Cheri Leavy and Whitney Long are the founders of The Southern C , a community that’s redefining what networking looks like for creative entrepreneurs. They have built an ecosystem where relationships come first, and their approach to fostering meaningful connections has made The Southern C Summit a must-attend event for female business owners the country.

Beyond their in-person events, they’ve also cultivated a thriving online membership, offering entrepreneurs a space to connect, collaborate, and grow year-round. In our conversation, we dive into how in-person experiences are a powerful driver of business growth and brand loyalty, how personalized marketing fosters deeper consumer connections, and how quality over quantity is always the move.