Behind the Glam proved that authenticity and ambition are equally glamorous. Guests left with strategies they could apply immediately, connections that felt purposeful, and a renewed sense of drive.

On September 14, 2025, Atlanta glowed with more than its usual charm as Behind the Glam: From Hustle to Empire unfolded in the heart of the city. The evening began with an uplifting prayer that set a grounded and intentional tone. Attendees entered dressed to impress, but the real sparkle came from the honesty exchanged inside the room. Visionary entrepreneur Sierra Gates crafted an experience that peeled back the polished exterior of success, exposing the perseverance, sacrifice, and strategy that lie beneath the shine.

The speaker lineup brought together a dynamic mix of leaders who represented different corners of influence. Sherri J. White, an accomplished executive producer and mogul, offered insight on turning creativity into wealth that lasts for generations. Leticia Gardner, known for her wellness expertise and digital presence, reminded the audience that credibility must accompany influence. Chanel Nicole Scott, CEO and CMO of In the Black Network, showcased how Black entrepreneurship is boldly moving into the tech space. Rounding out the panel was Cliff Vmir, a beauty empire builder whose fearless energy inspired the crowd to embrace individuality and ambition. Together, they revealed the many forms of power—spiritual, financial, technological, and creative.

What set the gathering apart was its interactivity. Guests weren’t just listening; they were participating. Journals filled with notes and personal reflections, many pausing to confront their own stories of struggle and renewal. During open discussions, tough questions about failure, financing, and rebuilding were asked with vulnerability. The photo booth became more than a backdrop—it turned into a stage where guests captured not only their style, but their transformation. In between conversations, connections sparked effortlessly, creating a room alive with possibility.

Sierra Gates anchored the evening with her own unfiltered truth. She spoke candidly about betrayal, heartbreak, and moments when her vision seemed impossible to achieve. Yet with each obstacle, she demonstrated that reinvention is the true secret to longevity. As the founder of The Glam Shop and multiple other ventures, she reminded attendees that empires aren’t built overnight—they’re shaped by resilience, discipline, and the courage to keep going. Her authenticity made the event feel less like a seminar and more like a movement.

By the night’s close, Atlanta had become the stage for something much bigger than a beauty-centered gathering. Behind the Glam proved that authenticity and ambition are equally glamorous. Guests left with strategies they could apply immediately, connections that felt purposeful, and a renewed sense of drive. Sierra Gates and her panelists underscored one undeniable truth: while appearance can catch attention, legacy is what leaves an imprint. On that night, the city didn’t just host an event—it cultivated a new wave of empowered creators ready to shape the future.