QUICK•CONNECT
Quick•Connects are“speed dating” sessions with local experts. You will sign up for a session at SMASH, and when the “gong” sounds for your session, you get to talk to your chosen expert … until the gong sounds again! Register for your Quick•Connect meetings when you arrive at SMASH. Reservations are first-come, first-served.
Let’s meet our 2026 SME’s!!
Talk with Charles about protecting your work through copyrights and trademarks, knowing what it means to build/grow your brand, the importance of licensing and the necessities of a contract.
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Charles is an attorney and Partner of Eunoia Law Firm. He began his legal journey helping small business owners in Greensboro, NC with business services from entity formation to think tank strategy sessions. As the Branding Attorney at Eunoia Law Firm, he has used his love for music and the arts to help artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs. Charles has negotiated artists’ deals, created contracts for production companies, and advised creatives on the proper ways to earning more money through their intellectual property.
Durham Cultural and Public Art Program
Ask Stephanie about pathways into public art and local government's involvement in the arts sector, or about materials and fabrication, specifically metal!
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Stephanie is a Cultural & Public Art Program Coordinator for the City of Durham. From developing project goals to releasing Calls for Artists, working with artists through contracting, and supporting artists through fabrication and installation, Stephanie provides end-to-end project management of public art projects. Stephanie is currently working with regional artist Dare Coulter on public art for Wheels Roller Skating Rink in Durham, the City’s largest public art project to date. Prior to working for local government, she spent 7 years as a project manager at a fine art foundry and metal fabrication shop in New York working with artists like Jeff Koons, Kiki Smith, and Hank Willis Thomas.
Ask Sharon about business structure, how to manage your creative business, and how to connect with state resources for small businesses.
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Sharon Walker is a Small Business Advisor with Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina and costumer. She is an experienced business consultant and small business advisor with almost 30 years of experience in customer service and technical support. Sharon has worked with government agencies DHHS and NCDOR, along with small startups and large corporations such as Kodak and WorldCom. Sharon also volunteers with an international 501c(3) and has served as treasurer and instructor for the local chapter. Sharon is a seamstress and costumer with over 30 years of experience working with textiles. Ask Sharon about business structure, how to connect with state resources, and tips for making managing your business easier.
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Janet Ecklebarger earned her Master's degree from Cranbrook Academy of Art in 1992. She has been working as a tax preparer since 2005. She has been working as a tax preparer since 2005 and specializes in deductions for artists, musicians, and other creative types while also offering tax and accounting techniques for the right brained.
She is a practicing artist who tends to a 30 acre property in North Carolina and is excited to participate in the creative community and advocacy
in her new area.
Ask Janet about income tax filing questions, whether or not you should start an LLC, and tips to financial confidence.
Jackie offers strategic brainstorming around diversifying income, marketing creative businesses, and growing email lists that foster genuine connection and long-term support. Her goal is to help creatives build careers that are resilient, intentional, and financially sustainable, without burning out or losing their artistic voice.
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Jackie Sanders is a Raleigh-based artist, muralist, and creative strategist who helps artists and small businesses stabilize their income through multiple revenue streams, smart marketing, and audience-building (especially through email newsletters). As the co-founder and host of the Level Up Artists Podcast (220+ episodes), Jackie has interviewed working artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs from across the country, distilling real-world insights on sustainability, visibility, and creative business growth. Her approach is practical, candid, and rooted in experience, not theory. In addition to her studio practice, Jackie previously worked at a digital marketing agency supporting 50+ small businesses, where she developed and executed marketing strategies across social media, email, and content platforms. This hands-on experience sharpened her ability to translate big ideas into clear, actionable systems that actually convert. Jackie is a resident artist at Artspace (Raleigh) and previously served as Assistant Gallery Director at FRANK Gallery, giving her a rare dual perspective on both sides of the arts ecosystem, as an artist and art administrator. She understands how creative work is evaluated, promoted, and supported by institutions, and how artists can better position themselves for opportunities.
“Talk to Tasha” about business foundation to business succession issues, such as business financial statements, selecting accounting systems, Business automation and integration, business operations, growth strategy, pricing, business certifications, funding sources and application assistance, business insurance and other business sustainability.
I can help create a business strategy for a business.
