Earn Your Leisure’s Troy Millings breaks down why cash reigns supreme during inflation, while business owners share their excitement at the 2024 Invest Festival in Atlanta, GA.

Kicking off on August 23, 2024, the fourth annual Invest Fest in Atlanta brought together a powerhouse lineup of financial minds, including Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson and Ian ‘The Master Investor’ Dunlap. Thanks to my business partner, Walter C. King III—owner of King’s House of Fire, the largest Black-owned dispensary in Westchester County—I was able to attend the festival on a complimentary basis.

I booked my ticket just days before the event and crafted a strategy to maximize my one-day visit (Friday, 8/23/24) amidst a prior commitment in New York on August 24th. With gear packed and multiple batteries charged, I was ready to dive in.

Arriving in Atlanta on Thursday morning, I spent the day preparing—drafting questions, mapping out stand-ups, and planning edits. Knowing how fast-paced these events can be, I made sure to stick to my game plan. My focus was on connecting with attendees and Black-owned businesses. Although I hoped to interview celebrities and Earn Your Leisure, I tempered my expectations.

At the Georgia World Congress Center, I noticed a flurry of interviews, all conducted in pairs, which made me a bit anxious. But I reminded myself that this is my realm. After a quick refresh, I entered the Vendor Marketplace, where the energy was electric—Black-owned businesses and enthusiastic supporters everywhere. I set up near the Earn Your Leisure booth, with its vibrant orange backdrop reading ‘Assets over Liabilities.’ My white dress and deep brown skin made for a striking contrast in the footage.

After recording my intro, I started my interviews, beginning with Breauna Murphy, owner of Pink Nookie, a feminine hygiene brand. Energized by this first encounter, I approached others, and I was thrilled to connect with Troy Millings from EYL, where I was able to pose the questions I had prepared.

Check out the full recap below and find out what financial freedom means to others and how they’re leveraging artificial intelligence in their business models.