QUICK•CONNECT
Quick•Connects are“speed dating” sessions with local experts. You will sign up for a session at SMASH, and when the “gong” sounds for your session, you get to talk to your chosen expert … until the gong sounds again! Register for your Quick•Connect meetings when you arrive at SMASH. Reservations are first-come, first-served.
Check out these confirmed SMASH! ‘25 Experts!
Watch this spot as we are adding
SME’s as they confirm!
Alexis Jenssen - Marketing
Alexis Jenssen, Founder & Creative Director at The Bowerbird Agency is a classically trained fine artist with over 15 years of marketing and development expierence supporting business and non-profit organizations serving a local audience.
Alexis can help people identify how to grow awareness and increase engagement across social media how to create effective, omnichannel marketing to increase sales, and how to begin/grow a wholesale offering.
Charles Sexton - Legal
Charles is an attorney and Partner of Eunoia Law Firm. He began his legal journey helping small business owners in Greensboro, NC with business services from entity formation to think tank strategy sessions. As the Branding Attorney at Eunoia Law Firm, he has used his love for music and the arts to help artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs. Charles has negotiated artists’ deals, created contracts for production companies, and advised creatives on the proper ways to earning more money through their intellectual property.
Talk with Charles about protecting your work through copyrights and trademarks, knowing what it means to build/grow your brand, the importance of licensing and the necessities of a contract.
Brandon Huffman - Legal
Brandon is an attorney at Odin Law and Media focused on representing video game developers and other creative and technology clients. Brandon is also general counsel to the International Game Developers’ Association, the largest trade organization focused on supporting individual game developers. He is the past chair of the Triangle ArtWorks board of directors and the North Carolina Bar Association Small Firm & Technology and Sports and Entertainment Law sections.
Ask Brandon about legal issues in entrepreneurship, copyright for artists, and other legal issues around creative work.
Andrea Dobbie - Accounting
Andrea Dobbie brings a unique blend of financial acumen and artistic passion. Andrea works as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) at a public accounting firm in Raleigh, as well as working as a ceramic artist and teacher. With a background as a CPA and experience as an artist, Andrea embodies a commitment to both the financial stewardship and creative vision when it comes to blending business with art. Her career journey integrates a deep understanding of fiscal responsibility with a profound appreciation for the arts, lending way to her mission to help support artistic excellence.
Ask Andrea about such topics as: "How to start your business in NC", "How to budget for your business", "How to consider income and sales tax within your business", or "What business expenses to consider when starting your business".
Ashley Hollan - Legal
Ashley Hollan is an intermedia storyteller, entertainment and civil rights lawyer and educator. Ashley earned her BA in Public Policy and Visual Art/Art History at Duke, attended law school at the University of Denver and graduated from Pacific Northwest College of Art with her MFA in Visual Studies and MA in Critical Studies. Ashley worked as General Counsel and Vice President for multiple private companies in media and recreation and founded an entertainment law firm before joining Live Nation, where she served as Associate Counsel supporting the Legal, Productions, and Media and Sponsorship divisions. She has been a part of legal and production teams crafting groundbreaking movies, music, virtual reality, advertising and visual art content. Her volunteer membership has included service with the American Bar Association, Tennessee Volunteer Lawyers and Professionals for the Arts, Georgia Lawyers for the Arts and The Recording Academy and she serves as a Visiting Professor of Arts Administration and Art at Elon University.
Ask Ashley about navigating music business, tv and film industry and advertising law matters including rights, royalties, licenses and compliance.
Stephanie Minor - Public Art
Durham Cultural and Public Art Program
Stephanie is a Cultural & Public Art Program Coordinator for the City of Durham. From developing project goals to releasing Calls for Artists, working with artists through contracting, and supporting artists through fabrication and installation, Stephanie provides end-to-end project management of public art projects. Stephanie is currently working with regional artist Dare Coulter on public art for Wheels Roller Skating Rink in Durham, the City’s largest public art project to date. Prior to working for local government, she spent 7 years as a project manager at a fine art foundry and metal fabrication shop in New York working with artists like Jeff Koons, Kiki Smith, and Hank Willis Thomas.
Ask Stephanie about pathways into public art and local government's involvement in the arts sector, or about materials and fabrication, specifically metal!
