Most brands talk about “vibes” and “community,” but very few turn them into real business outcomes. The ugly truth? Culture and revenue rarely meet without clarity, consistency, and an actual plan. This session breaks down how creative founders, curators, and storytellers can turn cultural energy into sustainable growth.

🎯 Why You Should Attend

Learn how to turn brand culture into measurable business results
Hear transparent, real-world insights from founders and brand strategists
Discover practical tactics for growing audience engagement and sales
Connect with Shopify’s creative and commerce community in Los Angeless
Gain ideas for 2026 planning—from storytelling to community building

🙋 Who You’ll Meet

Ambitious Shopify merchants, ecommerce founders and CPG Founders
Respected Content creators and online influencers
Community managers and marketers driving authentic engagement
Brand collaborators, investors, and strategic partners

🎤 Who’s on the Panel

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Jon Alan - Menswear Influencer and Voice at Buck Mason

Jon built his following with “Office Hours”—a recurring commitment to answering questions and serving his audience one-on-one.

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Beau Bray - Creative Director for Jhené Aiko & Issa Rae

Beau focuses on “quiet community building,” turning curated vibes into sold-out books and loyal fanbases.

Moderator:

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Seanella Abraham - Editor-in-Chief at A.R.T.S.Y MAGAZINE

Sean Abraham is a curator of culture and a connector of dots. Since launching A.R.T.S.Y magazine in 2014, she's spent a decade amplifying emerging voices and building platforms where creativity thrives—producing 30+ issues that bridge art, fashion, and commerce. Like a chef transforming raw ingredients, Sean sees potential where others see chaos. She's designed sneakers with Saucony, forecasted trends, and now leads By Sean, a lifestyle brand rooted in authenticity and sustainable craftsmanship. Her superpower? Thriving under pressure while forging unexpected partnerships. Sean doesn't just observe the industry—she shapes it, one thoughtful collaboration at a time.

💬 What We’ll Talk About

Building a community that actually drives sales
Storytelling that moves culture and converts customers
Turning creative energy into revenue
Why authenticity alone isn’t a growth strategy
Creating post-purchase engagement that builds loyalty

🤝 Co-hosted With

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Shopify – powering millions of sellers worldwide

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A.R.T.S.Y. spills attention exclusively on emerging artists, designers and creative self starters.

🤝 Supported By

GREY Journal – Media partner spotlighting modern entrepreneurs (featured on Apple News + Google News).

🤝 Venue Partner

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The Lighthouse - The Lighthouse is AN I.R.L CREATIVE CAMPUS & studio playground for the Creator Generation.

⭐ About Ugly Talk:

Started in 2019, Ugly Talk has been transforming business setbacks into breakthrough “aha!” moments by hosting unfiltered, no-nonsense events where battle-tested entrepreneurs share their raw lessons and insights.

With a growing presence in cities like New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Miami, we’ve built a vibrant community of thousands of founders and industry leaders making a profound impact on the entrepreneurial landscape.

Official Website: UglyTalk.com

Introduction Deck: [Link]

🎥 Get a taste of past Ugly Talk energy:

LA tech events, LA startup events, communities, events, tech, networking

Los Angeles

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