The Art of Resilience: A Celebration of Entrepreneurial Strength and Community

On June 12, 2024, LISC LA hosted ‘The Art of Resilience,’ an exclusive power lunch and networking event at Hotel Indigo in Downtown Los Angeles. Sixty guests came out for an inspiring afternoon celebrating the determination of entrepreneurs and the transformative impact of LISC LA’s Asset Building for Communities of Color (ABC) program, supported by Wells Fargo. Attendees included local small business owners and several prominent community and economic development leaders.

The event kicked off with an inspiring welcome from our Mistress of Ceremonies, tech executive and entrepreneur Safiya Jihan Adams, who set the stage by highlighting the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship. Following her introduction, attendees received warm greetings from LISC LA Executive Director Nicole Williams and Deputy Director Krista Phipps, who extended heartfelt thanks to our sponsors and partners.

The highlight of the event was a panel discussion featuring two extraordinary entrepreneurs: Rosario Calatayud-Serna, founder of Art Space Huntington Park, and Ariell Ilunga, founder of Carla’s Fresh Market. Moderated by LISC LA Program Officers Sabin Kim and Diana Reyes, the panel delved into the challenges and triumphs of these resilient business owners. Rosario and Ariell shared their journeys, the barriers they faced in accessing flexible capital before the ABC program, and how the program’s support helped them achieve significant milestones. Ariell emphasized the importance of staying true to one's mission and values, saying, "Always keep your values, business values, goals, intent and your vision really close to you. Hold on to that as you move through things that can be hard or challenging. If you have your why, then it'll guide you through almost anything."

Rosario, whose consulting agency and creative space use the arts to inspire community creativity, spoke about overcoming obstacles as an emerging business owner in Southeast Los Angeles and how the ABC program’s flexible capital enabled her to sustain and grow her business. Ariell, a former NYC fashion publicist turned food entrepreneur, shared how her passion for local, BIPOC food markers led to the creation of Carla’s Fresh Market and how the program helped her establish a brick-and-mortar presence, which recently opened in Highland Park.

Following the panel and lunch, attendees were treated to a special fireside chat between Nicole Williams and Christina Elmore. Christina is an accomplished actor, having played the character, Condola, on Issa Rae’s hit HBO series, Insecure. She also starred in HBO’s Girls on the Bus, the Showtime series, Twenties, and The Last Ship, on TNT. In addition to acting, Christina is also an entrepreneur. During the chat, she reflected on her life’s trajectory, the challenges of pursuing a career in acting and running a business while raising a family, the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone, and taking risks in life. As Christina shared, "It's crucial to push past your fears and embrace the unknown; that's where real growth happens." Her insights resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship, and personal development.

The event concluded with inspiring words from Jason Foster, CEO of Destination Crenshaw, “Every time you doubt a decision, a direction, a goal, you are building faith in your decisions, your directions, and your goals. Acknowledging that feeling of doubt is part of the journey. So, make yourself doubt more, choose to do the difficult thing, and choose to have doubt as a part of your life so that you can build faith in the decisions that you make.”

The Art of Resilience event kicked off the third round of funding for the ABC program. This program offers 0% interest, flexible financing to help small business owners in LA County's communities of color grow, scale, create jobs, and fuel wealth creation. With options for Growth Capital and Acquisition Capital, ABC removes barriers to business growth. Eligible small business owners are encouraged to learn more and apply today.

Visit LISC LA’s ABC Fund and take the next step in advancing your business. Don't miss this opportunity!