City of Empire Awards Honors Black Women Entrepreneurs in Atlanta
Building generational wealth is one thing. Celebrating the women creating it is another. On Saturday, the City of Empire Awards brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders and community members for an evening dedicated to honoring Black women who are making an impact through business and leadership. The event recognized women who are creating opportunities, filling gaps…
Black News 
Building generational wealth is one thing. Celebrating the women creating it is another. On Saturday, the City of Empire Awards brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders and community members for an evening dedicated to honoring Black women who are making an impact through business and leadership. The event recognized women who are creating opportunities, filling gaps in their industries and building lasting legacies through entrepreneurship.
Check out the event recap on SHEENTV
Throughout the evening, attendees heard from entrepreneurs including Dr. Deija James, Lightskin Keisha, Alexis Skyy and Chonceré Watson, who shared candid insights on the realities of business ownership. Conversations centered on the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the importance of perseverance and the lessons learned while building successful brands.
The event offered much more than an awards presentation. It created a space for networking, collaboration and community building among aspiring and established entrepreneurs alike. Guests spent the evening connecting with like minded professionals, exchanging ideas and learning from women who have successfully carved out their own paths in business.
“I am not the only millionaire of my company,” said James. “I am creating other millionaires, so tonight we will give out awards for six and seven figure tax bosses.”
Attendees enjoyed dinner, an open bar and a dessert table while celebrating the accomplishments of the evening’s honorees. The room was filled with entrepreneurs, creatives and professionals from various industries, creating an atmosphere that reflected both achievement and inspiration.
Among those in attendance was Jhalesa Seymour, CEO of SaltXO, who spoke about balancing entrepreneurship while building meaningful partnerships. Seymour discussed SaltXO’s partnership with Pour Minds Podcast and shared insights on the importance of collaboration, community and creating opportunities that align with her brand’s vision.
Lightskin Keisha also reflected on entrepreneurship, personal growth and the mindset required to achieve success. During a conversation at the event, she encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to remain confident in their vision, even when others may not understand it.
“As a community I feel like we are always harped on the negativity instead of thinking big, beyond, and positive,” said Lightskin Keisha. “I would tell people to be optimistic about your dreams. Sometimes you have to be delusional about your dreams, but sometimes that’s what gets you there because you might shock yourself too.”
More than an awards ceremony, the City of Empire Awards served as a celebration of Black women who continue to redefine success on their own terms. Through honest conversations, shared experiences and meaningful connections, the event highlighted the power of entrepreneurship and the importance of creating spaces where Black women can be recognized, supported and inspired to continue breaking barriers.
Video Credit: OJ Moore
