Evolving Beyond Inspiration: How My Third CultureCon Shifted My Perspective

This past weekend I went to New York for CultureCon, and while I had a lot of fun, I left with a lot on my mind.

If you’re not familiar, CultureCon is the largest creative festival for creative entrepreneurs, creators, and cultural influencers. Sitting at the intersection of creativity and community, CultureCon offers workshops, resources, and tools to take your dreams to the next level — on your own terms. Learn more here.

This was my third time attending, after taking last year off. My first experience was in 2022, and I remember leaving that weekend feeling incredibly inspired. To witness someone’s vision manifest into something that draws thousands of people was powerful. At that time, I hadn’t seen anything like CultureCon in Houston—where I live. It was refreshing to see so many young Black creatives in one space, connecting, learning, and being seen.

That experience gave me something I didn’t even know I needed. It inspired me and gave me a sense of urgency to create something bigger than myself and community. I left CultureCon in 2022 with the feeling that something was going to come out of it—and it did. Just a week later, I hosted 15 people in my apartment to dream up what would become Oqupi Houston and LinkUp HTX . What started as a small gathering has grown into a community that’s provided connection, inspiration, and opportunities for nearly 4,000 creatives in Houston since 2022.

Fast forward to this year—my third time attending—and I came with a clearer sense of purpose. I wasn’t just looking to be inspired; I was also there for research. Growing my organization and our programs in a sustainable, intentional way has been a major focus for me this year, so I paid close attention to everything—from the check-in process and sponsor placements to the overall guest experience and how the team operated.

Still, beyond the logistics, I hoped to walk away with something that would reignite the same spark I felt back in 2022—some new ideas, tangible takeaways, or fresh perspectives to bring back home.

By the time I sat through my third panel, though, I realized something: CultureCon might not be for me anymore.

Back in 2022, I was in a different place. I was hungry for something new. I needed to be inspired—to hear from someone who had done it all and could remind me that I could, too. Seeing what Imani (CultureCon’s founder) built was exactly what I needed then. But today, I’ve grown. The version of me that needed that push doesn’t need it in the same way anymore—and that’s okay.

I think CultureCon is perfect for students, 9-to-5ers who are still figuring out how to merge passion and purpose, and creatives just starting out on their journey. It’s an inspiring entry point. But at this stage in my career, I’m looking for something deeper—something beyond the vibes, celebrity appearances, and panels. Those things once fueled me, but now I crave conversations that challenge structure, deepen sustainability, and push the culture forward in new ways.

At almost 40, I still love the energy, the community, and the creativity—but I also need substance behind the spectacle. And that’s the beauty of growth. The things that once poured into you might not always fill you in the same way. It doesn’t mean they’ve lost value—it just means you’ve evolved.

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