We Speak Events
TOFi International Presented The Inaugural HERs OWNly™ Pitch Contest Awards $50,000 in Cash and Services To Female Business Owners of Color
On Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017, TOFiTM International presented the inaugural HERs OWNly™ Pitch Contest in Atlanta, Georgia. This spectacular event was hosted by Tamla Oates-Forney, Founder of TOFiTM International. Keon Davis, Founder & CEO of Smooth-N-Groove Smoothies and Christopher Gray, Season 6 winner of the hit show Shark TankTM and co-founder & CEO of Scholly, served as emcees. Signature business sponsors included Cake Dazzle, Collette Caters, Jaxon’s Pastries, and State Farm Insurance Agents: Robert James, Meeky Hirst, Natalie Reid, and Ankur Shah. Held at The Riverside EpiCenter, the HERs OWNly Pitch ContestTM was photographed by Terrell Clark photography and beautifully transformed by Brian Keith Productions, Carrie J Events, B&W Woodcrafts, and the persona artwork of V. Kottavei. Broadcasted via live streaming, the event was supported by some of Atlanta’s premiere media outlets including Atlanta & Co, Centric TV’s Sister Circle, Crossroads News, Pop Source TV, RDC Magazine, and more. Guests enjoyed shopping in the upscale marketplace, an exciting vision board party hosted by Lucinda Cross of Centric TV’s “Queen Boss”, and an ultimate networking experience with world renowned thought leaders, investors and other sheEOs. The HERs OWNly™ Pitch Contest, inclusive of HERs OWNlyTM JR™ ages 6 to 18 years old and HERs OWNlyTM, ages 19 years old and up, provided women and girls of color business owners with the opportunity to present their breakthrough business concepts to some of the most powerful and influential business figures in the nation.
The last decade has seen an explosion in the creative industry. While navigating the rapidly changing landscape, many creatives have to adapt to the gig economy; freelancing. Creatives are always doing something, going somewhere, or connecting with their audience. The cliche, “your network equals your net-worth”, is important when identifying the rooms and spaces that generate exciting authentic connections. Especially in the city that never sleeps.
Meet Tyla Jones: CEO of LLX Collective
What is LLX Collective and what service do you provide?
“LLX is a premier event marketing, talent management and experiential agency specializing in creating transformative, luxury-driven experiences while remaining the intersection between culture, luxury, passion and purpose. We provide end-to-end services, including strategy, ideation, event production, and brand partnerships, tailored to elevate our clients’ visions. At LLX, we pride ourselves on blending creativity and innovation with a bespoke approach that connects brands with their audiences in meaningful and memorable ways. By way of creating the foundation to how culture shows up to the people, we birthed the LLX Collection. The LLX Collection is our suite of staple events that exude our founding pillars and echoes our mission within our communities.”
Tyla’s luxurious venture into the event curation space started with her putting a “luxe touch” at wedding receptions. She has since expanded her reach and her outlook on how she wants to leave a lasting expression on her specialty guest. Whether aligning herself with the local hottest spots in the city of choice, working with brands such as Tres Generaciones Tequila and partnering with cultures top influencers and makers like DJ Drewski, making her events feel like a family reunion.
Where does the inspiration come from for your collective series ?
“The inspiration for our The LLX Collection stems from a deep passion for culture, storytelling, purpose and connection. I’ve always been fascinated by the combo of culture, art, and community, and I wanted to create spaces that spark conversation and collaboration while amplifying the voices of the culture in authentic ways. Each series draws from diverse influences—whether it’s the vibrancy of the cities we host in, the trailblazers we feature, or the stories we aim to celebrate. It’s about curating moments that inspire, support one’s passion and purpose, indulge the senses, and leave a lasting impression.”
What do you hope to accomplish through the series ?
“Through the LLX Collection, I hope to create a platform that fosters genuine connections while amplifying the voices and artistry of talented individuals who are the main characters of the culture. It’s about more than just hosting events—it’s about cultivating spaces where culture, creativity, collaboration and innovation thrive. Whether it’s elevating a brand, celebrating an individual’s achievements, or connecting communities, the ultimate goal is to leave people feeling inspired and enriched by the experience while creating a network of individuals to convene and grow upward together.”
What draws you to partner with a place like Saint Lounge NYC?
“Saint Lounge perfectly embodies the sophistication and energy that aligns with the vision of LLX. Its intimate yet dynamic atmosphere sets the stage for the kind of high-quality, engaging experiences we strive to deliver. Partnering with Saint for the 1st installment of Indulge NYC, allowed us to merge our collective creativity with their impeccable vibe, amazing food and cocktails, creating a backdrop that feels exclusive, immersive, and perfectly tailored to our audience.”
How can people get on your radar for an invite?
“We’re always looking for passionate, creative individuals who bring unique energy to our events. Staying connected on social media is a great first step—follow Founder of LLX, Tyla on IG & on LLX socials at @LuxeMonroeLLX or on our website www.LuxeMonroe.com/LLX for updates and announcements. We also keep an eye out for those who are making an impact in their fields, from creatives and entrepreneurs to cultural influencers. If you’re aligned with our values and want to engage with our community, reaching out directly is always welcomed!”
What’s next for the INDULGE series and how can people get invited or partner with the Collective?
“The INDULGE series is just getting started, and we’re excited to continue elevating the concept with even more dynamic conversations, immersive experiences, and unexpected collaborations. What’s next includes taking the series to new cities and curating events that explore untold stories, highlight emerging talent, and celebrate culture in innovative ways.”
For an invite, staying engaged with LLX on social media is key. We often share updates and sneak peeks about upcoming events. For partnerships, we’re always open to working with individuals and brands that share our passion for storytelling, culture, and community. Whether it’s sponsoring an event, collaborating on activation’s, or bringing unique ideas to life, reaching out to us through our website, social channels or email Info@LuxeMonroe.com is the best way to start the conversation.
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