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This past weekend marked year five of Invest Fest, and it was like no other. From panels and talent lineups to lessons and networking, the event was unforgettable. The conversation around building wealth and investing not only in your business but also in yourself continues to hold high value in the Black community.

Check out SHEENTV for Day 1 and Day 2 event recap

Whether you are a creator, entrepreneur or investor, this jam-packed weekend offered something for everyone. Attendees left feeling inspired by each conversation they heard. Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, co-founders of Earn Your Leisure, clearly understood what their audience needed this year. As the conference grows annually, they worked to bring fresh ideas and ensure this year was bigger and better than ever, with headliners such as Issa Rae, Steve Harvey, Jalen Brown and more.“It is unbelievable to see what it has grown into,” Bilal said. “It is going to be jam-packed. We have workshops on artificial intelligence, real estate, stocks, crypto, the list goes on.”

From building Black wealth to media ownership, there was a conversation for everyone to learn from. With so much happening in the world, from inflation to the Target boycott, the conversations reminded business owners that the lows some businesses face are just as important as the highs. These moments of transparency gave attendees tools they could immediately apply to their own journeys, reinforcing that setbacks are not endings but opportunities to grow.

Talent such as Tabitha Brown, widely known for her uplifting spirit and positive content, participated in a panel with Valerie Obaze and Fawn Weaver, hosted by Selena Hill. The panel explored the journeys of purpose, perseverance, and building impactful brands from the inside out. It focused on what it means to lead with authenticity, navigate entrepreneurship with grace, and turn passion into a legacy while staying true to yourself.

In a one-on-one interview, Brown also spoke about the Target boycott and how it affected her own business. “The Target boycott, while we all understand it and know it is necessary, has affected a lot of businesses, including my own,” she told me. “But we learn how to pivot and we continue to move forward every day. Direct support matters. For those who are not boycotting, if you go in, buy Black.”
Her words highlighted the balance between community responsibility and business sustainability. They underscored the importance of unity and intentional consumer choices in helping Black owned businesses thrive even during challenging times.

The community is not only the voice. It holds the power. The energy throughout the weekend reflected just that, showing that collective action and shared knowledge are key drivers in building lasting wealth and opportunity.
For a first-time Invest Fest attendee, it’s easy to see why the hype exists. This is more than a conference. It is a movement that equips you with knowledge, connects you with the community and inspires you to take the next step. It is one you do not want to miss.

Videographer: OJ Moore