a photographer – he's a visual chronicler of the 1970s/80s NYC punk explosion who captured the raw, unfiltered essence of an entire generation's rebellion.

He'll be dropping beats on this month's global theme of PUNK! And, it's gonna be louder than Black Flag!

NO RULES! NO LIMITS! JUST PURE CREATIVE MAYHEM! Our lineup is more stacked than a punk show in someone's basement:

💽 DJ Mayhem courtesy of Harvey Cummings II – spinning tracks that'll make you want to start a mosh pit in the coffee line

☕ Fuel for Rebels from Enderly Coffee – because even anarchists need their caffeine fix

🍹Liquid Courage (non-alcoholic) from Swizzled – morning mocktails with the kick of a Doc Marten

🐣 Power Chord Provisions from Community Culinary School of Charlotte – breakfast bites that hit harder than a Clash riff

⚡ A Bolt of Inspiration from UNC Charlotte & The Savage Way – because receiving awards can be punk, too

🎸 Live punk-infused performances from Little Heart Machine and Baran Dance – bringing that raw, unfiltered energy

🎤 Prize giveaways, H.U.G. Grants, 49-Second Pitches, a sponsor song by two atonal punks, plus more creative chaos than you can handle

Ready to join the QC creative revolution? Click HERE and CLAIM YOUR FREE TICKET TO THE 6/6 UPRISING!

[charlottecreativemornings]

BAKER. ADVOCATE. IMMIGRANT. HERO. MANOLO FEEDS US FEB. 7!

Secure Your FREE Ticket Now to a Soul-Filling Morning It's no surprise that celebrated Charlotte baker, Manuel "Manolo" Betancur, won the World Hero USA Award in 2021. He's been serving people (with food and kindness) and saving lives here in the Queen City and around the world for years. GET TIX HERE.

Now, as we continue our joyful march through our 10th Anniversary Year, Manolo will be our speaker on February 7th, diving into the perfectly-matched global theme of "Layers." 

GET FED ON FEB. 7 We'll be gathering in the gorgeous new Assembly Hall atMyers Park United Methodist Church, where Manolo also happens to have set up a brand new endeavor, Higher Grounds Café. 

The bountiful "Betancur Breakfast Buffet" will also come with heapin' helpings of live music from Tre. Charles, delicious Enderly Coffee, breakfast bites from the Community Culinary School of Charlotte, morning mocktails from Swizzled, wake-up music from Harvey Cummings II, prizes, HUGs and high-fives, 49-Second Pitches, a Bolt of Inspiration and so much more. GET YOUR TICKET FOR CREATIVE MORNINGS ON 2/7 HERE.

[charlottecreativemornings]

On Friday, June 14, 2024, our featured speaker on the theme of “Pattern” will be Jonell Logan -- a beloved Charlotte curator, arts advocate and nonprofit leader who believes in building visionary, mission-driven organizations that support contemporary art and culture. We’re being generously hosted at The Hamilton Event Spaces at NC Music Factory. Doors will open at 8:00 a.m. for coffee, breakfast bites, morning mocktails, music, mingling and more, and then our inspiring program will run 8:30-10:00 a.m. We’re at a wait list at this point, but PLEASE do add yourself to the wait list. And, fear not – our friends at Charlotte Star Room will be filming it for you to watch later if you’re unable to be in the room with us this month. Learn more at https://creativemornings.com/talks/jonell-logan

[charlottecreativemornings]

On Friday, April 12, 2024, our featured speaker on the theme of “Spicy” will be Charlotte’s own Dammit Wesley -- the indomitable, interdisciplinary artist, builder, provocateur and creative leader who's been taking the QC by storm. The morning event will be a part of Charlotte SHOUT! as we'll be gathering at Victoria Yards INSIDE an immersive work of art by international artist, Morag Myerscough. We’ll also have live music, microgrants, prizes, pitches and tons more. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. for free coffee, breakfast and mingling, and then our inspiring program will run 8:30-10:00 a.m. Spice up your creative life by snagging your FREE ticket now at https://creativemornings.com/talks/dammit-wesley #CMspicy

