Opening in Savannah, Georgia early 2022.

A multifunctional coffeehouse & artisan marketplace

The Culturist Union (TCU) is a multicultural hub for inspiring artists, activists, writers, entrepreneurs, influencers, and dreamers alike. This multifunctional coffeehouse will serve as a community gathering spot, local artisan marketplace, and digital membership platform, empowering entrepreneurs, creatives, scholars, and professionals to network, develop, and collaborate.

TCU promotes diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness. TCU is where you go to grab a cup of coffee(or tea), get some work done, embrace the ambiance, engage with your friends or colleagues (or meet new ones), purchase locally Black-owned products and sundries, host public or private events, and gather the knowledge and resources to build and expand. We are the community!

How Your Contribution Helps

Unfortunately, due to a lack of access to capital for African American women, approximately 61% of African American women are obligated to self-fund their start-up costs. Through various fundraising efforts, we have raised $85K. Funding has been obtained through our initial iFundwomen crowdfunding, grants, tenant improvements, a small business loan, and personal capital. TCU is 90% complete!! As we prepare to open its doors, we need your help to actualize the vision. Please support our efforts to raise the 10% ($17K) required to complete the TCU project. We believe in the power of community!

Our Mission

The Culturist Union is a village-minded space where good vibes and social change intersect. Where we go to pause societal pressures while simultaneously challenging ourselves to go deeper and think bigger. Where art, business, politics, and healing amicably co-exist. Communities like TCU are where the change we’ve been waiting for ignites from the inside out.

The TCU Experience

TCU serves as an incubator for local and visiting entrepreneurs, creators, and professionals. Creators are sojourned in an authentic space that allows effortless creativity. Imagine an environment brimming with custom art, good vibes, and neo-soul. Take a step back in time, reflect on future projects and ambitions while consuming a cup of brain fuel (coffee) in the indoor or outdoor courtyard. TCU will launch our digital membership platform in Spring 2022. Membership includes monthly business educational workshops, a TCU playlist, virtual ‘Office Hours’, and events. This will enable inspiring and functional entrepreneurs to develop, polish their craft, and network creating valuable goods and services to cycle back into our local economy.

Our New Location

The Culturist Union's  Inspiration 

Madam C.J. Walker (born Sarah Breedlove) was an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the first self-made female millionaire in America. Inspired by African American businesswoman Annie Turbo Malone, Walker invested $1.25 to create her own version of "The Great Wonderful Hair Grower”, hair care accessories and straighteners. Additionally, Walker trained and employed approximately 40,000 men and women, profiting over $500,000 in her final years.

In August 1917, Walker hosted her first annual convention titled, “The Madam C.J. Walker Hair Culturists Union of America”. Walker advocated for African American female entrepreneurs to employ their influence and financial independence in an effort to affect social and political change. Inspired by Madam C.J. Walker’s vision, The Culturist Union created a safe space for people of all merits to come together to create, cultivate and collaborate. Together, we will make the world a better place—present and future.

Contribute to The Culturist Union 

From the beginning, we knew this was something that we did not want to embark on alone. By tapping into the hearts and minds of like-minded members of our community, together, we will ignite a chain of positive change. Your generosity will enable us to steward this project and  “Take Up Space” together.

All funds contributed will support the completion of our space’s build-out, acquiring equipment, inventory, hiring, and paying an equitable and livable wage to our employees.

Meet Our Founder

As a proud alumna of Howard University and the Savannah College of Art and Design, Elbi Elm discovered her passion for managing creative spaces and building communities while using self-expression as a change agent. Elbi founded The Culturist Union to equip creators with the necessary support, developmental opportunities, and confidence to improve their craft and their community.  Elbi is a United States Air Force disabled veteran with 15 years of leadership and human relations experience.

Additionally, Elbi has served as the Diversity Marketing Advisor and board member for several nonprofit organizations where she functioned as a spokeswoman in support of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Elbi successfully completed the Georgia Women’s Policy Institute fellowship. The completion of the fellowship positioned Elbi as a strong advocate in support of policy changes for females in Georgia. Elbi won best pitch of Savannah’s SCORE’s 2019 BizPitch competition and was selected for the American Express “100 for 100” program. Elbi has featured in several local and national publications including Savannah Morning News, Essence, and Black Enterprise.