The She Did That. Founder Forum, arriving in Brooklyn on October 5th, brings together Black women entrepreneurs, corporate professionals, and those exploring new career directions for a day focused on real conversations about ownership, ambition, and business growth. Powered by the She Did That. platform and curated by founder Renae Bluitt, the event reflects a moment when many women are rethinking what work and success mean to them, whether through starting a business, navigating corporate roles, or reinventing themselves entirely.
“We’re living through a moment where so many women are rethinking what work, ownership and success can look like for them,” Bluitt said. “I created the Founder Forum because I wanted us to have a space to talk honestly about all of it, while sharing the resources, relationships, and knowledge that can help us move forward.”
From Corporate Careers To Building Your Own
The forum opens by exploring career shifts and reinvention. Bevy Smith left a successful career in fashion advertising to launch her media and entertainment presence. Jeneé Naylor channeled fashion influence into 12PM Studios and a lifestyle brand. Brianna Arps traded corporate beauty roles for MOODEAUX, her own fine fragrance label. Each path reflects how women are choosing to define success on their own terms.
Protecting What You Create
Intellectual property protection takes center stage through conversations between Felisha Noel, founder and head designer of Fe Noel, and Casey Handy-Smith, an intellectual property attorney and founder of C. Handy Law. Noel brings real creative experience, having seen her work imitated by both fast-fashion retailers and other designers. Handy-Smith shares legal strategies for entrepreneurs to know their rights and secure their creative legacies.
Building Sustainably Without Burnout
A conversation moderated by Allison McGevna of HelloBeautiful addresses how to grow a business while protecting personal well-being. Kayalin Akens-Irby, founder of Sela Health in Harlem, joins Jenesis LaForcarde of The Jenesis House wellness retreat in Sedona and Ria Graham of Kokomo restaurant in Brooklyn to discuss sustainable growth and maintaining peace during expansion.
Using AI To Grow Your Business
Keisha Mabry Haymore, a certified AI educator and tech leader, will lead an interactive workshop on how entrepreneurs can use artificial intelligence to their advantage. The hands-on session is designed to give founders practical steps they can take back to their businesses immediately.
Selling, Buying Back, And Staying In Control
The forum closes with an honest conversation about acquisitions, exits, and ownership. Lisa Price, founder and president of Carol’s Daughter, navigated investment and acquisition before buying back her company from L’Oreal. Necole Kane, the woman behind xoNecole and founder of My Happy Flo, built, sold, and reinvented her way across multiple chapters on her own terms. Together, they discuss what happens after the deal and what it means to reclaim ownership.
The She Did That. Founder Forum offers a rare space where ambition, honesty, and community meet. Attendees can also discover and support Black women entrepreneurs directly at the She Did That. Founder Forum Marketplace. She Did That. is covering admission for 10 women who have faced financial hardship, with opportunities to apply through the @shedidthat.co Instagram page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the She Did That. Founder Forum?
Founder Forum is a day-long event in Brooklyn on October 5th designed for Black women entrepreneurs, professionals, and those exploring new career directions. It features conversations on business ownership, intellectual property protection, AI strategy, sustainable growth, and acquisitions.
Who will speak at the She Did That. Founder Forum?
Speakers include Lisa Price (Carol’s Daughter founder), Necole Kane (xoNecole and My Happy Flo founder), Felisha Noel (Fe Noel designer), Casey Handy-Smith (IP attorney), and Keisha Mabry Haymore (certified AI educator), among others.
What topics will be covered at the forum?
Topics include career reinvention, protecting intellectual property and creative work, building businesses sustainably without burnout, using AI for business growth, and navigating acquisitions, exits, and business ownership.
How can I apply for admission assistance?
is covering admission for 10 women who have faced financial hardship. To apply, direct message the @shedidthat.co Instagram page with your story.
What is the She Did That. Founder Forum Marketplace?
The Founder Forum Marketplace is a space where attendees can discover, shop, and directly support Black women entrepreneurs during the event.
