The Gathering Spot

Originally founded in Atlanta, The Gathering Spot is a private membership club that cultivates connections, collaboration, and experiences for creators, entrepreneurs, artists, and young visionaries worldwide. With the help of TK Peterson, business partner, and Co-Founder of The Gathering Spot, Ryan Wilson curated these productive yet fun spaces for forward-thinkers from Atlanta, Washington, and now, Los Angeles. The compassion to create this club simply came from being “in and out of city clubs [and coffee shops],” as Wilson details his desire to do community work but never having the space to have meetings, organize, or brainstorm. But little did they know such personal oppositions were commonly shared amongst their communities. 

From “wine-tasting, film screenings, cocktail parties” to the state-of-the-art restaurants and formal workspaces, members of The Gathering Spot are well-equipped to work, meet, and foster productive workspaces amongst other businesspersons. In his commitment to sustain professional relationships within the community, Wilson shares, “We [are] very, very committed to the idea of this business in terms of bringing people from all walks of life together under one roof to connect with one another for business or social purposes.” This sense of community, especially within the professional circle, creates a diverse group of accomplished individuals and helps build an immersive and high-caliber experience. 

In addition to this, Wilson proves his desire to emphasize the importance of Black leadership and entrepreneurship, including how you have to “stay committed and really live” in and through the many challenges of starting and running a business. He declares, “Part of being an entrepreneur is running towards a brick wall and constantly figuring out ways to overcome,” thus challenging his peers to dive into business ventures and networks with confidence instead of doubt. To further foster a thriving business ecosystem, these common hindrances can be avoided with the security of the self and one’s potential to seek change. Despite the difficulties of “raising capital” and “taking care of the needs of the business,” as Wilson shares, one must also remind themselves of the impact and the reason for the creation of their business. Whether it provokes discussions surrounding sustainability, self-care, or the significance of Black businesses, Wilson stresses that you must “love the people you are creating it for.”

Since the development and rising popularity of the club, Wilson has been blessed with the opportunity to reach even more creators, artists, and businesspersons by simply creating a space for them to convene. Due to his success, he can proudly declare that he has been selected as one of the 2020 Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 40 under Forty honorees, honored by Atlanta’s Business Chronicle as Small Business Person of the Year and many other awards; thus, further proving his overall impact amongst communities. In addition, he has also been able to touch the minds and intellect of many more as a trusted keynote speaker for universities such as Georgetown University Law Center and the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University and companies like Microsoft Google. 

With that being said, if you desire to be a part of such a transformative and lucrative experience, Wilson has granted the opportunity for spectators to join through membership. Interested in the perks? Through membership, you have the chance to attend one or more of the many events they host each month that offers keynote conversations, immersive and social experiences, networking opportunities, and workshops. To further ensure this impactful experience of its members, these aforesaid keynote discussions are often hosted by many notable and influential people of our time, such as Usher, Anthony Hamilton, and the first African American female Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris. With this membership, you will also find that amenities come with the following: members’ only restaurant and bar, concierge services, flexible and dedicated workspace, membership perks programs with local and national businesses, and much, much more!

Within this journey, one will learn the fearlessness in failure, maintain a positive and reformative perspective on any issues or inconveniences that are commonly faced in Black entrepreneurship, and be able to “[focus] on doing everything that you can do to continue to make things go right,” as Wilson shares. He ends with, “You cannot lead people if you do not love people,” and there is much truth within the statement. Due to the many blessings and opportunities granted to Wilson and his business partner Peterson, one can quickly gain the understanding that the “love” of this club to its members and peers has and will continue to have a meaningful impact on peoples’ lives across the country, and hopefully, the world!