La Shon Harley - Small Biz/Entrepreneurship
With over 25 years of experience, La Shon has held a variety of roles within the Entrepreneurship and Business Ownership industry, from Business Advocate and Advisor to Coach, Consultant, and Trainer, as well as Founder and Owner. This extensive background enables her to offer a wealth of expertise and insight to my clients. Clients consistently appreciate her deep listening skills and commitment to understanding their true goals and challenges. She firmly believes that understanding your “why” is crucial; when you know and embrace your purpose, you gain the clarity and power necessary to overcome feeling unseen, unheard, or misunderstood. This clarity is essential for effectively managing and realizing the alignment of your purpose while achieving your vision.
Meet with La Shon to brainstorm possibilities and align your purpose with your vision. Specifically, you can ask her about business models, customer avatars, social focused entity options, nonprofits, how to start a business and pricing,
La-Tasha Best-Gaddy - Small Business/Entrepreneurship
La-Tasha, Chief Strategist at Infinity Bridges, has a 25 year career across Economic & Business Development, Accounting, Insurance, Financial Services, and Non-Profit sectors. Deeply involved in her community, she serves on several boards and committees, including Chairperson of the Black Business Alliance for Chapel Hill-Carrboro, Facilitator of Durham Business Collaboration, and Co-Facilitator of Triangle Entrepreneur Support Organization. Additionally, La-Tasha serves as Board Treasurer of The Collaborative, Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce Board Member, Durham Workforce Development Board, Durham Women’s Commission and Board Treasurer & Co-Founder of the NC Employee Ownership Center. Accolades include the 2024 Sapphire Award Winner by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, 2020 Woman of Distinction by Chapel Hill Magazine and the 2019 SDG Honors Award by AgroBiz. La-Tasha is an alumna of North Carolina Central University with graduate and undergraduate degrees, and holds a certificate from The College of Insurance in New York. A committed lifelong learner, La-Tasha is a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional, a licensed NC Life Insurance Agent, and also is a graduate of the Pinnacle Mastermind 2.0 and 1.0, MWBEvolution, NC Rural Economic Development Institute, Leadership North Carolina, and Leadership Triangle.
“Talk to Tasha” about business foundation to business succession issues, such as business financial statements, selecting accounting systems, Business automation and integration, business operations, growth strategy, pricing, business certifications, funding sources and application assistance, business insurance and other business sustainability.
David zum Brunnen & Serena Ebhardt - Theatre
Since 1998 Serena Ebhardt & David zum Brunnen have directed their creative energies primarily through EbzB productions - a company that has toured nationally with a roster of live theatrical productions, has seen its work broadcast on PBS (airing in US and Canadian markets), and has now evolved into full feature film production (under its subsidiary WhyNot Theatricals) with an award-winning film now generating attention on the film festival circuit. Their work over the years also includes conducting school & community-based dramatic art residencies. EbzB Productions has been honored with several awards for its positive impact on the Arts in North Carolina and has been hailed specifically for its "excellence, its exemplary work, and significant contribution to the dramatic arts in the North Carolina.” Both Serena and David are accomplished actors (with Serena most recently featured in the Hulu/Disney streaming series Dopesick). Their Film, TV and Stage performances are enhanced by their experience in Arts Administration (Serena was formerly the Managing Director at Temple Theatre in Sanford, David the General Manager at PlayMakers Repertory Company, and Executive Director of NC Theatre Conference, as well as Production, and Technical experience in the performing arts throughout their careers
Since 1998 Serena Ebhardt & David zum Brunnen have directed their creative energies primarily through EbzB productions - a company that has toured nationally with a roster of live theatrical productions, has seen its work broadcast on PBS (airing in US and Canadian markets), and has now evolved into full feature film production (under its subsidiary WhyNot Theatricals) with an award-winning film now generating attention on the film festival circuit. Their work over the years also includes conducting school & community-based dramatic art residencies. EbzB Productions has been honored with several awards for its positive impact on the Arts in North Carolina and has been hailed specifically for its "excellence, its exemplary work, and significant contribution to the dramatic arts in the North Carolina.” Both Serena and David are accomplished actors (with Serena most recently featured in the Hulu/Disney streaming series Dopesick). Their Film, TV and Stage performances are enhanced by their experience in Arts Administration (Serena was formerly the Managing Director at Temple Theatre in Sanford, David the General Manager at PlayMakers Repertory Company, and Executive Director of NC Theatre Conference, as well as Production, and Technical experience in the performing arts throughout their careers.
