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Some of speakers include Uncle Nearest co-founder and chief historian Fawn Weaver, YouTuber-turned-fragrance entrepreneur Jackie Aina, Therapy for Black Girls founder Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, and gospel singer Koryn Hawthorne. The theme for the conference was freedom, and it was expressed throughout the weekend as attendees danced, laughed, cried, and so much more.
Luvvie Ajayi Jones embraces attendees at the Woman Evolve conference at Atlanta's State Farm Arena and Georgia World Congress Center, July 31 - Aug. 2, 2025.
Woman Evolve
Sarah is the visionary behind Woman Evolve and she wore many hats throughout the event such as moderator and speaker. Three years ago, her father, pastor TD Jakes entrusted her with the women's conference and now its more impactful than ever.
Sarah dished on the conference, including the Mind Your Business Luncheon that was held on Thursday. "For us, we really wanted to make sure we catered to the whole woman," Sarah told press. "As we see the rise of women in entrepreneurship and leadership, the Mind Your Business Luncheon is our way of making sure that they are feeling seen that there needs are being met and that we are empowering the next generation of business leaders."
The busy mom also closed out Thursday night with a powerful sermon that had everyone on their feet.
As we see the rise of women in entrepreneurship and leadership, the Mind Your Business Luncheon is our way of making sure that they are feeling seen that there needs are being met and that we are empowering the next generation of business leaders.
Mind Your Business Luncheon
Moderated by Sarah, Fawn opened up about her journey from growing up in '90s LA where gang violence was prevalent to attempting suicide twice. After her second failed suicide, she realized she was on earth for a purpose and began to follow God. She revealed that she co-founded Uncle Nearest not to profit from it, but to serve God, who instructed her to share his story.
"I love what I do not because it pours into me, but because of the obedience of it," she said. "That pours into me." She also shared great business advice like don't assume anything and that it it's okay to say you don't know something. She believes people can lead while still learning, as it makes you a more authentic and respected boss.
During the luncheon, it was also announced that Woman Evolve and Wells Fargo are launching a $75k Mind Your Business Pitch competition to help entrepreneurs reach their goals.
The Winner's Circle Freedom Stage & Expo
I took this photo outside the Mind Your Business Luncheon where the theme was "faith in the squeeze."
Courtesy
While the main events took place at State Farm arena, next door at the Georgia World Congress Center was Girl Evolve (for young girls), the expo, and live podcast conversations. The expo featured several Black woman-owned businesses and even had special appearances from the business owners themselves such as Monique Rodriguez, the founder of Mielle Organics.
On the other side of the expo, there were live podcast recordings. A couple of the podcasts that participated were Sistas’ star Crystal Renee Hayslett’s podcast, Keep It Positive Sweetie, where she interviewed Terri J. Vaughn. There was also Gia Peppers' podcast, Healed Girl Era podcast, which featured a special guest, comedian Pretty Vee.
I love what I do not because it pours into me, but because of the obedience of it. That pours into me.
Pajama Panel
The Pajama Panel was reminiscent of a girls night in as panelists and even audience members wore their comfy pjs. The panelist included Sarah and her mom, Serita Jakes, businesswoman and LL Cool J's wife, Simone I. Smith, gospel singer Koryn Hawthorne, and writer and pastor Bianca Juarez. The conversation ranged from talking about weight to learning how to say no.
Woman Evolve conference 2026 has already been announced. For more information, visit their website, womanevolve.com.
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Feature image Woman Evolve