Vision. Goals. Action! (VGA) Launch: Legacy in Motion

The VGA Launch event was a vibrant celebration of transformation, entrepreneurship, and generational impact. “Legacy in Motion” was an experience that brought dreamers and doers together to witness how vision, goals and action can turn aspirations into thriving businesses and enduring legacies.

Designed and produced by our Education Specialist, Gabbie McGee-Kelly, the event seamlessly blended inspiration and innovation through live storytelling, business pitches, and interactive activations.

The grand finale was the Big Pitch Competition, where three finalists presented their businesses in front of the judges and audience:

• Phileena Daniel, Clever Beauty Braids: Empowering the community through culturally rooted, professional braid artistry and beauty services.
• Morgan T. Black, Queen Sugar: A waxing experience redefining hair removal for curly and coily hair textures through science-driven technique and client-centered care.
• Regina Holloway, Bodied by Thrift: A creative fashion brand focused on sustainable styling, thrifting, and confidence-boosting wardrobe curation.

Phileena Daniel (Clever Beauty Braids) was crowned the winner, and for the first time in VGA Launch history, there was a tie for second place. Morgan T. Black (Queen Sugar) and Regina Holloway (Bodied by Thrift) both earned runner-up accolades and everyone received rousing applause.

Judging the competition were three local leaders with rich experience as entrepreneurs and executive coaches: Brandon Butler, CEO of ButterATL; Dr. Kym Harris-Lee, Executive Coach & leadership strategist; and Yvette Humphries of Pinnacle Financial Partners and the PEER Center. 

The jam-packed evening also included:

• The Accelerator Hour delivered high-energy insights and strategies to fuel entrepreneurial growth.
• At the LaunchCam Booth, attendees recorded 60-second videos answering the question: “What does your legacy in motion look like?”
• The Connections Exchange Marketplace showcased local vendors and past VGA Launch winners, creating space for networking and community commerce.
• The Legacy Lounge, furnished by ReStore, invited guests to “Relax. Refuel. Relate.” It was a cozy corner for meaningful conversations and quiet moments.

Pin It to Win It! was a crowd favorite! The interactive game was co-hosted by Atlanta Habitat’s Homeowner Services Programs Coordinator, Danielle Oliver.