Talk to Serena and David for insights and connections to enhance your personal & professional ideas and dreams - and that includes the creative, organizational, financial, and legal logistics.
Sarah Franklin - Literary
Sarah is the Public Relations Manager for Lulu.com, the publishing and print on demand company started in 2002 by Red Hat Founder Bob Young. Her primary role is to educate creators about the benefits of Lulu.
Sarah is passionate about helping authors and publishers find ways to connect with their audience. In previous roles, she led public relations campaigns for authors and coached many more in preparation for their book launches.
Ask Sarah about anything related to book publishing!
Elizabeth Skibbe - Bookkeeping/Finance
Let Elizabeth Skibbe, QuickBooks ProAdvisor and owner of Acorn Accounting, guide you through the financial side of your business so you can focus on what you love. She can help you set up QuickBooks (or use it more effectively), create a realistic budget, understand what “the numbers” mean for your business, and implement the right software and processes to simplify your life. After 10 years in corporate finance, Elizabeth has been a small business owner helping fellow small business owners succeed since 2017.
Ask Elizabeth about QuickBooks, budgeting, starting a business, payroll, or how your finances can help you make confident business decisions!
Chisa D. Pennix-Brown - Marketing
Chisa D. Pennix-Brown, Chief Curator of Give It To The People, empowers BIPOC and women-owned businesses nationwide through signature events like the BLK BIZ Summit and CapacityCon, as well as innovative programs such as the Give It, Get It Business Membership. These initiatives amplify impact by enhancing marketing strategies, accessing funding, and fostering meaningful collaborations. Known for her bespoke events, dynamic keynote speaking, and ecosystem engagement under the unifying #BeInTheEcosystem theme, Chisa is dedicated to building thriving entrepreneurial communities. As a Virtual Educator and Mental Wealth Life Stylist, she blends self-care and financial success strategies, sharing insights on her podcasts, Give It To The People and Real Ass Affirmations. Her book, The 90 Day Focus: Your Action Plan for Success, provides entrepreneurs with actionable steps to achieve their goals.
Meet with Chisa to help you with your marketing questions and creative ways to gain promotion for your business.
Laurel Rupe - Small Biz/Entrepreneurship
NCEDP Small Business Advisors
Laurel is an experienced business consultant and small business advisor with over 30 years experience in the fields of management, customer service, and human resources. In the corporate world, she has worked for both large and small companies all over the US; IBM, Kodak, and others, before putting down roots in North Carolina. A member of the Carolina Mixed Media Art Guild since 2004, Laurel has served the Guild as President, Past President, and is currently serving as Vice President. She’s a mixed media artist who enjoys working with antique and vintage textiles, watercolor, and acrylic and has been accused of having “ALL the colors”.
Ask Laurel about business structure, how to manage your creative business and how to connect with state resources for small businesses.
Peter Singh - Legal
Peter currently works as an attorney with Fourscore Business Law. In February 2023, he started the nonprofit Carolina Lawyers for the Arts & Entertainment (CLÆ). He also serves as an arbitrator and mediator with several panels. Prior to these positions, his most recent experience was with a startups practice group in Raleigh, which followed an in-house stint with a private equity company in Durham as a Corporate Counsel and M&A Attorney. Singh received his J.D. from Duke University School of Law with Intellectual Property and Corporate Law concentrations and a B.B.A. from Hofstra University as a Legal Studies in Business major. After law school, he worked with Winslett Studnicky McCormick & Bomser LLP, a boutique corporate and entertainment law firm in New York. Through the years, Pete has helped clients with a wide range of matters including M&A deals, venture financing, copyright and trademark cases, complex commercial litigation, dispute resolution, outside general counsel, contract drafting and negotiation.Outside the office, he serves as a NC DRC certified mediator and arbitrator on several rosters including BBB, FINRA, NCIC, and VLA, as well as NC and NY courts. Negotiation skills are critical and transferable, so he has developed these skills with training in alternative dispute resolution as a neutral and advocate. Pete is also a professional musician, model and founder of Alarm Mattress Topper Inc., which is home to his Timely Topper™ mattress pad invention.
