Speakers announced for The P Word Conference 2021, including Main Speaker, Jamelia
Creative entrepreneurs and artists have had to work harder than ever over the last year and into 2021 to adapt and survive during this pandemic period. On Thursday 25th February we are shining a spotlight on Midlands-based creative artists & entrepreneurs who have led the way for their respective creative communities.
“Perseverance in Perspective: The P Word Conference” will be led by guest speakers, creative entrepreneurs that we’ve supported over the last year with The P Word, and partners Punch & CREME. They will all be delivering honest conversations and thoughts about their enterprises/companies, the creative industries, advice for start-ups, the effect of the pandemic, and much more.
Meet our Guest Speakers and host below, and register for your tickets here.
Jamelia
As a singer-songwriter Jamelia has sold millions of albums and scored number one’s all over the world. Jamelia has won multiple awards including four MOBOs, a Q Award and an Ivor Novello.
In broadcasting, Jamelia has appeared on programmes on every major UK TV channel as a host, panellist, presenter and guest. Jamelia’s modelling career has seen her grace the covers of Cosmopolitan, Elle and Time Out. She’s also fronted campaigns for Reebok, Pretty Polly and Toni & Guy.
Jamelia loves to act, and has had roles in both movies & tv shows. As well as her chat show, The Table, Jamelia is currently working on album number four and a number of books.
CJ Lloyd Webley
CJ Lloyd Webley is a Writer and Theatre-maker from Birmingham. He majored in Theatre and Performance Studies at The University of Warwick, and recently completed a Master of Arts in Creative Writing (Screenwriting & Playwriting) at City University of London. His play, Shadows, received 4 & 5 star reviews and sold out its three-night run at Theatro Technis, Kings Cross in 2017. Since then, he has had new work performed at The Birmingham Rep, Soho Theatre and the Brockley Jack Studio Theatre.
CJ was part of the 2019-20 Tamasha Playwrights cohort in London where he was shortlisted for the Adopt a playwright Award and has since been selected for Criterion Theatre’s New Writing Programme in Piccadilly. CJ is one of the newly appointed Lead Artists for Lightpost Theatre Company at the Birmingham Rep, a scheme that seeks to improve the mental well-being of young black men.
CJ is also the Founder of The Black Pounds Project CIC and facilitates Creative Writing workshops as part of his organisation Sorrel Park Theatrical, and online sessions with Beatfreeks. He has since completed Regional Theatre’s Young Director Scheme and. the Common Purpose leadership programme.
Fusion
The self-professed ‘Creative Storyteller’ has presented shows for MTV and Sky, hosted events at Wembley Arena, interviewed the likes of Beyoncé, Dr Dre and Marvel-mastermind Stan Lee, and shared his story on the TED stage.
An experienced educator and creative producer, he is now a lead facilitator for YouTube, empowering thousands of young people to become better Internet Citizens, and helps award-winning CEOs discover their own stories of transformation.
The driving force behind creative currency initiative #IITSPIRATION and founder of BMT – an immersive live experience celebrating the ‘awesome everyday’ stories of black men - Alain takes on all challenges with irrepressible energy, curiosity and a desire to get to the heart of the matter.
Alexandria Chantiluke
Birmingham born fashion designer Alexandria Chantiluke was selected as a 2015 finalist in the Savile Row Training Academy: National Design and Tailoring Awards. She won the annual Hawes and Curtis shirt design competition and graduated in July 2016 with a BA Honours in Fashion Design from Nottingham Trent University.
In 2017 Alexandria was named Radical Designer of the Year at an international design competition and in 2018 she was named one of Birmingham's top 30 under 30 for her work in fashion and the Birmingham community. In 2019 she delivered a motivational speech on the TEDxYouth stage and was also named one of the Future Faces of Birmingham on Gallery 37’s BASS2019 mural at Suki10c.
Alexandria has worked in the fashion industry with bespoke tailors Timothy Everest and Richard James on Savile Row in London, but fashion design is just one part of her brand. She also writes and performs poetry and is an activist for mental health awareness, speaking openly about her own experiences with Generalised Anxiety Disorder. She is committed to supporting young people and volunteers her spare time to delivering school presentations and workshops.
Jay Williams
Hoodrich is more than just a clothing brand – it’s a lifestyle. The slogan “from nothing to something” is fully encompassed by Birmingham born founder Jay Williams’ own experiences. Hoodrich embodies the come up.
Jay’s passion for underground streetwear, musical influences and interest in clothing led him to start his own brand from his bedroom. In 2014 with a £200 start up, the first 30 tees were made. Hoodrich has grown from a one man venture to a national operation.
Hoodrich is in Footasylum and JD stores across the UK and the brand has been worn by UK and US rappers and influencers.
Hoodrich founder Jay aspires for the brand to be a global household name and is just getting started.