About our event
The Culture Is Couture Expo is a one-day celebration of Black fashion, beauty, commerce and creativity taking place on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. Expected to welcome 1,000+ attendees, the expo brings together entrepreneurs, small business owners, creatives, industry professionals and consumers for a day of shopping, education, networking and cultural experiences. More than an event, TCIC is an investment in Virginia's creative economy. By providing a platform for Black-owned businesses, designers, artists and emerging brands to connect with customers, partners and resources, the expo helps drive small business growth, entrepreneurship, workforce development and local economic impact. Attendees can explore 50+ vendors, educational workshops, panel discussions, fashion presentations, beauty experiences, networking opportunities and interactive activations designed to inspire collaboration and create new business opportunities. The 2026 Culture Is Couture Expo is proudly supported by partners including Primis Bank, the City of Richmond Office of Equity & Inclusion and other organizations committed to strengthening Richmond's creative community and expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Attendees Demographics
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501-1000Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsoring The Culture Is Couture Expo is an opportunity to invest in the growing creative economy while connecting your brand with an engaged audience of entrepreneurs, professionals, creators and consumers. Your support helps provide educational programming, small business resources, networking opportunities and a platform for Black-owned and small businesses to grow and thrive. Together, we're creating economic opportunities, strengthening local entrepreneurship and celebrating the talent that drives our region forward. Your partnership demonstrates a commitment to community impact, innovation and the future of the creative and small business ecosystem.
US$2500
ContactCommunity Partner
Perfect for organizations looking to support entrepreneurship and community impact. Logo on website and event signage Social media recognition Two VIP tickets Inclusion in sponsor thank-you campaign
US$5000
ContactSupporting Sponsor
Increase visibility while supporting small and Black-owned businesses. Everything in Community Partner Vendor activation space Logo on select marketing materials Four VIP tickets Recognition from the main stage
US$10000
ContactExperience Sponsor
Sponsor a featured activation, workshop, lounge or networking experience. Everything in Supporting Sponsor Naming rights to an event experience Premium logo placement Opportunity to provide branded giveaways Six VIP tickets Featured social media spotlight
US$25000
ContactPresenting Sponsor
Become the lead partner of the Culture Is Couture Expo. Exclusive "Presented by" recognition Premier logo placement across all marketing materials Premium exhibit space Speaking opportunity during opening program Featured media and press recognition Eight VIP tickets Dedicated content collaboration before and after the event
In Kind
ContactIn-Kind Partner — $1,000+ Value
For businesses providing goods or services that support the event. Examples: Printing, Photography, Floral, Décor, Transportation. Gift bags, Water, Catering, Furniture rentals, Marketing, Security, Volunteer apparel. Benefits: Logo on website Social media recognition Recognition in sponsor thank-you campaign Two event tickets
In Kind
ContactFeatured In-Kind Partner — $2,500+ Value
For businesses providing a major event resource. Examples: Hotel room block, Stage rentals, Pipe and drape, Lighting, Production equipment, Signage, Shuttle transportation, Beverage partner, VIP hospitality. Benefits: Everything above Logo on select event signage Vendor activation opportunity (if applicable) Four VIP tickets Main stage acknowledgment
In Kind
ContactExclusive Experience Partner — $5,000+ Value
For companies underwriting an entire experience through products or services. Examples: Photo activation, VIP Lounge, Speaker Green Room, Creator Lounge, Volunteer Headquarters, Beauty Experience, Fashion Show Production, Registration Area, Media Center. Benefits: Naming rights to the sponsored experience Premium logo placement Featured social media spotlight Six VIP tickets Opportunity to distribute branded items
US$1500
ContactDrink Sponsor
Logo displayed at all beverage stations Branded cups, napkins or drink sleeves (provided by sponsor) Opportunity to provide branded coolers, signage or sampling activations Logo on event website and sponsor page Recognition in event program Recognition in sponsor announcements on social media Main stage acknowledgment throughout the event Vendor activation space (10'x10') Six VIP tickets Inclusion in media and press materials when applicable
US$100
ContactDonation to the nonprofit
Logo recognition and link back to site.
Our Sponsors
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Founder of the Culture Is Couture - Erica Shambley
Erica Shambley is an award-winning marketing and communications strategist, entrepreneur and community builder based in Richmond, Virginia. She is the founder and CEO of Mostly Sugar Media, a media and experiential marketing company dedicated to telling stories that celebrate culture, community and creativity. She also leads the Mostly Sugar Foundation, a nonprofit organization that creates opportunities for entrepreneurs, creatives and underserved communities through educational programming, networking and economic development initiatives.
Erica is the visionary behind The Culture Is Couture Expo, Virginia's premier celebration of Black fashion, beauty, entrepreneurship and creativity, as well as The We Influence Summit, a conference focused on empowering creators, entrepreneurs and industry leaders. Through her work, she has built a platform that connects brands, businesses and communities while driving meaningful economic impact across the region.
In addition to leading her businesses, Erica serves as the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Virginia State University College of Agriculture, where she oversees strategic communications and brand marketing. Her passion for storytelling, partnership development and community impact has made her a trusted collaborator for corporations, nonprofits and public agencies seeking to engage diverse audiences and invest in the future of Richmond's creative economy.