The ESC Conference was born from my need and Kassie’s need to grow our businesses. When we looked for an event like the ESC Conference, where we could learn, grow, be inspired, and not have to make a single decision once we arrived…we discovered it didn’t exist. So instead of being bummed about it…we created it ourselves.

The first ever ESC Conference for female creative entrepreneurs was in held in April in Louisville, KY. This was the first event of its kind, where all speakers and attendees stayed under one roof, breaking down barriers that we usually face in this business education hierarchy.

Knowledge was openly shared. Connections were graciously made. Businesses were grown. Women were empowered.

We could not have asked for a better group of women to be part of this event. Please enjoy some of the behind-the-scenes craziness of the ESC Conference – we hold nothing back in these episodes. You get the good, bad, and dirty of hosting an all-inclusive event like this one. Come along with us for this wild ride and then join us on the next ride, the ESC Retreat 2024!

Day 1

Highlights

• The reactions of the speakers and attendees when seeing the venue, The Bungalou, for the first time.
• We can throw a hell of a welcome party.
• Dressing in ESC’s brand colors was extra festive.
• A full circle moment sitting in Neat Bourbon Bar, just taking it all in.

Lessons Learned

• We are not caterers.
• Always rent the linens.
• Don’t walk on burning hot turf barefoot.
• I am unnecessarily emotional when it comes to items my family helps me with.

Day 2

Highlights

• The community we brought together was exactly who needed to be in the room.
• Masterclasses are where it’s AT!
• Each educational portion we had to cut off because it was going over since it was just.so.GOOD.
• This group of women understood the assignment at the summer camp social. There were custom made camp tshirts and Girl Scout sashes being worn.

Lessons Learned

• We are not caterers.
• Tech will always give issues.

Day 3

Highlights

• Hot seats were INCREDIBLE.
• Again, masterclasses are where it’s AT.
• We always have a surprise up our sleeves (like a live podcast interview with local influencer, Chelsea Gilson of My KY Bucket List).
• The ESC Retreat was announced and tickets are officially live! If you want to be part of our Goal Planning Retreat in York, SC at Lake Wylie from October 11-14, we would love to have you! Here is the registration link!

Lessons Learned

• We are not caterers.
• Without fail, it will be windy when you want to do something delicate outside, like display an artist’s work.

Live Podcast Interview with Chelsea Gilson on UGC & Influencer Marketing

Highlights

• Learning the difference between UGC and influencer marketing. They are totally different, which I, personally, did not know.
• How to get started in influencer marketing.
• Tactics to use to gain brand deals

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This event was a ton of fun, with lots of meaningful connections, business growth, and overall camaraderie and friendship where we bonded over the roller coaster of entrepreneurial life.

We would absolutely love to have you join us at the ESC Retreat 2024 in York, SC from October 11-14! Here is the registration link! See you then!

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Speakers

Hayley Paige | She is Cheval, A Girl You Might Know Foundation
Abbey Oslin & Courtney Peterson | Duo Collective
Brittney Suttle | Knies & Co, Prosper Simply
Melissa Jones | 3816 Creative
Jenny Parulski | Ads Uncorked
Mai-Kee Tsang | Mai-Kee Tsang, Podcast Visibility
Lucy Kelly | bloom by bel monili
Ali Haney | Ali Rae Haney
Kassie O’Driscoll | K. Layne Solutions
Angelica Malin | Speaker, Emcee, & Moderator

Attendees

Kelsey Cuervo | Kelsey Cuervo Photography
Jeanne Cherry | juNxbooks
Vanessa Narvios | Finer Events
Dani Antol | rock paper scissors
Kelly McCracken | Kelly McCracken Services for Wedding Pros
Abbie Guthier | Okota Weddings
Angelica Pompy | Pompy Portraits, Angelica Pompy Education
Shawna Mang | Evermore Floweret
Liz Powell | Write Liz Write
Danielle Throckmorton | Throckmorton Events, Reach Retreat
Kelly Cain | Kelly Cain Creative
Haylee Gaffin | Gaffin Creative
Amy Wolterman | Calluna Collective
Morgan Pereira | Untamed Hearts Photo Co.

Sponsors

Kelle Humphries | Adamas Healthcare Consulting
Malaysia Harrell | Blissful Life Consulting
Sally Jasionowski | Cakebee
Marc Humphries | The Humphries Helper
Kira La Forgia | The Paradigm
Whitney Grinstead | WG Macrame
MUSH
Ko | Sweet Bay Studio
Sarah Stillwell | Grace & Grandeur
Zone Perfect Protein Bars
Symbi Teas
Gleam Eyewear
Anonymous Donors & Sponsors