[charlottecreativemornings]

On the morning of Friday, December 1, 2023, join us as we celebrate our 8th BIRTHDAY (!) as a chapter with featured speakers Greg and Subrina Collier, the dynamic husband-and-wife team behind numerous acclaimed Charlotte restaurants. Chef Greg was the first chef from Charlotte to be a Beard Award finalist for the Best Chef: Southeast category, while Subrina was named a 2020 James Beard Foundation Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership fellow. The pair were named Charlotteans of the Year by Charlotte Magazine, and they serve on President Joe Biden's Small Business and Entrepreneurs Advisory Council. Get ready for an amazing morning -- we’re being generously hosted at Project 658, which is a large enough venue for you to invite/bring your colleagues, friends or family (kids welcome!). We’ll also have performances by multiple theater groups, as well as wake-up tunes by DJ Harvey Cummings II, microgrants, prizes, pitches and more. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. for free coffee, breakfast, music and mingling, and then our program will run 8:30-10:00 a.m. COME HELP US CELEBRATE 8 YEARS AND COUNTING! Learn more and grab your FREE ticket at https://creativemornings.com/talks/greg-and-subrina-collier #CMpain (Photo by Brie Williams)

[charlottecreativemornings]

TWO SUPERSTARS JOIN THE DAYBREAK LEGENDS -- COLIN MOCHRIE & ASAD MECCI ARE OUR GUEST SPEAKERS ON SEPT. 8!

Yes, Colin Mochrie is the improv comedy legend you know from Whose Line Is It Anyway? And Asad Mecci is the world-renowned master hypnotist who has captivated millions worldwide. But on the morning of 9/8, they'll both be our special guest speakers at CreativeMornings/Charlotte!

Thanks to our friends at Northwood Office, we'll be gathering at The Amp Ballantyne. We’ll also have a performance by American Idol Top 7 finalist Jurnee, wake-up tunes by DJ Harvey Cummings II, microgrants, prizes, pitches and tons more. Doors will open at 8:00 a.m. for coffee + breakfast + music + mingling, and then our fun and inspiring program will run 8:45-10:00 a.m. Learn more and grab your FREE ticket at https://creativemornings.com/talks/colin-mochrie-asad-mecci #CMsimplicity

[charlottecreativemornings]

On Friday, August 4, 2023, our featured speaker on the theme of "Pride" will be Charlotte's own beloved fashion designer and illustrator, Will White. Residing at the crossroads of visual art and high fashion, Will is a rising star who has already constructed clothes for Max Azria, swimsuits for the Washington Redskinettes, a Bronner Brother's Fashion Show, wedding dresses (including his own wife's), and was a semi-finalist on Season 17 of Project Runway. We’re being generously hosted at an incredible new gathering space at Camp North End, which is a large enough venue for you to invite/bring your colleagues, friends or family (kids welcome!). We’ll also have a performance by QC hip hop artist, Trey Armstrong, wake-up tunes by DJ Harvey Cummings II, microgrants, prizes, pitches and tons more. Doors open at 8:15 a.m. for free coffee, breakfast, music and mingling, and then our program will run 8:45-10:00 a.m. THIS IS NOT ONE YOU'LL WANT TO MISS! Learn more and grab your FREE ticket at https://creativemornings.com/talks/will-white #CMpride

[charlottecreativemornings]

Join us on Friday, July 14 as we dive into our global theme of "Treasure" with none other than “The Toy Guru" himself, Scott Neitlich. As a renowned toy designer, Scott has worked with some of the world’s largest and most successful companies including Allergan, Mattel, Warner Bros. and Disney/Lucasfilm, and his innovative product lines have included Mattel’s Masters of the Universe Classics. It's fitting that we're being hosted in Ballantyne Village's former movie theater space, as Scott's work in the toy industry often crosses over onto the big screen! Doors will open at 8:15 a.m. for music, mingling and more, and then our inspiring program will run 8:45-10:00 a.m. Learn more and register for FREE at https://creativemornings.com/talks/scott-neitlich. #CMtreasure

[charlottecreativemornings]

