ENVSN Fest 2024: Redefining Empowerment and Connection with 'IT Girl Unlocked'

by Lauryn Jones edited by Jamisha Rosado

What once started off as a shared vision and passion between Laura Stylez and Sharifa Murdock, ENVSN Festival is now one of the most anticipated events that creates community in a safe space for millennials and Gen-Z people of color. The then idea has blossomed into an annual celebration of empowerment and connection. 

The theme for this year’s event was “It Girl Unlocked: Rewriting All the Rules.” Held over two dynamic days, the festival featured a series of panels, keynote speakers, interactive activations, delicious bites, electrifying sounds, and appearances by some of Instagram’s most influential “IT Girls.” ENVSN Fest brought together a diverse crowd of ambitious creatives, entrepreneurs, and change-makers to Brooklyn, fostering connections and celebrating their collective passions. With an unwavering commitment to innovation and empowerment, the festival continued to be a beacon of inspiration for those charting their unique paths in the worlds of media and fashion.

 The festivities kicked off with a series of panels and activations covering topics including  entrepreneurship, fashion, content creation, wellness, and makeup. Notable keynote speakers included Mia Belle, Alani Noelle, Khiari, Raymonte, Aliyah Bah, Kamie Crawford, and others who graced the stage, offering insights into the highs, lows, and in-betweens of their journeys to success. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in these discussions, ask questions, and network with these industry trailblazers. The excitement and networking extended beyond the panels, with numerous interactive activations throughout the event. Highlights included Rare Beauty’s makeup tutorials and generous gift bags, tooth gem installations, headshots with Foot Locker, sneaker customization with Adidas, on-the-spot hair braiding, nail tech services, sketching with GAP, and a variety of incredible vendors.

Fashion and self-expression were at the forefront of ENVSN Fest 2024. The “In the Sketch Lap” workshop with Gap Inc. and sneaker customization with Adidas even allowed the fashion girlies to bring their fashion dreams to life. Attendees and “It Girls” alike dressed to impress, embodying the festival’s vibrant spirit. ENVSN Fest catered perfectly to fashion enthusiasts by featuring emerging designers and brands that are redefining and influencing the future of fashion. Vendors spanned a vibrant array, from beloved local cafés and restaurants to innovative Black-owned businesses. The Black in Fashion Council was also present providing invaluable one-on-one mentoring sessions with industry professionals sharing insight, opportunities and guidance. 

No event is complete without the world's one universal language- music. The two-day event was filled with music that brought the crowd even closer together. Embracing the essence of being an It Girl involves confidence, community, and celebration the catchy tunes served as binding factor for all the vibes. ENVSN Fest knew just how to bring the party with the help from the electrifying Lower East Side Girls DJ. 

 ENVSN Fest allowed everyone who attended to take away the true embodiment of an It Girl includes self-assurance, taking initiative to being a beacon in your community, and Attendees left not only empowered by the event but also with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper connection to the “It Girls” in their community. ENVSN Fest is more than just a festival; it’s a movement dedicated to inspiring creatives, one bold step at a time.

The ENVN Fest It Girl Unlocked experience extends beyond the weekend, serving as a reminder that everyone is capable and equipped to define their own path, break boundaries, and create a life that is nothing short of extraordinary.