Written by Carol Z. Shane
EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT! — CREATIVES CONGREGATE!
We came, we saw, we table-hopped, we Q & A-ed, we networked, we got downright inspired and filled to the brim with new ideas. All at the click of a mouse. The Fifth Annual Maker City Summit occurred over two days — September 12 and 13. Even during a pandemic, it was a great success.
Tanika Harper of Harper’s Naturals and The Shora Foundation kicked off the Summit, characterizing Year Number Five as full of “hard work, pivots and lots of local support.” Jim Biggs, executive director of the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, introduced Mayor Indya Kincannon, who’s been on board with Knoxville’s Makers since her days in the Rogero administration. The Mayor wore a stunning pair of Cold Gold earrings, demonstrating her support in more than words! In a very nice touch, all speakers and workshop leaders were introduced by members of the Mayor’s Maker Council.
Keynotes Van Tucker of Launch TN; Regina Bonds, “The Confidence Coach;” and Stephen Brown, owner/founder of Glitterville, presented their personal stories as well as invaluable insights, techniques and suggestions for all who follow their own dreams. Workshops led by Allie Mounce and Clare Freeman of Pretty Useful Co.; Kelle Jolly of the Women in Jazz Jam Festival; Austin Church of Balernum; Hannah Lee and Jess Vossler of Second Mile Marketing; and Shawn Poynter of Poynter Photography covered everything from how to avoid burnout and rediscover your passion to how to market, photograph, and brand your products and services in the digital world. Business and legal experts such as Terrence Carter of the Knoxville Urban League; Eric Amarante of the UT College of Law; Adrienne Webster of Adrienne Webster Accounting; Bob Camp of CAMPCast, LLC; Catherine Porth-Cahill of Let Her Speak and Frank Ramey of the Knoxville Business Advisor demystified such ideas as conversion rates; the differences between LLCs, S-Corporations and C-Corporations; “phantom income;” self-employment tax; and much, much more. Chris McAdoo — painter, speaker, entrepreneur, force of nature and recent survivor of a near-total catastrophe (story to come) — covered many topics and got very real. From ambition, anxiety and panic attacks; to limitations, actual and imagined; to the grace and value of time, understanding and space — he’s been there. “It’s the pivots that make us who we are,” he said.
Speaking of quotes!
Kincannon: “We are The Maker City. We have the best swag!”
Lee and Vossler: “There are riches in the niches.”
Bonds: “Your net worth will never surpass your self worth.”
Church: “Focus on hitting singles, not home runs.”
Mounce: “You shouldn’t have to burn yourself out to succeed. Sleep well, eat something green, and walk around outside.”
And Stephen Brown: “I believe that there are sparklier days ahead. Until then we just need to carry on and Make Every Day a Holiday.”
Hear, hear.
Still looking for the McAdoo near-total catastrophe story? We lied — we’re not going to tell it here. Lucky for you the whole thing was recorded. Meaning the keynotes, the workshops, the speakers, the graphics, the charts, the Q & A sessions — all of it. The entire Maker City Summit is available in recorded format. Those who are just now coming to the party can get digital access for $15. And it’s already included for those who purchased the all-access pass.
The main event concluded at about 3:45 p.m. on Sunday when Harper reappeared, a bit breathless (we all were), and urged everyone to hang around for group discussions.
“This has been amazing,” she said. “Now, GO FORTH AND MAKE!”