ONEfluence Leads the Conversation in the City that is Influencing the World.

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Atlanta influences everything. It is at the center of movements that have been for the betterment of communities and culture nationwide. Atlanta is the home of the ambitious and driven. It is a Mecca known for its rich black history. From government to entertainment, the city continues to be pushed to the forefront by the do-it-yourself spirit of young black brilliance. Add Matt Harper to the long list of names that are making an impact in Atlanta. With his ONEfluence conversation series, he, along with a dynamic panel, provided those in attendance with an experience built to show the importance of community engagement, and the success that can be found within a strong network of like-minded individuals. Matt Harper, an Atlanta native, Morehouse College graduate, and the creator of Onefluence, is the Principal Owner of Esquire Branding Agency, a 360-marketing agency that specializes in high-end event production, branding, and creative services. On the evening of October 5th, 2022, Onefluence took place at The Fox Theatre Marquee Club.

Setting the tone for ONE Musicfest, a two-day, star-studded music festival that happens annually in Atlanta, Onefluence gave the attendees direct access to some of the most influential figures that the city has to offer. The goal of ONEfluence was to facilitate an evening for participants to learn how these individuals became successful in their professions, while also creating opportunities to expand their network with other established professionals within the city. ONEfluence, in its 3rd year of operation, provides attendees the opportunity to gain career and life advice from an esteemed panel of industry executives while enjoying great drinks, food, and an evening of black excellence in the heart of the city, in the most upscale environment. The panel led an inspired conversation centered on moving Atlanta’s culture forward. Matt was joined on the panel by Rashan Ali, media personality, actor, author, and founder of Sporty Girls, Inc; Keshia Knight Pulliam, veteran actor, director, entrepreneur, investor, wife, and mommy; Robert (Rob) Hardy Jr., film/television director and producer; and J. Cater, ONE Musicfest founder, and ONE Venture Group co-founder.

This culture-shifting conversation was moderated by speaker, curator, and author of the book, The Art of Scene-Stealing, Satchel B. Jester. Each influencer spoke from the heart about their journeys and lessons along the way to becoming successful in their respective fields. From advice on how to ask someone you admire about their favorite book from J. Cater, to reminders of how important authenticity is to achieving and maintaining success from Keshia Knight Pulliam, the wisdom that was so eloquently imparted and shared made for a night full of gems and great tips. Rashan Ali, also an Atlanta native, spoke highly of athletics and how being physically fit and active really helps her prepare for all of the opportunities she has now. Rob Hardy described truth-seeking as his base in directing and telling the stories that he brings to life on screen. He spoke on how being truly honest with yourself and your goals can help you get the things that you want out of everyday life. The most pervasive points of the night were, “To believe in yourself and what you have to offer the world,” and “Support your friends knowing that support is a verb.”

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There were many more highlights throughout the event, but it was Matt Harper who had the most touching moment of the night. While answering a question from the audience about supporting a black-owned brand, Harper gave a shout-out to his mother, Sabrina Harper, and grandmother, Madie A. Parker, who were in attendance, and spoke on the impact they had on him and how he approaches giving support. He spoke about why he started ONEfluence and what inspires the work that is being done through his Esquire Branding Agency. “I put my heart and soul into everything I do,” Harper said. “I’ve always been a dot connector, and I trace it back to being an Atlanta native, and just always having a rich network. I grew up around Black doctors, lawyers, and entrepreneurs. I have always been able to bring people together.” He continued, “What I’m creating isn’t necessarily a color-dominated brand, the vibes that I create are for everyone, but especially for my people. I am showing our demographic that we can have that [upscale and refined] representation, and we can have nice things, and we can dress up, and look nice, and carry ourselves with a certain level of decorum. I think having that visible representation is extremely important and honest conversations are where it begins.” Matt Harper has decided to add value to this world, and ONEfluence is one of many affairs Esquire Branding Agency is providing throughout the city. Matt has a unique way of bringing all the best parts of the city together. From fun events like the Color of Change, 3-on-3 Men’s Basketball Tournament at Piedmont Park, to nightlife functions like Esquire Branding’s “Slow Jams,” held at the James Room (located on the Beltline) at 7 PM every Wednesday night, Matt creates experiences that have the perfect blend of elegance, style, and class, with an unwavering focus on community and relationship building. The passion that Matt has for the city that raised him can be felt and seen in every detail he puts into his curated events. If you are looking for places in Atlanta to expand your network and have an amazing time in the city, Matt Harper and Esquire Branding Agency are providing an array of exciting events and activities for you to attend. Wednesdays at the James Room are evenings dedicated to playing your favorite R&B jams over award-winning cocktails, surrounded by a young professional crowd. On Thursdays, look forward to Esquire Thursday x In The Mix ATL — a two-level experience with amazing dining on the main level, and a club-like atmosphere for dancing and drinks on the top level. You can also look into all of the social gatherings and opportunities for community service that happen in Atlanta like Esquires branding’s recent collaboration with the Color of Change initiative. As Matt's influence continues to grow, the purpose of his work continues to shine through. Esquire Branding Agency is connecting communities within Atlanta by showing them what is possible and creating the environment for knowledge and resources to be shared.

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The Onefluence conversation series is just another example of the ambition, creativity, and passion that continues to keep Atlanta’s legacy strong. Be sure to follow @esquiremane & @esquirebranding and visit esquirebrandingagency.com for more information.

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