Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Carlton and Adrienne Mccrary.
Michelle and Adrienne, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
We met via Instagram, met over coffee and had an immediate connection. We both share the same values and interests. We instantly knew we wanted to collaborate on a project that supported, amplified and uplifted Black Women.
Has it been a smooth road?
Actually no, one obstacle when curating events was honing down on what our audience really wanted, once we figured that out, we were able to grow. Currently, we are preparing for funding as black women owned businesses only recibe a small percentage in VC.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the The Valorie story. Tell us more about the business.
We have a combined 20 years of experience in event planning, community building, design, and social media. As a result, we understand the importance of driving our community forward.
The Valorie offers a unique experience for Black Women by providing a social + wellness club that is focused on connection and community, giving Black Women the space to be their true selves. Black Women deal with microaggressions and various forms of discrimination on a daily basis, leading us to not feeling represented, heard, protected, and/or space to just be who we are. Unfortunately, these experiences have real effects on our well-being.
The Valorie provides a space for Black Women that is rooted in community care, connection, and growth for both herself and those around her. We are invested and operate in serving a black woman’s whole well-being. We provide community-driven programming for a Black Woman’s physical, mental, emotional, and social health. We strive to provide a membership-based platform and a physical space to expand our impact on our community. This impact will fuel a movement of empowering others to be better together while committed to building strong support systems/communities.
In April 2019, we created and opened Pop Up at 8th. Pop up at 8th was a 6-month gathering space that provided curated events focused on connection + community for Black Women.
With the 6-month pop-up, we quickly grew a highly engaged audience who were yearning for this space. We became the home for Black Girls Breathing, partnered with Free Woman Project, hosted the book launch of Restoration House, and hosted the first-ever Entrepreneurs Anonymous for Pinky Cole Foundation. We hosted 29 events with over 350 attendees, an engaging email and social media audience, and a community committed to being brave, strong and healthy.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
We currently provide membership for Black Women and strive to have another physical space, making our membership more accessible and expanded our impact on our community. This impact will fuel a movement of empowering others to be better together while committed to building strong, supported systems and communities.
Pricing:
- Founding Monthly Membership is $24.99 until January 10th
- We will be closing the membership and re opening on February 7th. Black woman who want to join can sign up for the waitlist to be first to be notified about the next opening.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Thevalorie.com
- Phone: 404-643-6513
- Email: hello@thevalorie.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thevalorie/
- Facebook: Facebook.com/thevalorie/
Image Credit:
Photography credits: Kaye McCoy, Parker Rose Film, Golden Time Tay, Smarche Photography
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