Culture Capital: Young Black Entrepreneurs Shaping Creative Industries

Culture Capital: Young Black Entrepreneurs Shaping Creative Industries
Presented by the Center of Entrepreneurial Development in Partnership with TROY Enterprises

Step into the epicenter of Black innovation, style, and storytelling as we bring together a powerhouse panel of young, trailblazing entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of music, fashion, and film.

Culture Capital is more than a panel — it’s a movement. This event features four dynamic African American men under 40 who are not just chasing success, they’re redefining it. From producing the sounds of a new generation to designing culturally charged fashion and directing purpose-driven films, these leaders are building brands that don’t just sell — they speak.

Moderated by Robert Smith, Co-Founder of Columbus Fashion Alliance, Breaking Bread Productions and VP, of Raw Material, at Victoria Secret. s no-holds-barred conversation will spotlight the hustle behind the art, the vision behind the brand, and the responsibility that comes with being a cultural creator.

Whether you're a student, entrepreneur, creative, or culture connoisseur — this is the conversation you need to hear.

🗓️ Sunday, November 23rd at 🕒 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Panelist include:

Armand Troy – Music producer and songwriter shaping the next generation of sound.
Kevin Herring Jr. – Fashion disruptor and operations leader at the globally renowned Denim Tears brand.
Julien & Justen Turner – Co-founders of Dreadhead Films, blending cinematic excellence with authentic Black storytelling.
Derrik Pannell Jr. – Founder of Works of Madness, a boundary-breaking Columbus studio in film, design, and visual arts.

• Creatives & artists
• Designers, musicians, and filmmakers
• Students in business, media, and arts programs
• Young entrepreneurs & startup founders
• Anyone passionate about culture, branding, or legacy building

PANEL TOPICS & DISCUSSION

• Grit, grind, and setbacks nobody sees
• Building from nothing vs. building with backing
• Finding your lane and standing out in saturated industries

• How our culture creates markets
• Protecting your intellectual property and creative rights
• Representation vs. ownership: Where’s the real power?

• Storytelling through fashion, music, and film
• Building brand identity beyond social media
• Turning authenticity into influence (without selling out)

• Strategic collaborations that elevate the mission
• Learning to pivot: from small wins to long-term sustainability
• When to keep it in the family, and when to expand the circle

• Dealing with burnout in hustle culture
• Staying grounded while chasing greatness
• Faith, therapy, and safe spaces for Black men

• How these entrepreneurs started and scaled their creative businesses
• The real-life business models behind fashion, music, and film ventures
• Keys to making your creative work profitable and impactful
• Candid stories about wins, losses, and lessons
• Advice on how to protect your brand and intellectual property
• Networking tips for collaborating across creative industries
• The importance of community, culture, and connection in business growth
• Inspiration to start where you are and build something that lasts

✔️ Networking opportunities
✔️ Live Q&A with panelists
✔️ Community connection at its finest
✔️ Free admission with RSVP (Seats are limited – don’t sleep!)

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Urban Trendsetters Television and Media