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

Hi Janelle, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The success of ATL Black Fae Fest is powered by so much more than just the hard work of our core team and amazing fairy ambassadors. It’s also fueled by the vibrant, enthusiastic Fae community who shows up to support and celebrate with us—and by the shared desire within the Black community to bring more magic into our lives!

Although ATL Black Fae Fest is still under a year old, it was officially launched alongside the Annual Black Fae Day when we held our very first ATL Black Fae Fest Festival on the second Saturday of May in 2024. This milestone has only added to the incredible momentum of the Black Fae movement, which has grown rapidly over the past four years.

My journey with cosplay began four years ago, and in 2022, I embraced fairy cosplay specifically—transforming myself and other women into magical fairies ever since. Cosplay has been my passion since 2020, and I’ve consistently poured my heart into creating cosplay content. Thanks to a friend and business partner at the time who saw my vision, as well as the unwavering support of my life partner and manager, ATL Black Fae Fest came to life.

The Fae movement represents all the magic, wonder, and fantasy our community craves. ATL Black Fae Fest isn’t just an event; it’s a meaningful brand where people come together to celebrate, connect, and experience something extraordinary. We’re grateful to create this magical gathering where everyone can let loose, dress up, and step into a world of pure enchantment!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m thrilled to share the exciting journey of ATL Black Fae Fest! This magical endeavor has been a dream come true, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share it with the world. As a seasoned esthetician and the founder of Glamour Goddess Beauty, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges. But through perseverance and passion, I’ve been blessed to bring this incredible festival to life. ATL Black Fae Fest isn’t just an event; it’s a powerful movement that celebrates diversity, creativity, and self-expression. I can’t wait to see where this magical journey takes us!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Wow, I have so many people to thank for helping me bring ATL Black Fae Fest to life. I’d like to give a huge shoutout to Jasmine, the founder of Black Fae Day (@BlackFaeDayOfficial). Her vision and dedication to creating a space for Black fae inspired me to bring ATL Black Fae Fest to life. She had been successfully hosting Black Fae Day for three years prior, and I wanted to expand that magic to Atlanta and beyond with a full-fledged festival.

I’m also incredibly grateful to Cloud of @cloud9.visuals. He not only encouraged me to take the leap and start ATL Black Fae Fest but also contributed immensely with his belief in me, creative ideas, stunning photography, and graphic design skills. His support was crucial in making our first two events a success.

My life partner, Darius (@DariusSkhm), deserves a special shoutout for his invaluable contributions. He taught me the ins and outs of running a festival and took on the essential role of managing the business and events. His expertise and dedication have been instrumental in our growth.

I also want to acknowledge Jazmine of @jzd_photography, who joined our team after our first event. Her talent for planning, organizing, and decorating has elevated our events to new heights. With her upcoming High Fae Urban Ball planned for April 19 2025, I can’t wait to help her create an elegant and fun event.

Lastly, I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to Anjanette Little, the owner of @unearthingfarmandmarket. She generously offered us our first venue, providing the perfect setting for our inaugural event. Her support and belief in our vision were instrumental in our early success.

These incredible individuals have played a significant role in shaping ATL Black Fae Fest into what it is today. I’m truly grateful for their support, guidance, and friendship. And with our next ATL Black Fae Fest coming up on May 10th, 2025, we can’t wait to continue the magic.

Website: https://www.atlblackfaefest.com

Instagram: atlblackfaefest

Facebook: atlblackfaefest

Youtube: ATL Black Fae Fest

Other: TikTok: ATLBlackFaeFest

Image Credits
JZD Photography

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