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When I first applied for the Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative (CEI) through Charlotte Is Creative, I was searching for direction. West & Remount Custom Apparel had heart, culture, and community behind it — but I wanted to learn how to make it sustainable.
Fast forward, and I can honestly say: CEI changed everything.
🎨 What the CEI Program Is All About
The Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative (CEI) is a 10-week program designed to help artists and makers in Mecklenburg County turn their creative work into thriving, sustainable businesses.
Each session dives into the essentials of creative entrepreneurship — from project management and bookkeeping to marketing, storytelling, and brand building. CEI also offers one-on-one business consultations, creative mentorship, and the opportunity to earn a $1,500 grant upon completion of at least eight sessions.
What makes CEI special is that it’s not a cookie-cutter business class — it’s an incubator for local creatives to connect, collaborate, and grow together. The program is held twice a year, and even offers a public audit option for those who want to sit in and learn alongside each cohort.
🧵 My Journey Through the Program
Through CEI, I gained more than knowledge — I gained people.
One of the biggest blessings was being paired with Ndelo of MacFly as my mentor. His guidance helped me see West & Remount through a new lens — one that balanced creativity with strategy. We talked about scaling sustainably, pricing confidently, and maintaining creative integrity while still building a business that works.
The program also introduced me to Charlotte journalists and media professionals who are passionate about uplifting local creators. Those connections have helped me better share my story — why West & Remount exists, what inspires my designs, and how embroidery became my medium for storytelling.
And the ripple didn’t stop with me. CEI also introduced my daughter, Marley, to the incredible team at DoGreater — an organization that nurtures youth creativity through design and digital media. That connection gave Marley the space to explore her visual art skills and start building her own creative business. Watching her confidence grow has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.
🚀 How CEI Has Impacted My Business
Since completing CEI, the program’s lessons and network have become a foundation for nearly everything I do:
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I launched West & Remount’s eCommerce site and refined my product collections.
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I strengthened my marketing and storytelling, applying what I learned about connecting with audiences through authenticity.
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I built lasting partnerships with other local businesses and organizations like 3 Sisters Market and the West Blvd Coalition.
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And I’ve stayed in touch with CEI alumni — a creative network that truly believes in collaboration over competition.
Most importantly, CEI gave me clarity. It helped me step back, look at my work, and understand that West & Remount isn’t just about custom apparel — it’s about legacy, representation, and craftsmanship.
✍🏾 Why You Should Apply
If you’re a creative in Charlotte with a dream, an idea, or a small business ready to grow — the CEI program is for you.
Applications for the Spring 2026 Cohort open September 15, 2025, and close October 12, 2025. Participants must live in Mecklenburg County and have an existing body of creative work.
🖇️ Learn more and apply here: charlotteiscreative.com/cei
Take it from me — CEI doesn’t just teach you how to build a business. It teaches you how to believe in your creative power, connect with your city, and make an impact that lasts — for yourself, your family, and your community.