In today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape, women entrepreneurs, creatives, and media professionals are facing unique challenges – from layoffs and AI disruption to a tougher funding environment. Recognizing these hurdles, Grind Pretty Fest is making its return to Atlanta, offering a crucial platform focused on access, visibility, and career reinvention.
A Hub for Growth and Connection
Founded by media entrepreneur Mimi Johnson, the women-centered business and culture festival, dubbed “ATL Remix,” is set to take place on Saturday, June 6, at the Westside Cultural Arts Center. This one-day event promises a dynamic schedule from 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET, featuring insightful business panels, a curated selection of women-owned vendors, wellness programming, valuable grant opportunities, and essential networking sessions.
For many women, particularly Black women building businesses or seeking professional pivots, events like Grind Pretty Fest offer more than just networking. They provide a space where ambition is understood, and connections can lead to securing funding, finding collaborators, mastering new tools, and gaining much-needed support.
Addressing Key Industry Challenges
This year’s festival arrives at a critical time, with many professionals re-evaluating stability in shifting industries. The programming directly addresses current challenges through three key panel discussions: “The AI Effect in Media,” “The Pressure to Perform,” and “Power of the Pivot.” These sessions will bring together a diverse group of leaders from media, entrepreneurship, wellness, sports, and creative fields to share insights on building and sustaining successful careers.
Grant Opportunities and Financial Support
Through its nonprofit arm, Grind For Good, the festival will award three $1,000 grants to women in business. The Corporate Grant supports professional development, while the Idea Pitch Grant aids early-stage businesses, and the Elevator Pitch Grant assists those looking to scale. Grant applications are open until May 30, with a requirement that applicants attend the festival with a valid ticket.
These grants, though modest, address the significant issue of access to early capital and professional support for women-owned businesses. For Black women entrepreneurs, these barriers are often amplified by limited access to investors and crucial industry networks, making spaces like Grind Pretty Fest invaluable for bridging these gaps.
Celebrating Culture and Community
Beyond business development, Grind Pretty Fest also celebrates the culture that connects attendees. The entertainment lineup taps into early-2000s nostalgia, featuring a Y2K-inspired performance by Grammy-nominated R&B singer Nivea, alongside Jazzy Tha Rapper and Pearl Jade. The DJ lineup boasts talent like DJ Traci Steele, DJ Princess Cut, DJ Reese, and DJ Queen of Spades.
The festival will also support an emergency relief initiative through Grind For Good, aiding women in media and entertainment facing layoffs and financial instability. Honorees at this year’s event include influential figures like Morgan DeBaun (Blavity Inc.), Jai Ferrell (Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta), Leticia Gardner (Dynamic 3 Med Spa), Nivea, Britni Ricard (COTA SKIN), and Cicley Gay (The Amplifiers).
Grind Pretty Fest is about creating real opportunities for women while celebrating the culture that connects us. — Mimi Johnson, Founder of Grind Pretty
Grind Pretty, founded by Johnson, is a media and experiential brand dedicated to entrepreneurship, beauty, wellness, culture, and community. Its nonprofit arm, Grind For Good, further solidifies its commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs through grants, mentorship, and education.
Will you be attending Grind Pretty Fest in Atlanta? What are you most excited about? Share your thoughts in the comments below!