Meet Lorri Lofton | Event & Content Curator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lorri Lofton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lorri, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I have learned that there isn’t a true balance. Balance involves an even distribution or equal proportions. Even if I evenly distribute myself to all that needs to be done or who needs my attention, the one who suffers is myself. I used to pride myself on multi tasking. However, I get so much more done when I give undivided attention to that one thing. So I’m now focused on work life harmony and allowing myself grace in the process. I often find myself saying ‘Lorri, you’re doing the best you can with what you’ve been given.’

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I create or assist in event experiences for all to enjoy. I have curated over 50 events in the Charlotte, NC and Greenville, SC areas ranging from networking, women empowerment, and food festivals. I also assist with Diner En Blanc Charlotte and Greenville, a secret dining experience that originated in Paris, France which is now celebrated world wide. My largest event is Charlotte Brunch Festival. This event draws a sell out crowd of 800+ each time and growing. I saw this event being done in other major cities, and I decided to launch it in Charlotte. This business came about by way of filling a need. I created events that I would go to that I didn’t see on eventbrite but I would attend. My target audience is that young, working professional looking for a good time but ready to go home by 9P because we got work in the morning lol.

If you are sitting on an idea, book, business, event, or brand, I encourage you to do it. Set a date to execute it by, get a mentor in that field, and start your research today. I encourage everyone to do research before launching something new. Much like when you birth a child, you want to ensure they are taken care of and you prepare for their arrival. The same should be done for your idea. You’re giving birth to a brand, book, event, etc and you will need to take the proper precautions necessary to ensure it’s taken care of. Like a newborn, you can’t touch it one time and leave it alone for 2 months. It will die. Don’t do the same for your brand. We often get the Instagram page, post a few pics, launch, and then let the excitement sizzle and the business dies. Get a business plan to keep you on track and do quarterly audits of what’s working and what’s not. Doing Research, repeating what worked, and consulting a mentor all helped me tremendously. It’s not easy, but it’s rewarding.

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 love the Charlotte skyline and the downtown area that we call uptown. Hitting up one of our Rooftops for pics is a must. Merchant and Trade, Nuvole, Fahrenheit, and the Cloud Bar are all 20+ floors up and have a great rooftop vibe. For dinner in the city, I would hit up Burtons, Chef’s Kitchen, Steak 48, Cabo Fish Taco, Customshop, or EverAndalo. These selections offer something for everyone while delivering on taste. For Brunch in the city, I would hit up The Dunavant for their signature fried chicken and funnel cakes, Snooze for their pancake flights, Midnight Diner for the french toast and grits, or The Flying Biscuit to name just a few. For a sweet treat, Pop Bar in Noda or Day and Night Cereal Bar are both great stops. Depending on the season, you can check out a soccer, baseball, football, or basketball game which are all uptown. If you’re looking to lounge – 1501 S Mint, Broken Promises, or Crave are ideal. They each offer their own dynamic depending on what you’re looking for. Charlotte offers a lot of murals. Many of them tell stories or have a message behind them. For live music, Studio 229 or Middle C Jazz clubs. Camp North End and Optimist Hall are both great spots to explore. They both offer great eating options and places to meet up.

Also, depending on the season, Camp North End will have some sort of interactive exhibit such as Van Gogh that one can explore.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family keeps me going. My mom is my only living parent and a hard worker.

Seeing her work ethic over the years has given me a great blueprint on what it looks like to keep going even when you don’t feel like it. She taught me to remain disciplined even when you aren’t motivated.

Instagram:www.instagram.com/@LorriAshly

Facebook: Lorri Ashly Lofton

Other: email – info@lorriashly.com email – hello@charlottebrunchfestival.com