29 Dec Successful Career from Sales to Art
To kick off the 2018, BPW welcomes Carla Bristol to share her story in creating a Successful Career from Sales to Art.
Carla Bristol, is the Owner and Creative Strategist behind Gallerie 909 and her private label clutch and clothing line, Jamii and the founder of the Annual Black Arts and Film Festival. License Realtor and involved community advocate are among some of the other hats she wears. Born in Guyana and raised in New York this mother of two enjoys strengthening her community through art and culture. Bristol opened Gallerie 909 at the end of the First Quarter of 2014 in the heart of historic Midtown on the Deuces in a community that has inspired artists for generations. The Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American History Museum and The African American Heritage trail documenting its rich history makes this area an important destination in Saint Petersburg.
In September 2017 Bristol left behind her physical location to enjoy the flexibility of being space-free. She continued to contribute to the regional arts and culture landscape by impacting people. In November, Bristol gracefully opened a new chapter at Skyway Marina Mall and continued her community building work. Her gallery has the reputation of being known as the preeminent art space presenting works by established and emerging artists of the African diaspora. Since opening in March 2014, 909 has featured over 60 local, national and international artists. The gallery offers several mediums including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photographs, custom jewelry, selected home furnishings, clothing, textiles and so much more.
Owner, Carla Bristol was CreativeMornings, guest speaker on How Pioneers are Born (October 2017), guest editor for Creative Pinellas in February 2017 and appeared on CNN in December of 2016 representing Small Business Perspective. Bristol received an award for Most Iconic Style from Local Shops 1 in 2016; Arts, Culture and Heritage award in 2015 and Small Business of the Year Award in 2015. This gallery was featured in The duPont Registry Tampa Bay (online), 3rd in Tampa Bay Business Journal Readers’ Choice Award, appeared on Fox 13, Bay News 9, The St. Pete Times Cover, The Weekly Challenger, Power Broker and so much more.
Bristol is exceptionally active in her local community and proudly serves on The Studio @620 Board, The Pinellas County Historical Commission & Creative Pinellas. Her background in Global and local sales and service for over 25 years is a proven asset to her business and our community.