Parklife Brands NC LGBTQ+ Coworking Space and Entrepreneurial Hub
It was with great enthusiasm and a shared vision that Parklife partnered with Harmony: NC’s LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce to redefine their inclusive co-working and entrepreneurial hub, previously known as Seen, now proudly rebranded as Ensemble.
This collaboration culminated in a festive unveiling at Harmony’s holiday party. Key figures from both teams were there, including our Founder Brian Castle and Director of Multimedia Marketing Carly Martinelli, alongside Harmony’s Marketing Chair Will Hare and Board Member Monique Velasquez. Harmony is the NC LGBTQIA2+ Allied Chamber of Commerce and the Triangle’s only official chamber affiliate with the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC).
Ensemble, designed as a pioneering program primarily for the LGBTQIA2+ and allied community, stands as a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at catalyzing growth, innovation, and empowerment.
The space represents a commitment to education, mentorship, and support that transcends traditional entrepreneurial boundaries. It offers a physical and virtual space for education, prototyping, and business launches, enhancing the visibility and viability of LGBTQIA2+ and allied entrepreneurs. From microlending to a robust Shark Tank competition, Ensemble is equipped to support aspiring business owners from conception through to commercial success.
Our journey with Harmony on this project was about more than changing a name or creating a visual identity; it was about crafting a beacon for community, belonging, and innovation. Under the guidance of the Harmony Board and through spirited brainstorming sessions that included Parklife’s Annie Vann, alongside Will and Monique from Harmony, the name 'Ensemble' was born—a name that reflects the collective, dynamic, and inclusive ethos of the hub.
"Working with Harmony to bring Ensemble to life has been an incredibly fulfilling experience,” Annie said. “It showcased the power of collective creativity and the impact of intentional, inclusive spaces in fostering real community connections and business growth. Seeing the community rally around Ensemble’s mission reaffirms our commitment to supporting diverse entrepreneurial ventures."
The branding process was a deeply collaborative effort. Carly and Jess worked closely with Will and Monique to forge a visual identity that resonates with the values and aspirations of the entrepreneurial community Harmony seeks to empower. This new branding was designed to be modern, accessible, and tech-enabled, yet warm and welcoming, embodying a place where all can belong and thrive.
"Watching our collaborative ideas come to life in the Ensemble brand has been inspiring,” Carly said. “It’s a testament to what we can achieve together when we focus on making a meaningful difference in the community. Every step of this project has reinforced the importance of visibility and support for underrepresented entrepreneurs."
Our partnership with Harmony on the Ensemble project has been a cornerstone of our year, reminding us of the impact thoughtful branding can have on community engagement and economic advancement. As we move forward, we remain committed to supporting initiatives like Ensemble that pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous entrepreneurial ecosystem.