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La-Tasha has a diverse 25 year career across Economic & Business Development, Accounting, Insurance, Financial Services, and Non-Profit sectors. An innovative thinker and dedicated entrepreneur, La-Tasha actively supports her two children's business endeavors. Deeply involved in her community, she serves on several boards and committees, including Chairperson of the Black Business Alliance for Chapel Hill-Carrboro, Facilitator of Durham Business Collaboration, and Co-Facilitator of Triangle Entrepreneur Support Organization. Additionally, La-Tasha serves as Board Treasurer of The Collaborative, Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce Board Member, Durham Workforce Development Board, Durham Women’s Commission and Board Treasurer & Co-Founder of the NC Employee Ownership Center. A committed lifelong learner, La-Tasha holds numerous certificates and certifications, including being a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional and a licensed NC Life Insurance Agent. Accolades include the 2024 Sapphire Award Winner by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, 2020 Woman of Distinction by Chapel Hill Magazine and the 2019 SDG Honors Award by AgroBiz. La-Tasha is an alumna of North Carolina Central University with graduate and undergraduate degrees, and holds a certificate from The College of Insurance in New York. She's a graduate of the Pinnacle Mastermind 2.0 and 1.0, MWBEvolution, NC Rural Economic Development Institute, Leadership North Carolina, and Leadership Triangle.
Ask Matt about art, design, business, materials, or anything related you want to know about.
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Since 2001, McConnell Studios has created custom designed elements for public, commercial, and residential clients. Their work, installed both nationally and internationally, includes sculpture, lighting, architectural installations, and products at all scales created with a wide variety of materials and fabrication systems. Matt McConnell holds degrees in Architecture and Industrial Design from the N.C. State College of Design and has 30 years of professional experience in large-scale sculpture, architectural installation, lighting, and furniture design, including hundreds of commissions in a huge variety of materials and forms. His work often requires direct coordination and collaboration with designers, architects, engineers, and general contractors.
Ask Dodde about state and local regulations for your creative business, and how to connect with state resources for small businesses.
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Dodde Stark is an experienced Small Business Advisor with a strong focus on customer service. Before joining the EDPNC Team, she worked for the NC Department of Public Telecommunications, the Wake County Library System, and the Swedish company CellaVision. Dodde loves stories whether they are found in books, films, conversations, or experienced through travel. Helping people realize their dreams is her favorite part of the job.
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Katie Magee Bouterse is the owner and cofounder of Imagine Circus, a nationwide circus company providing unique and upscale entertainment across the country. She brings over a decade of experience in the cirque industry as both a performer and arts leader, specializing in organizational leadership, sustainable business practices, and fostering strong, collaborative relationships with clients, performers, and the broader arts community.
Katie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication with Minors in Psychology and Nonprofit Studies from North Carolina State University.
Outside of her professional work, she is a mom, a running enthusiast, and enjoys traveling, dancing, and blending up a green smoothie.
Ask Katie about becoming a go-to performer, nailing gig prep, sharpening your professional edge, leveling up your acts, and handling contracts and deposits like a pro.
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Let Elizabeth Skibbe, QuickBooks ProAdvisor and owner of Acorn Accounting, guide you through the financial side of your business so you can focus on what you love. She can help you set up QuickBooks (or use it more effectively), create a realistic budget, understand what “the numbers” mean for your business, and implement the right software and processes to simplify your life. After 10 years in corporate finance, Elizabeth has been a small business owner helping fellow small business owners succeed since 2017.
Ask Elizabeth about QuickBooks, budgeting, starting a business, payroll, or how your finances can help you make confident business decisions!
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Chisa D. Pennix-Brown, Chief Curator of Give It To The People, empowers BIPOC and women-owned businesses nationwide through signature events like the BLK BIZ Summit and CapacityCon, as well as innovative programs such as the Give It, Get It Business Membership. These initiatives amplify impact by enhancing marketing strategies, accessing funding, and fostering meaningful collaborations. Known for her bespoke events, dynamic keynote speaking, and ecosystem engagement under the unifying #BeInTheEcosystem theme, Chisa is dedicated to building thriving entrepreneurial communities. As a Virtual Educator and Mental Wealth Life Stylist, she blends self-care and financial success strategies, sharing insights on her podcasts, Give It To The People and Real Ass Affirmations. Her book, The 90 Day Focus: Your Action Plan for Success, provides entrepreneurs with actionable steps to achieve their goals.
Meet with Chisa to help you with your marketing questions and creative ways to gain promotion for your business.
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Lysandra Weber is a brand marketer with over 15 years of experience leading strategy for companies like Burt’s Bees, Brooklyn Brewery, Spoonflower, and Keel Labs, helping them grow through clear messaging, engaging content, and customer-focused campaigns. She also spent over 10 years running her own handmade women’s apparel business, so she understands firsthand what it takes to build and market a creative brand. Now, Lysandra helps artists, makers, and creative businesses clarify their messaging, connect with their audience, and build marketing strategies that feel authentic, doable, and aligned with their vision..
I can help you create authentic messaging and brand storytelling strategies that attract the right buyers and help grow your community and sales.
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Robert is a partner at Implement Legal and co-founder of Implement Tools, a contract template shop that provides easy-to-use contract bundles to artists, designers, and creative professionals who need affordable legal protection. He brings Fortune 50 legal experience to creative businesses that need strategic counsel without corporate overhead. His background at Cleary Gottlieb, a leading international law firm, means that he knows how sophisticated businesses structure deals—and he brings that systematic approach to small businesses and creative entrepreneurs navigating acquisitions, restructuring, and growth.