Peter can help you think through … how to form an entity; equity splits; approaching big deals; music publishing and licensing; legal agreements required for film and documentary projects.
Matt McConnell
- Public Art
Since 2001, McConnell Studios has created custom designed elements for public, commercial, and residential clients. Their work, installed both nationally and internationally, includes sculpture, lighting, architectural installations, and products at all scales created with a wide variety of materials and fabrication systems. Matt McConnell holds degrees in Architecture and Industrial Design from the N.C. State College of Design and has 30 years of professional experience in large-scale sculpture, architectural installation, lighting, and furniture design, including hundreds of commissions in a huge variety of materials and forms. His work often requires direct coordination and collaboration with designers, architects, engineers, and general contractors.
Ask Matt about art, design, business, materials, or anything related you want to know about.
Jeannie Rovira -Finance/Bookeeping
Jeannie Rovira, a first-generation American and New York Native, is the driving force behind Marigold Bookkeeping, LLC, a minority-woman owned bookkeeping firm. With a rich background in bookkeeping, human resources and project management, Jeannie has carved a path of success that embodies resilience, dedication and continuous learning. As a certified bookkeeper, Jeannie has had the privilege to help many small businesses from the initial startup to growth phase. Her specialty is financial visibility, budget review, payroll management, and accounting software training.
Ask Jeannie about how to tackle managing your books as a new small business owner.
Scott Rempe - Sales/Marketing
Scott Rempe is a freelance illustrator and lives in Kernersville, NC. He focuses on humorous artwork, corporate illustration projects, children's books, beer label art and requested commissions. His clients say that his approach to illustration projects is unique. That is most likely because he has an extensive sales and marketing background. This brings his BUSINESS MINDSET into client conversations. Drawing allows Scott to combine his sense of humor with what eventually comes out on the page (or digital screen). He also produces "Graphic Recordings" (illustrated summaries of keynote addresses, planning meetings or presentations). He has a BS in Graphic Communications from Clemson University and graduated from The BB&T Banking School at Wake Forest University.
Scott coaches artists and creatives to help them develop a business mindset. Talk to him for ideas on how to transform your passion into a more profitable business.
Monica Molina - Business/Entrepreneurship
Monica is a bilingual Small Business Advisor with the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. After a lengthy career in the retirement investment industry, Monica pursued her dream of cooking professionally and starting her own small catering business. Switching gears again, she enjoyed five years managing restaurants for investors. Having led a team successfully through the pandemic, Monica decided it was time to hang up her apron to find a role where she would be able to assist entrepreneurs like herself to realize their dreams of business ownership. After a year perfecting her Spanish at a Latino-owned small auto repair business in Durham, Monica was welcomed into the warm arms of the Economic Development Partnership. Her passion is helping people that don’t have exposure to traditional business education. To that end, Monica focuses on networking, building relationships, and breaking down the complexities of business compliance to make business ownership within reach of individuals with diverse backgrounds.
Ask Monica about business structure, how to manage your creative business and how to connect with state resources for small businesses. Se habla Espanol!
Sarah Coppola
Sarah Coppola is the owner of Indigo Bookkeeping, LLC, a bookkeeping firm that focuses on helping artists and creatives get their finances in order so they can make informed decisions about growing their businesses. Sarah has been an artist all of her life running multiple Etsy shops, working in an art gallery, working for a photographer, and doing in person craft shows for decades. She has also worked on the operations/bookkeeping end of small creative businesses as well and understands the unique challenges creatives face. Sarah is passionate about helping artists of all sizes get their books in order - whether they are ready for a full service bookkeeper or not. She has also taught courses on starting an art business and basic bookkeeping. Imagine having a clear picture of your income, expenses, and profits without drowning in paperwork. Talk to Sarah to see how you can create clarity out of chaos at any stage in your business!
Ask Sarah about basic bookkeeping tools for micro creative businesses on any budget, sales tax questions, and first steps to starting your business.