On Friday, June 3, 2023 our featured speaker will be the inimitable Corey Mitchell -- fresh off his appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show -- sharing his perspective and stories as a Tony Award-winning director, actor, advocate, teacher, and founder of Theatre Gap Initiative. We're being generously hosted at the amazing new Parr Center at Central Piedmont Community College. With a larger-than-normal venue, we have extra room this time -- making this event the perfect one for you to finally invite/bring your work team, board members, friends or family (kids welcome!). We’ll also have musical guests Søelle and Mahari Freeman, guest DJ Jeff Taylor of Soulful Sounds, microgrants, prizes (including signed artwork!), pitches, and tons more. Doors open at 8:15 a.m. for music, mingling and more, and then our program will run 8:45-10:00 a.m. Learn more and grab your FREE ticket at https://creativemornings.com/talks/corey-mitchell #CMreverie

[charlottecreativemornings]

OUR NEXT CREATIVEMORNINGS IS ABOUT "MOVEMENT" FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2023 Folks, this might scramble your brain a bit, but our "April" event is actually happening on March 31. And trust us, you're going to want to MOVE heaven & earth to be there. GET TIX HERE: https://www.creativemornings.com/talks/lauren-widrick FREE registration is now officially open for our next gathering on 3/31 featuring the incomparable Lauren Widrick tackling our global theme of "Movement." It's a topic she's intimately familiar with, having moved from investment banking to full-time Entrepreneurship Coach, and now dedicating her life to helping people slay their life’s dreams. Is there something specific that you want in your life? If so, what's keeping you from moving toward it? Lauren has a treasure trove of insights + resources to help get you there, but you'll need to be in the CreativeMornings room on March 31 to hear everything she has to say and share with us.   We're being generously hosted at The BOplex (in a beautiful event space in the new skywalk between Ovens Auditorium and Bojangles Coliseum). Click the big 'ol button below to claim your FREE ticket to an inspiring morning with Lauren, musical guest Jason Atkins, and much more! Doors will open at 8:15 a.m. for music, mingling and more, and then our program will run 8:45-10:00 a.m.

[charlottecreativemornings]

On Friday 3/3/23 we’ll be ushering in March with the world-renowned fiddler Mark O'Connor as our special guest speaker, alongside his formidable fiddle-wielding partner, Maggie O'Connor. It will be an inspiring, music-filled event that will set the tone for your entire month! We’re being generously hosted at The Hamilton Event Spaces at NC Music Factory. Doors will open at 8:15 a.m. for music, mingling and more, and then our program will run 8:45-10:00 a.m. We're at a waiting list at this point, but fear not -- our friends at Charlotte Star Room will be filming it for you to watch later if you’re unable to be in the room with us this month. Learn more at https://creativemornings.com/talks/mark-o-connor

[charlottecreativemornings]

On Friday, February 3, we'll be exploring our monthly global theme of "Touch" with The Queen City's first-ever Poet Laureate, Jay Ward. Believe us, you haven't been touched by words until you've been touched by the astonishing, heart-stirring words of Jay Ward. We're being generously hosted at the Gambrell Center for the Arts and Civic Engagement at Queens University -- so grab your backpack and hacky sack, sneak past the RA's dorm room and meet us on campus for an inspiring morning of creativity, connection...and of course, coffee. Doors will open at 8:15 a.m. for music, mingling and more, and then our program will run 8:45-10:00 a.m. Our friends at Charlotte Star Room will be filming it for you to watch later if you’re unable to join us this month. Learn more and grab your FREE ticket at https://creativemornings.com/talks/jay-ward #CMtouch

[charlottecreativemornings]

We hope you’ll be in the room with us on Friday, November 4, 2022 as we dive into our global theme of “Truth” with the incredible DeNeer Davis. Many thanks to our friends at Carolina Farm Trust for hosting us in their new distribution center in the Historic Hoskins neighborhood in Northwest Charlotte. And hey, our friends at Charlotte Star Room will be filming it for you to watch later if you’re unable to join us this month. Learn more at https://creativemornings.com/talks/deneer-davis #CMtruth