We were thrilled to host this year’s FlintConf at the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center, home of the Greater Denton Arts Council. GDAC is a catalyst for creativity, advocacy, and collaboration while Stoke is a champion for creative entrepreneurs and Denton’s hub for ambition and community. Name a more iconic duo, we’ll wait.
But while we wait, here’s a recap of this year’s FlintConf - Let’s Start a Fire.
From my first Flint as the newest member of the Stoke team, to helping cultivate an event that means so much to me - the inspiration and dedication surrounding each FlintConf is palpable. This year marks my third FlintConf and I can't help but feel a surge of gratitude and nostalgia for the growth and transformation these years have brought. Not just me, but the event as a whole. Join me (Mary) in reflecting on the two FlintConfs I helped bring to Denton as we approach FlintConf 2024.
In the heart of Denton, Texas, lies a vibrant creative scene that brings together a diverse array of artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers, and more. Dentonites' dedication to supporting local businesses and artists creates an environment where creative professionals and entrepreneurs can thrive side by side.
Being an entrepreneur, small business owner, consultant, contractor or otherwise working independently can feel lonely at times. You’re driven and disciplined, and you have your routine and methods, but you might lack motivation, inspiration, or the tools you need to work better or improve your operations. It’s natural and familiar to experience this, even if you work with a team rather than just working solo.
This is one of the reasons why Stoke hosts FlintConf, Denton’s startup conference for hipsters (creatives), hackers (techies), and hustlers (entrepreneurs). Not only are the speakers and panelists familiar with that experience and are able to speak to how to improve it, but so are your fellow attendees sharing the table.
As part of Stoke’s mission to cultivate community and empower entrepreneurs, Stoke participates in Global Entrepreneurship Week each year in the fall, planning and hosting events for Denton’s creatives, makers, small business owners, techies, and entrepreneurs. Community members interested in learning more about business-related topics like branding or tools for efficiency and productivity can attend free events to gain insight for their endeavors, plus connect with other Dentonites.
Denton has an amazing, diverse community of entrepreneurs, and many of them are creative startups, art entrepreneurs, and small business owners working in interesting, enriching, and creative-at-its-core fields.
Take a look behind the scenes and take part in live demonstrations, make-and-take activities, and refreshments at the various stops on the Denton Startup Crawl this year! You'll learn how you can support and get involved with Denton's creative community at the stops as well. Stay safe, mask up, and distance, and enjoy the fall weather in North Texas while exploring the creative startup spaces in town.
There’s science behind the benefits of taking short breaks throughout the day, as well as full days off, and longer vacations throughout the year. It’s common knowledge that overworking can lead to burnout and make it difficult to unwind even when we have the time, "What neuroscience is showing is that we require downtime in order for our bodies to go through the process of restoration," according to clinical psychologist, Deborah Mulhern.
