SAY IT LOUD! NC: A NIGHT OF ART, EMPOWERMENT & COMMUNITY THIS SATURDAY IN FAYETTEVILLE!
- Christina Miles
- 42 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Fayetteville, NC — Clear your calendar for Saturday, April 26, 2025, because Say It LOUD! NC Creative Art Gala & Auction is going down at District 26 Studios (991 Old McPherson Church Road), and you do not want to miss this vibrant night of creativity, culture, and purpose.
This unforgettable evening is more than a gala—it's a movement.
Brought to you by the unstoppable force behind Sista Soul Fest, the Say It LOUD! NC Gala is a fundraising celebration to help power the 2025 North Carolina Sista Soul Fest, coming up on September 20th. Expect a soul-stirring night packed with:
🎨 Local artist showcases + a live art auction
🎶 Curated musical performances
🍷 Sips, bites, and elevated vibes
🤝 Powerful networking and real community connections
And for those FAYNC Magazine insiders in the know—use the code SAYITLOUDFAYMAG at checkout for $15 off your ticket (only available for the first 5 people)! Grab yours now at sistasoulfest.com/say-it-loud 🎟️ Limited door tickets will also be available.
Featured artists include:
What’s Sista Soul Fest, Anyway?
Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Sista Soul Fest was envisioned by founder Loretta Terrell during a moment of meditation in the park. With a spark of divine inspiration and the support of four powerful women, the nation’s only and largest all-women business festival was born.
Since its first celebration, held every last Sunday in August, the fest has blossomed into a traveling empowerment experience. In 2022, the movement officially expanded to North Carolina, thanks to the vision and leadership of Fayetteville’s own Ayreka Plowden, who has been involved with Sista Soul Fest for six years and made sure Fayetteville became one of its homes.
Why Say It LOUD! NC Matters
“This isn’t just another vendor event,” Ayreka explains. “This is about building real community. It's about helping women build sustainable businesses and giving them a platform to be seen—not just in Fayetteville, but across the country.”
For the last three years, Ayreka and the Sista Soul Fest team have personally funded the North Carolina expansion—out of their own pockets. The Say It LOUD! Creative Art Gala & Auction is a chance to generate the support and resources needed to keep this mission growing strong.
Proceeds from the gala will directly support:
Venue and production costs for Sista Soul Fest NC
Scholarships for women starting businesses or pursuing education
Access to vendor spots for entrepreneurs who might not otherwise afford it
Support for Brothers United for Hope, a connected program focused on prison reform and advocacy—including an exclusive showcase of artwork from incarcerated individuals in Nash County
How You Can Get Involved
Want to make a real difference? Sponsorship opportunities are open now for both the Gala and the September festival. Whether you’re a business looking to give back, or an individual passionate about empowerment, there’s a seat for you at the table.
📩 Contact Ayreka Plowden directly to explore how your support can change lives through art, entrepreneurship, and advocacy.
Phone: 910-644-0698 Email: sistasoulfest2020@gmail.com
It’s Bigger Than Just One Night
Sista Soul Fest is more than a moment—it's a movement. Women who show up here in Fayetteville may one day see their business featured in Des Moines, or even beyond. It’s about building bridges, sharing resources, and creating opportunities across state lines.
As Ayreka puts it, “If a woman doesn’t do it, it doesn’t move.”
So let’s move. Let’s support. Let’s build.
See you Saturday at Say It LOUD! NC. 🎉
April 26 | 6 PM | District 26 Studios | Fayetteville, NC
With Peace and Love,
Christina Miles
Art Director & Admin Lead
FAYNC Magazine