Ownership & Origins: Building Your Brand and Protecting It

For the side hustlers, the creatives, and everyone who sees themselves as more than just their job title. About the Event You're building something… maybe it's a personal brand, a creative project, a side business, or just the way you show up in your career. Here's the thing: You are a brand. Whether you're posting on LinkedIn, building a portfolio, freelancing on the side, or creating art after hours, how you show up matters. And what you create? That's yours to own. But how do you turn what you're building into something that lasts? How do you grow your influence, protect your work, and make sure you're not just visible, but valued? The Bay Area has always been a place where culture gets created, exported, and sometimes co-opted. From hyphy to tech innovation to creative movements that go global — this region knows what it's like to build something original and watch the world run with it. Join us for an honest conversation with those who've turned local culture and artistry into protected, scalable brands. We'll talk about how to grow your audience, protect your creative work, and build something sustainable that's actually yours. Panelists Deric Thompson , Founder of Hyphy Culture and Proof of OriginGabrielle Elyse Oberes Padre, Founder of GEO Harpistry LLCAmber Royal / FELA KUTCHiii, Official DJ of Oakland Soul SCLadyRAY, Founder of LadyRAY Media Who This Is For This event is for you if you're: Building a personal brand — whether that's on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, or through your creative workA creative or artist scaling your work (dancer, designer, musician, painter, content creator)Running a side hustle you're getting serious about turning into something biggerAn early-stage founder figuring out how to protect and scale what you've builtWondering how to own your work — trademarks, copyrights, contracts — without needing a law degree If you're building something (even if it's just you) and want to do it right, this is your room. Why This Matters At Continusum, we believe your backstory is your competitive advantage — but only if you know how to build and protect it. The Bay Area has a long history of creating culture that the world adopts. Whether it's music, tech, art, or movements — what starts here often ends up everywhere. But how many of the original creators own what they built? How many protected it before it scaled? This conversation is about owning what you've built, growing intentionally, and making it last. You don't have to code-switch to belong here. Just show up ready to learn. Learn more: www.continusum.com Thank you to our partners: Pa'ina Restaurant, Oakland Fortune, Oakland Roots SC By attending this event, you acknowledge that photography and video may occur and may be used by Continusum for community and promotional purposes.