The Problem

Professional People of color do not have a designated community space to thrive in Coastal Georgia. We often find ourselves on the outside looking in, relocating to another city for better opportunities, or assimilating into communities that do not fully embrace or celebrate our unique culture or perspective. As double minorities, we have witnessed and experienced the effects that the lack of representation has on ALL people. It is our mission to unite a union of diverse people who are eager to be their best selves, live their best lives, and thrive.

The Solution

The Culturist Union is a space designed for People of Color and their allies to lean on and learn from one another. It is a safe brick-and-mortar workspace, retail space, cultural hub and digital platform centered around the artistic and economic empowerment of professionals and creative entrepreneurs. As the first of its kind in Savannah Georgia, we offer weekly programming, events, and workshops on a variety of topics such as: leadership, business, artistic creativity, self-care, health, mental wellness, personal and business finance, technology, community organization, and more- all aimed to support and uplift creativity, cultivation, and comradery amongst our members. TCU fills a gap addressed by no other business in Coastal Georgia. 

What We Offer 

The Culturist Union is a modern space for work and play in downtown Savannah offering services that help our members reclaim their time and redefine themselves into their best version. TCU is…

We sincerely believe in the empowerment and economic advancement of Black and Brown people and it is our hope to fill our space with members who share our same vision. 

Our Space

• Open Lux café-styled seating 
• Marketplace where members’ can sell their product or service to the local community 
• A fresh rotating selection of food and beverages
• Fully outfitted conference room with access to computers, printer, fax, copier, high- speed Wi-Fi and outlets
• Art installations from local artists and photographers.
• Unique programs and events . 
• Empowering workshops across a variety of topics: personal finance, negotiation, creative expression, and more. 

All programming at The Culturist Union is meant to uplift, support, and broaden our members’ experience. We will work with organizations, groups and companies that share our ethos. We will partner with: 

• Local museums and galleries to curate seasonal exhibits and host residency sessions with local artists, photographers and designers. 
• Local wellness and health groups to help create a space of healing and enlightenment. 
• Local restaurant groups and chefs for collaborations.
• Local activist and philanthropic organizations who have a direct impact on our community. 
• Art showcases such as open mic night, poetry slams, and comedy shows. 
• Social mixers such as trivia night, game night, brunches, movie showcases, and plays. 
• Concierge services designed to give you back your free time.
• Professional development coaches: mentor matching, executive coaching, and member networking events.

At the center of our business is a 10-for-1 grant model offering TCU membership to people in the community who meet specific socioeconomic needs, creating a truly diverse and inclusive enviroment. For every ten Founding Memberships purchased, TCU will fund one Annual Membership. These grants will be based upon application submissions. 

Why Crowdfunding?

We explored many different paths to funding The Culturist Union including traditional funding from Venture Capitalists, investors, and banks. Because less than 1% of American Venture Capital-backed founders are black and only 2.2% female entrepreneurs receive a tiny fraction of all venture capital funding we decided that at the end of the day those options don’t reflect our mission to build a space for the community by the community. When the community benefits we all benefit. We believe so much in the power of TCU  that we decided to turn to iFundWomen, a female-centric crowdfunding platform to help us secure funds. These funds will be used to build out our physical space and mobile application. Join the Union. We can’t wait to take up space with you.

Our Founders

Elbi and Carmen are United States Air Force Veterans, and Libra sisters who met while stationed in Japan. While their professional careers after the military put them on separate paths, their passion and drive to create a personal and professional community for the city of Savannah led them back together.