Hosted by Spark + Buzz Communications and The Spark Collective, The Spark Summit returned for its fifth year on Friday, May 8 (9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.)—a transformational retreat created for faith-led female founders, entrepreneurs (aspiring + established), ministry leaders, and business owners who are ready to redefine hustle and lead with heart. Set against the serene backdrop of Kharis Lavender Fields, 20 women came together for this one-day experience to cultivate deep connections with like-minded women and wrestle with this notion of hustle culture constantly being peddled by entrepreneurs.
Left to right: Hermela Felten, Courtney Malengo, Jeannette Cochran, Jeannie Rose Barksdale, Erin Harrigan
The theme for 2026 was Spark Summit: Hustle + Heart. Our panel of fierce female founders (Erin Harrigan, author and founder of Erin Harrigan Coaching; Hermela Felten, founder of Feltech Digital Solutions; Jeannette Cochran, leadership coach and CEO of Jeannette Cochran Coaching) tackled the topic of hustle, providing insights into healthy work-life balance, learning what to say no to, and redefining what hustle with heart looks like. Additionally, Tangible + Rock Creek Sanctuary Founder Jeannie Rose Barksdale led a meaningful guided breakout session on “When Hustling Harder Doesn’t Work.” The day was filled with aha moments and many practical takeaways.
The Spark Summit is purposefully designed to cultivate an intimate environment where women don’t just wax poetic about supporting one another, they actually do it. It’s a drama-free zone that lets other business owners and entrepreneurs connect with like-minded women in genuine and authentic ways.
The last hour of the day is dedicated to Spark Stations, curated experiences designed to help attendees cultivate deeper connections and receive a little pampering. Attendees enjoyed seated chair massages, a Bubbly Bar sponsored by 61 Vineyard, DIY lavender sachets and more, enabling them to relax and rejuvenate.
Overheard buzz from the day:
“This journey as an entrepreneur is really lonely and I thought I was the only one feeling this way. It is so encouraging to know I’m not alone!”“I’m still buzzing from the conversations and connections I made.”
“Thank you for creating space for women to have these important conversations.”
Spark Summit 2026 Sponsors
A special thanks to our sponsors who made the details of the day extra special for our guests: Kharis Lavender Fields, Cornerstone for Women Leaders, 61 Vineyard, Jamison & Co. Cake Pops, Heirloom of Eden, Rheb’s Homemade Candies, Feltech Digital Solutions, Erin Harrigan Coaching, Jeannette Cochran Coaching, Tangible, The Spark Collective, and Spark + Buzz Communications.
We love watching the Summit grow each year and are so excited to see what next year brings. Mark your calendars for May 14, 2027 for our next Spark Summit!
Spark + Buzz Communications is an award-winning, woman-owned strategic communications consultancy that helps businesses and brands tell their story to inspire audiences and galvanize growth. Learn more about our integrated branding, marketing and public relations services here.