Dr. Karen Totten White speaking at Women Building Bridges to Business
Funding meets fashion at Style Cents: Women’s Career Brunch, an empowering, thoughtfully curated experience designed to support women entrepreneurs in building confident, sustainable businesses—inside and out. Hosted in partnership with the Downtown Ashland Association, the brunch brings together financial strategy, personal branding, and community connection during Black History Month.
Buffet by Around the Table inside the Gathering Place
Taking place Saturday, February 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The Gathering Place (155 Junction Drive, Ashland), Style Cents will feature holistic presentations from Dr. Karen Totten White of Emerge New Unlimited and award-winning wardrobe stylist and image consultant Anetra Byrd. Guests will enjoy a buffet brunch by Ashland’s soul food favorites, Around the Table, while engaging in meaningful dialogue, learning, and relationship-building.
“At every stage of entrepreneurship, women are balancing visibility, credibility, and financial responsibility,” said Dr. Karen Totten White, Financial Strategist and Business Growth Consultant. “Downtown Ashland Association understands how important it is to create spaces where women can grow confidently and strategically. This collaboration was inspired by a shared commitment to equipping women with real-world tools, financial clarity, and a professional presence that directly impacts business growth, leadership, and long-term success.”
Dr. Karen Totten White speaking at Women Building Bridges to Business
Dr. White’s session will focus on aligning financial decisions with business goals while strengthening confidence and leadership presence. “I want our guests to leave feeling confident, commanding, and committed,” she shared. “They’ll gain practical financial insights, mindset shifts, and style awareness that support stronger decision-making, increased income potential, and a more intentional personal brand.”
Central to the brunch is the powerful connection between money and image. “For entrepreneurs, our brand is our first impression,” Dr. White explained. “Financial literacy gives us the power to invest wisely in ourselves and our business, while fashion supports confidence, authority, and credibility. When we understand how to manage our money and present ourselves intentionally, we position ourselves for greater opportunities and sustained career growth.”
Anetra Byrd, Wardrobe Stylist, Image Consultant, and Lifestyle Architect
Joining Dr. White is Anetra Byrd, Wardrobe Stylist, Image Consultant, and Lifestyle Architect, whose work centers on authenticity, alignment, and intentional presence. “This partnership is a natural alignment of values,” Byrd said. “Ashland is a town built on authenticity, community, and intentional presence—the very principles at the core of my work.”
Byrd emphasized the importance of image in a close-knit community. “In a town like Ashland, your image is an extension of your credibility,” she said. “Whether you’re a shop owner, a professional, or a community leader, how you present yourself impacts how you’re perceived—and ultimately, how effectively you can serve and grow.”
Her presentation will guide attendees through a personalized framework for building a wardrobe that supports both professional goals and personal identity. “This isn’t just about what to wear,” Byrd explained. “It’s about creating harmony between your inner identity and your outer expression. My goal is to replace wardrobe stress with lasting clarity, so women can move through their day with confidence—whether they’re meeting clients, collaborating locally, or stepping into leadership roles.”
Both speakers highlighted the significance of hosting Style Cents during Black History Month. “Black History Month is a reminder that progress is built through knowledge, resilience, and strategic action,” said Dr. White. “The skills shared in this session—financial literacy, intentional planning, and self-presentation—help women define their futures on their own terms and build legacies for tomorrow.”
Byrd echoed that sentiment, noting the role of style in self-definition and legacy. “Style has long been a medium for claiming identity and space,” she said. “The skills we’ll cover are about curating a personal narrative with intention. In Ashland, where visibility and connection matter, how you present yourself shapes how you’re remembered and the opportunities you attract.”
Style Cents: Women’s Career Brunch invites women entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders to invest in themselves, connect with like-minded peers, and leave with actionable tools to support long-term success.
Event Details
Saturday, February 28
9:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
The Gathering Place, 155 Junction Drive, Ashland, VA
Free registration: https://www.ashlandvirginia.com/stylecents