We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shepsworth Bentley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Shepsworth thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you have any thoughts about how to create a more inclusive workplace?

I do. Help each other out, especially if you see someone in any marginalized group that needs help booking a show, getting stage time, etc.

If you see any discrimination or harassment, verbally check that person. Which means stand up for victims and show everyone that your events are a safe space. We make sure to prevent this by constantly telling everyone we are a safe, inclusive space. We make it a point to try work with people in marginalized communities FIRST,, and give people an opportunity that aren’t otherwise given to them.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Shepsworth Bentley. I started out as a versatile music artists, doing shows in the regional area. After performing many events, I began to study how they work, and things I did I didn’t like. Then, I decided after attending a show as a fan, that I didn’t like the way these shows were organized, and that I can do what they do, but better. So I curated and organized my first official event in 2014 to major success. After a few smaller events, I began to learn and grow from the collaborations in my careers, such as Artists Compound, with whom I helped put on Bars on the Bay, Baltimore’s first homegrown hip hop festival. Later on, I started The Bentley BRVND, and we put on innovative and interactive events designed to entertain, educate, and inform-such as our main event Coffee Club, which is an alcohol free dance party, wellness event, and social space rolled into one. Aside from events, we also book bands for events, provide hospitality services, work closely with musical artists, such as our current artist, Baltimore based Grayson Moon.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I make sure I connect with them on a personal level. Email lists are EVERYTHING. I also send personal DM’s thanking them for attending. I also make sure that people get to know what the brand stands for, which is individuality, inclusivity, and versatility. The brand is also an extension of me and my personal values, and I do make it known in my brand when needed. Having a stance that people believe in is always key.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn that not everyone is here to see your success. And the ones who do see it, not everyone is there for your best intentions. So it’s always best to keep certain people in this industry at a safe distance, while still doing ethical business. Trust no one, love everyone.

My backstory’s vary, but I will say I’ve missed a lot of great opportunities not cutting my grass.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thebentleybrvnd.com
• Instagram: @thebentleybrvnd
• Facebook: Shepsworth F. Bentley
• Twitter: @shepsworthbntly