Ask Robert about legal issues in the transition from emerging to mid-career, and mid-career to established status, developing and using repeatable contracts, getting started with copyright licensing and best practices for contract negotiation.
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In the spring of 2017, Cynthia opened Cocoon Gallery in Downtown Apex, NC. featuring high-quality, locally made, one-of-a-kind utilitarian art pieces from over 70 artists in a variety of mediums with whom she has developed first-hand relationships. Cynthia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, a Master’s in Geography (specializing in international trade), and an MBA in marketing. After some years in corporate marketing, Cynthia reignited her creative passions by delving into Feltmaking. As a fiber artist, Cynthia specializes in creating wearables, sculptural pieces, as well as wall hangings under the business name of ARTiFELTs. Cynthia is a former member of the Cary Gallery of Artists, the Town of Cary Cultural Arts Committee, and the Triangle ArtWorks Board and has participated in local arts festivals and juried art shows with her felted creations as well as participating on the jury for art shows and public art commissions.
Ask Cynthia about how to approach an art gallery or other retail venue, what are the types of galleries/venues available and how do they differ, how do I start my own gallery, what should your gallery be doing for you and what should you be doing for them?
Ask Adriana about key technology to document and share your work online, how to integrate various art disciplines into one creative business, and about getting started with murals (design, materials, etc.)
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Adriana Ameigh is a Puerto Rican abstract painter, sculptor, and muralist based in Raleigh, North Carolina. She creates dynamic artwork that balances movement, tactile textures, and uplifting colors. Her work invites the viewer to take a closer look to discover the optimistic stories embedded within. In addition to creating art, she aims to inspire and empower other creatives by sharing her art and business knowledge through in-person workshops, community projects, mentoring sessions, YouTube episodes, and the Level Up Artists podcast and community that she co-founded. With a multicultural background, and a fascination for Caribbean and Southeast flora and fauna (above and beneath the water’s surface), her work incorporates textures and shapes that evoke feelings of joy, playfulness, and tranquility. Adriana’s artistic practice includes abstract paintings, large scale commissions, ceramic sculptures, site-specific art installations and murals for corporate and public spaces.
Gain insights from Quintonia about practical bookkeeping tips using QuickBooks and Wave Accounting software. Learn how to stay organized with receipts, apply best practices for day to day bookkeeping, and prepare your records for tax time with confidence.
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The founder and CFO of Prestige Money Managers, Quintonia brings over 25 years of experience in accounting and financial management to every client partnership. A graduate of North Carolina Central University with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and a Master in Business Administration and Health Administration degree from Pfeiffer University, Quintonia is recognized for her expertise in financial literacy and strategic money management. Her passion for helping individuals, families, startups, small businesses, and non-profits shines through her work. Quintonia's financial insights and leadership have impacted boardrooms, community events, and one-on-one consultations. Throughout her career, Quintonia has empowered clients to build a purposeful relationship with their finances, offering practical tools and strategies tailored to their unique goals. Her unwavering dedication to financial education ensures that clients not only receive up-to-date, accurate financial information but also truly understand its impact on their personal and business success. A proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., the Greater Durham Black Chamber of Commerce, and the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers, Quintonia advocates for financial literacy in every space she occupies
Sr. Director of Marketing at Lulu
Ask Lali about digital marketing, brand strategy, team leadership, publishing, and how books can help you grow your brand, build credibility, and drive new revenue.
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Lali brings a love for fostering growth, having a meaningful impact, and finding creative solutions (and lattes) to her leadership at Lulu. As the Sr. Director of Marketing, she’s passionate about helping creators, entrepreneurs, and businesses build and grow their brands with books.
With over a decade of marketing experience in publishing, Lali brings firsthand experience in how books and direct sales technology help drive growth for modern businesses.
When she's not laughing out loud with her coworkers, she enjoys cuddling with her pups and seeking out the world’s best fries.
Sponsored by:
Underwriter Level Sponsors
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Arts NC State
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City Of Raleigh
Small Business Development
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Veronique Moses
Board Member/Past Board Chair
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Silverback Foundation
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Wyrick Robbins
Advocate Level Sponsors
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Bayleaf Market
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Carolina Performing Arts
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Implement Tools
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Maggie Clay Love
Consultant
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Shuyun Mu
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NC Community Foundation
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Odin Law and Media
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Brandi Gerew
Senior Vice President - Financial Advisor
SMASH! Fan Level Sponsors
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Vicki L Rees
Board Member
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Babette Stone
Board Member
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James & Beth Tesch
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Mark Tulbert & Rob Maddrey
Mark Tulbert - Board Member