Meet Bridget B Sullivan | Seasoned Event Producer & Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bridget B Sullivan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bridget B, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
When reflecting on the pivotal decisions that have shaped my journey as an entrepreneur, one stands out more than others – the unwavering commitment to never stop doing what I love. This steadfast dedication has been an anchor for me during some of the most difficult periods in my life which often included financial challenges as a result of my chosen entrepreneurial pursuits.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
As the founder and driving force behind Creative Canvas Productions, LLC, I leverage my extensive background in marketing, events, and project management from various sectors, including corporate and non-profit, to deliver excellent results.

With a passion for delivering high-quality events and experiences, I have worked in the events industry for over 30 years as a crew member on three Olympic Games, an event manager or producer for various industries, a festival creator, and a technical director for online platforms. I have successfully managed event budgets from $10K to $1M, working on product launches and conferences for large data analytics, medical devices, and sports apparel companies, including adidas.

Creative Canvas Productions, LLC was created not merely to create and manage events, but to serve as a conduit for voices to be heard and talents to be seen. Our purpose is deeply rooted in creating platforms that foster connection, community, and positive change, and our mission is to be known for producing signature community-driven festivals and events.

By harnessing the expertise of our award-winning team members, we want to elevate each client’s unique identity through festivals, virtual, and in-person events, incorporating animation and motion design to amplify their brand, especially for our sports industry sponsorship clients. We continuously embrace innovation, adapt to change, and strive for excellence over perfection.

I’m excited by our ability to produce festivals like our Charlotte Chalk Art Festival now in its third year, and soon, signature educational events and conferences, my graduation from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, funding our company received from the Beyond Open grant, and the opportunity to showcase four local artists’ solo exhibits at Nordstrom Art Lounge located at SouthPark Mall.

The journey of becoming a business owner and getting to this stage has been far from easy. First, there have been multiple iterations – from being an independent consultant and solopreneur to forming an LLC, merging two businesses to create a C-Corp, and eventually returning to a single-member LLC. It may sound confusing, but owning a business is a roller coaster ride of adjustments.

Second, when the company’s growth became stagnant, taking a step back and thoroughly evaluating service offerings, client load capacity, and even life goals and objectives was critical and this effort revealed better ways of conducting business.

Lastly, achieving alignment, by identifying areas of burnout, unlocked more creativity and passion for the work I’ve been doing all these years.

There have been a ton of lessons learned with the biggest one being Never Stop Learning. Every challenge in business and life is an opportunity to learn how to do something better.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I thoroughly enjoy taking friends to places like Uptown, Camp North End, NoDa, South & West End, Davidson, Mathews, Monroe Road area, Mint Museum, Gantt Center, 7th Street Market, Optimist Hall, Gallery Crawls, Mecklenburg County Parks, Greenways, the Charlotte Chalk Art Festival, Charlotte SHOUT, Boom Charlotte, Taste of Charlotte, CIAF, Belk and Knights Theatre, Middle C Jazz, Neighborhood Theatre, and places of calm like Yoga Centers, Pauline’s Tea-Bar & Apothecary, wine shops, and even the farmer’s market in Uptown or near the airport. Charlotte on the Cheap’s list of things to do throughout the city and beyond, keeps me busy exploring more and more areas.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I am profoundly grateful for my husband and best friend, Melvin D Nix. Since 2011, he has been by my side, supporting and encouraging me every step of the way. His unwavering belief in me has made me a better person, and I am thrilled to continue growing alongside him.

I extend my heartfelt appreciation to my entrepreneurial studies college professors at Kennesaw State University’s Coles College of Business. Their guidance and knowledge have been instrumental in shaping my entrepreneurial mindset and laying the foundation for my success.

To the first clients I acquired when I launched my marketing, public relations, and event management company, Possibilities, LLC, I express my sincere gratitude. Your trust in my abilities and willingness to take a chance on me fueled my confidence and helped me maintain a forward-focused outlook.

A special Shoutout goes to the individuals who doubted me, and those who questioned my capabilities. Your skepticism served as motivation, igniting a fire within me to prove that I was more than capable of achieving my goals.

I would also like to thank the Babson College facilitators and guest educators of the Cohort 18 Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. I’m honored to be an Alumni. Your expertise and guidance provided invaluable insights and tools for growth, empowering me to go after my Blue Sky goals.

To the vibrant artists’ community in Charlotte, North Carolina, thank you for embracing me as a supporter. Your creativity and passion inspire me daily, and I am honored to be of service to such an incredible community.

Finally, a heartfelt appreciation goes to La’Porscha Smith, whose recommendation led me to this interview opportunity. Your support and advocacy mean the world to me, and I am grateful for your belief in me as well.

To all who have played a role in my journey, whether big or small, thank you for your contributions. Your presence and support have been instrumental in shaping my path, and I am deeply grateful for each one of you.

Website: https://creativecanvasproductions.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/askbridgetb

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridgetbsullivan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creativecanvasproductions

Other: https://instagram.com/charlottechalkartfestival

Image Credits
Bridget B Sullivan & Melvin D Nix