Blackberry Ridge Farm

Julia Rogers

Julia Rogers is the Co-Founder of Blackberry Ridge Farm, the first hemp and flower company in Mecklenburg County that offers direct sale to consumer. BRF is striving to revitalize farming in Huntersville through the propagation of specialty crops, agritourism, and a superb CBD product line. Before her family’s entrepreneurial pursuit, she completed her undergraduate nursing studies at UNC-Charlotte in 2006 and worked for several years in the Neuro Intensive Care Unit. She married her husband, Nick, in 2010 and accompanied him on multiple moves across the southeast while he was serving in the Army. During this time, she completed a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the Medical University of South Carolina with a focus in Family Practice. Julia and Nick welcomed their son Ben in 2015. After living in Southern Pines for a few years, they decided to transition from the Army back to civilian life and settled on Julia’s family land in Huntersville. Since moving back, they have been working to fulfill their dream of farming full-time and raising their son on the homestead.

60's-00's Amazing Duo

Jillian Leigh featuring Dalton

Upstate New York born & raised, Jillian Leigh has an electic set and a warm stage presence. She loves when an audience jumps in to sing along & covers a wide variety of genres from the 60s to current pop. Whether it’s a laid back vibe or late night party, Jillian Leigh is sure to keep the fans coming back for more.

Growing Hope Hemp

Karen McCulloh

Karen McCulloh of Growing Hope Hemp will speak about their new edible line. She will share a few tips on starting their company and getting into the edible market. 

Lyricist

Tony Laveria

Tony Laveria is not a rapper; he is a lyricist. When you think of the creation of hip-hop and the evolution of the craft, many may wonder if there is room for yet another rising artist. Hidden in Charlotte, NC are many untapped musical gems, one of which - is Tony Laveria.

Laveria has performed throughout Charlotte, as well as other cities on the east and west coast. He was an opening act for Summerfest for Charlotte’s top hip-hop and R&B radio station, Power98 FM. Tony also competed and won Atlanta’s Bar Exam - a hip-hop showcase and competition in 2018. 

The adrenaline that he receives from the audience’s reaction is a euphoria that he craves. Laveria’s songs are more than an expression, they are a manifestation of when passion meets talent. He desires to be more than just an artist and plans to play a role in the progression of the hip-hop culture.

200 HR E-RYT, Reiki || Practitioner, Aerial Yoga Teacher, Dance Instructor

Kat Harmon

At the age of 3 I began dance lessons and was hooked! I loved the movement, the music, and the ability to perform! I continued down that path and eventually became a teacher. Teaching dance gave me the ability to share this love, and I was so grateful. My early 20's however, I was not so kind to my body. I was a full-time bartender (at Coyote Ugly LOL and some other fun places), competitive dance teacher, as well as quite the socialite. Lots of moving and not a whole lot of self-care.

By the time I was 24, I had 3 cortisone shots in my knee and 2 in my back for severe sciatica pain. I began hot yoga as a way to stay somewhat fit since I couldn't really dance anymore. Sometimes I was on crutches or in a wheelchair because the pain was so bad. But after a few months of yoga I realized I was not in pain anymore. It was like a miracle! I began my teacher training to learn more about the healing practices of yoga, and my mind was blown! Yoga taught me to listen to the subtle hints of my body and learn to heal myself.

My yoga teaching is injury prevention based and all about alignment. I really feel I help people learn how to care for their selves physically. Additionally, I am also an Aerial YTT certified at the Circus Center in Boulder CO. which was a whole other way to alleviate pain while building strength and flexibility. Plus soooo FUN!

In 2017, I went through a dark period of my life feeling very unworthy. I realized I needed REAL SELF LOVE. After a few months I began to notice BIG changes in the way I viewed myself, others and unhealthy habits. To expand my tool bag of Self-healing knowledge, I dove deeper into Reiki and energy healing. My journey so far has been amazing. And I would love the opportunity to share this gift with all of you!