Turning Lemons Into Lemonade
- Courtney Clardy
- Mar 29
- 4 min read
Brittney Oliver’s Bold Journey to Empowerment and the Impact of Her February’s Mixer
Inception of Lemons 2 Lemonade
Brittney Oliver’s journey to creating Lemons 2 Lemonade (L2L) began with a challenging job search after college. Moving to New York City with dreams of becoming a publicist, she faced an unexpected reality—over 100 interviews over eight months without landing a job. The lack of diversity in networking spaces and the dismissive attitudes she encountered led her to reimagine professional spaces where underrepresented individuals could feel seen, supported, and valued. The name Lemons 2 Lemonade was inspired by a friend who reminded her that struggles are just the “lemons” leading to something greater.
What started as a career-focused initiative evolved over time, especially in response to the pandemic. Recognizing that people were craving more intimate and engaging experiences, L2L shifted from traditional networking events to creating spaces for connection, social engagement, and collective empowerment.
Impact and Growth
Since its launch in 2016, Lemons 2 Lemonade has hosted events in multiple cities, fostering community and professional opportunities for Black professionals. Some key milestones include:
First Event: Despite financial hurdles, Brittney leveraged her network, securing sponsorships, panelists, and event spaces like BuzzFeed to bring her vision to life.
Jack Daniel’s Partnership (2017): What started as a request for product donations turned into a major sponsorship, covering venue costs and helping L2L scale. The event sold out in minutes, proving the strong demand for spaces celebrating Black professionals.
LA Expansion (2019): A sold-out event with 500 Black women in attendance highlighted the lack of similar spaces in the area and reinforced the need for continued expansion.
Collaborations with Major Brands: Partnerships with companies like Moët Hennessy and national conferences have elevated L2L’s visibility, providing attendees with real opportunities for career growth and connection.
Beyond sponsorships and event successes, Brittney measures impact by the personal wins of attendees. One of her first panelists, for example, was offered a paid speaking opportunity simply because someone in the audience recognized his value. Moments like these fuel her mission.
Future Vision
Looking ahead, Brittney envisions Lemons 2 Lemonade continuing to evolve, placing a greater emphasis on community-driven experiences. She wants to create more social, interactive spaces where people can engage beyond panel discussions. The goal is to foster deeper, more meaningful connections—helping individuals not only grow professionally but also feel supported personally.
Reflections on Lemons 2 Lemonade’s February Mixer
Reflecting on February’s event, Brittney noted the importance of creating spaces where people feel comfortable showing up authentically. One of the biggest takeaways was the reminder that professional growth is not just about job titles but about having a strong, supportive network. The event reinforced L2L’s core mission—turning personal and professional challenges into opportunities for empowerment and transformation.
It was an honor to not only attend this event but also serve as a panelist at the L2L: Keeping the Momentum in the Face of Adversity mixer. Taking place on the first day of February—just as we entered Black History Month and navigated the shifts of a new year—this event was the perfect way to help women refocus their energy on sustaining momentum in their mental, physical, financial, and nutritional wellness.
The day began with an invigorating floor Pilates session led by India Marie, owner of Work It Pilates, Nashville’s first Black-owned Pilates studio. Attendees then enjoyed light refreshments before immersing themselves in deep relaxation with a transformative sound bath by Toni Gordon. Fully grounded and refreshed, we transitioned into the heart of the event: the panel discussion.
The panel discussion was rich with insight, personal testimony, and actionable tools. Each panelist brought a unique perspective on what it means to maintain momentum, even when life presents obstacles. We discussed the necessity of financial wellness, with Ashley Harlan sharing strategies for managing both business and personal finances in a way that fosters stability and growth. The conversation around mental and emotional wellness was just as profound, as I (Courtney A. Clardy,LMSW) spoke about the power of faith, self-awareness, and mindset shifts in navigating adversity. India Marie highlighted how movement is not just about fitness—it’s a tool for resilience, healing, and self-empowerment. And Kayla Hall shared how her personal health journey led to the creation of The City Juicery, showing how prioritizing wellness can create a lasting impact beyond ourselves.
One of the biggest takeaways from the discussion was the realization that momentum isn’t about constantly moving—it’s about moving with intention. It’s about having the right systems in place, giving yourself grace in the process, and surrounding yourself with a community that uplifts and supports your growth.
Staying Connected with Lemons 2 Lemonade
Reflecting on this event, it’s clear that Lemons 2 Lemonade is more than just a networking space—it’s a community built on transformation, resilience, and sisterhood. Brittney Oliver continues to curate experiences that remind us of the power we hold, even in the face of adversity.
For those looking to stay connected, follow Lemons 2 Lemonade on social media and visit L2L’s official website for updates on upcoming events and opportunities to engage. Whether you’re seeking personal growth, professional development, or simply a space to be uplifted, Lemons 2 Lemonade is committed to providing the tools and connections to help you thrive.
Event Photos by Viridiana Rodriguez
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