This October, Atlanta becomes the city of love — not the fleeting kind, but the kind that transforms lives, builds legacies, and redefines culture. On October 18–19 at Eagle Rock Studios, the inaugural Becoming Love Fest 2025 will bring together over 20+ trailblazers across film, media, wellness, and storytelling for a two-day experience that merges creativity, healing, and connection.
Founded by Tamala B, creator of The Becoming Love Project, now an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the festival is rooted in one mission — to help people rediscover who they are through the power of story and community.
A Celebration of Story and Soul
Across two transformative days, attendees will experience immersive workshops, visionary panels, and cinematic film screenings that explore how storytelling can heal, empower, and connect us. Becoming Love Fest features an inspiring lineup of creators and thought leaders whose work has appeared on BET+, Def Jam, Revolt TV, Netflix, Essence, Ebony, NPR, and more.
Among the featured speakers are Nakeia Homer, celebrated author and self-worth advocate; Casey Michelle, producer and founder of SheSpeaks Studio; J’Que Ellis, holistic health and wellness professional; Maxie McClintock, filmmaker and founder of Once Upon an Imagination Films; Penni Harper, host and producer for WIFTA; Jack Manning III, filmmaker and photographer; and Tamala Baldwin, writer, director, and founder of Soul Kisses Productions, a creative house known for emotionally resonant storytelling centering Black women and the journey to self-love.
Each brings a unique lens to the festival’s guiding question: What happens when love becomes our language — in how we tell our stories, heal our communities, and build our futures?
The Heart Awards: Where Love Takes Center Stage
The festival culminates in the Red-Carpet Heart Awards, a glamorous celebration honoring individuals whose work embodies love, creativity, and cultural impact.
This year’s honorees include:
- Dr. Ni’Cola Mitchell, award-winning author and founder of Girls Who Brunch Tour, empowering thousands of young women worldwide through mentorship and storytelling. • Shaquita Smith, acclaimed actress from Wicked City and Tubi’s The Assistant, known for her powerhouse performances and commitment to representation in film.
- Nicky Crawford, author, speaker, and founder of Flowing with Blessings, whose work helps others find healing and wholeness through faith and mindfulness.
And the Heart Award nominees, leaders redefining what it means to lead with love, include:
- Rebecca Davis, founder of Platinum Spa, the largest Black-owned luxury spa in the South, known for her signature holistic experiences that restore, nurture, and heal.
- Timeekah Murphy, visionary designer and founder of Alani Taylor and The Lab, one of Atlanta’s largest Black woman–owned manufacturing companies, merging entrepreneurship with empowerment.
- Mike Styles, creative visionary and industry veteran whose career spans 25 years in film and music from Transformers and Spiderman 3 to collaborations with Jay Z, Drake, and Nicki Minaj, using his artistry to amplify justice, opportunity, and community uplift.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just an event — it’s an experience. Becoming Love Fest is where creativity meets consciousness, where artists, entrepreneurs, and visionaries gather to be seen, inspired, and reminded of their power to shape the world. Attendees will enjoy:
- One full day of workshops, panels, and film screenings with culture shapers and innovators • Exclusive access to 20+ speakers redefining the intersection of love, art, and impact • Networking opportunities with filmmakers, entrepreneurs, healers, and industry leaders • The glamorous Red Carpet Heart Awards ceremony
- A full marketplace of local vendors, activations, giveaways, and wellness experiences
Tickets are available now at www.givebutter.com/becominglovefest
For those unable to attend, The Becoming Love Project welcomes volunteers, donors, and community partners to support its growing mission of healing through storytelling and creative expression.
