Community Highlights: Meet Lorri Lofton of Gracefully 54:17

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lorri Lofton.

Hi Lorri, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I relocated from Birmingham, AL to Charlotte, NC in 2013. My first two years here, I did what I like to call, research and development by going to any and all events in the city to see what the city had to offer. Shortly after I started doing my own events focused on women empowerment. These events branched out to Greenville, SC. In 2018, I launched the Charlotte Brunch Festival. The same year, I started as a morning show news contributor for a local news station. I was on-air weekly and was able to discuss my own events or other current events in the city. This has opened the door for me to host countless events and red carpet events. I was able to interview Gabrielle Union and others during NBA Allstar Weekend. In addition, I’m invited out often to different grand openings, menu previews, and other private events as an influencer in the city.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Every journey has obstacles but that’s what makes it all worth it. Any obstacle is truly a learning opportunity to get better not a reason to stop. I would say to be careful on who you choose to do business with as everyone may not understand or buy into the vision that was given to you. Learning to cut ties early at the first sight of any red flag will save you time & money in the long run.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Gracefully 54:17 is an events and event consulting company. We have done events in Charlotte, NC & Greenville, SC. We focus on creating events with everyone in mind along with helping other entrepreneurs create their own events. We have assisted in workshops, book launches, and grand openings to help present our clients in the best light. To date, we have launched or assisted in over 40 events.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I still have my corporate 9-5 job. Many think that I’m a full time entrepreneur.

Contact Info:

• Email: Info@lorriashly.com
• Instagram: @Lorriashly | @gracefully5417 | @cltbrunchfestival