Imani Ellis on Building Community and Scaling Connection with Culturecon

Visionary, community-builder, and founder of CultureCon and The Creative Collective NYC, Imani Ellis has redefined what it means to create spaces where connection, creativity, and collaboration thrive.

From her humble beginnings in a one-bedroom apartment to leading a nationally celebrated platform, Imani’s journey is a testament to resilience, purpose, and the power of staying true to one’s mission. In this exclusive interview, she shares the values, experiences, and lessons that have shaped her inspiring career.

Hanna: You’ve achieved so much over the years, and there’s so much I want to cover today about your career. I hope this conversation empowers and inspires other women—especially women of color, Black and Brown people everywhere, which I know has been a core part of your mission.
But first, I always love hearing the backstory. Can you share a bit about your upbringing? What values or early experiences shaped the woman you are today?

Imani: Absolutely. I grew up in the South, and my parents were both preachers. They met in Bible college, and many of the values they instilled in me—kindness, community, and giving others dignity—are foundational to who I am. My parents taught me that everyone deserves to be seen and valued.

These lessons stuck with me as I ventured into the world. Even as a little girl, I loved bringing people together. I’d organize gatherings at our house, and looking back now, it’s no surprise that this spirit of connection has followed me through to CultureCon.

Hanna: That’s so powerful. It’s amazing how our childhoods can hold clues to our purpose. Were there any specific moments in your early years that sparked your passion for creativity and connection?

Imani: My childhood was a time of exploration. I didn’t have a clear idea of what I wanted to be. My parents encouraged me to just be a kid. I was a Disney princess, a ballerina for 11 years, and I even ran track in high school and college.
It wasn’t until high school that my mom sat me down and asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” That was the moment I realized I couldn’t play forever. I thought I wanted to be a talent agent working with people in New York City.

But here’s the thing about life and faith—sometimes the dreams we create for ourselves are based on what we’ve seen, not what’s possible. I became a publicist, worked in New York for 10 years, and loved it. But CultureCon? That wasn’t even on my radar. It’s amazing how life brings together all your experiences in unexpected ways.

Hanna: That resonates deeply with me. It’s like God gives us the freedom to pursue our dreams, knowing He has something bigger planned.

Imani: Exactly. He’s generous like that. I thought my dream was to be a publicist, but all along, there was a bigger purpose.

Hanna: Speaking of your journey, tell us about your first job and how it shaped your path.

Imani: My first job was as an NBC page—a humbling experience. I gave tours, fetched coffee, and learned the business from the ground up. Eventually, I became a coordinator at Bravo TV, where I did everything from running errands to drafting bios.

What set me apart was my gratitude and commitment to excellence. If I was asked to get coffee, not a drop would spill. I understood how competitive the industry was, and I carried that spirit with me. Over the years, I learned to communicate effectively, manage talent, and stay resilient. By the time I left NBC, I was a vice president of communications.

"...I realized the most confident leaders aren’t afraid to say, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.”

Hanna: Incredible. What were some pivotal lessons from your time at NBC that carried over to CultureCon?

Imani: One big lesson was overcoming imposter syndrome. Early on, I felt like I didn’t belong because I wasn’t from New York. I worked twice as hard to keep up, even coming in two hours early to match my peers.

I also learned the value of admitting when I didn’t know something. Initially, I’d make up answers out of fear of seeming less capable. But over time, I realized the most confident leaders aren’t afraid to say, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.” That mindset freed me and shaped how I lead today.

Hanna: That’s so relatable. I grew up in the Caribbean, where not knowing an answer often led to harsh consequences. It’s empowering to unlearn that and embrace curiosity.

Imani: Exactly. Leadership is about empowering others and building a team of smart, capable people. That’s how CultureCon evolved, from a small gathering in my apartment to a nationally recognized platform.

Hanna: I’d love to talk about your time in Grenada. Was that your first visit to the Caribbean?

Imani: Yes, my first time ever. And it was incredible. I spent my 2024 creative residency in Grenada, and it was exactly what I needed.

For my first residency, I was in Paris. But this time, I craved nature, stillness, and inspiration. Grenada was suggested by a friend, Tennille Clark, and I went with no expectations—just openness to the culture and the pace.

The experience was transformative. I partnered with the Grenada Tourism Board for a beautifully curated trip. I stayed at Six Senses in the countryside and Mount Cinnamon in the city, drank so much soursop juice, and explored the island’s rich history and culture.

Hanna: Grenada has such a unique charm. What moments left the biggest impression on you?

Imani: The underwater sculpture park moved me deeply, especially the tribute to enslaved Africans. Some were thrown overboard when sick, while others chose the sea over enslavement. It was both heart-wrenching and inspiring—a reminder of the sacrifices made for the freedoms we enjoy today.

I also loved visiting the chocolate factories, rum distilleries, and waterfalls. And the history! Learning about the French landings and sitting with Grenada’s historian for dinner was unforgettable. I left with a sense of grounding and a closeness to God.

Hanna: That’s beautiful. Being from St. Lucia, I know how restorative the Caribbean can be. You need to visit St. Lucia for your next residency!

Imani: I’d love that! Grenada reminded me to slow down. I left the frantic pace behind and returned to myself.

Hanna: That’s such an important lesson. So, what do you hope participants take away from CultureCon?

Imani: I want them to feel inspired, connected, and empowered. CultureCon fosters true community and celebrates creativity. We aim to educate attendees—not just on creating mood boards but on protecting their businesses and building sustainable careers in the creator economy.

Hanna: Incredible. For aspiring women entrepreneurs, what three qualities or strategies do you believe are essential to success?

Imani: Resilience, consistency, and integrity. Rejection is inevitable, but you can’t let it define you. Show up even when you don’t feel like it, and always stay true to who you are. Success is about returning to your “why” and staying grounded in your mission.

Hanna: That’s such timeless advice. Thank you for sharing your heart and wisdom, Imani.

Imani: Thank you for having me, Hanna.