Voices of Strength: Sista Soul Fest Shines in Fayetteville

Sista Soul Fest North Carolina brought the vibes to Fayetteville Saturday, September 20th with its 4th annual celebration of sisterhood, small businesses, and community empowerment. This year, the love expanded even more with a special spotlight on the brothas through artwork presented by Brotha’s United For Hope.

Photography by Zairis T. Miles

The festival took over 226 The Warehouse and honestly, it was the perfect backdrop for a day of connection, culture, and celebration. The energy was electric as vendors set up their tables, ready to welcome shoppers, supporters, and curious community members. And with food vendors lined up outside, every craving was covered. Beyond the shopping and networking, what stood out most was the undeniable wave of support that filled the room. The heart of Sista Soul Fest has always been about more than buying local. Its mission is about uplifting one another through real connection and empowerment, which made this year’s theme, “Voices of Strength,” feel spot on.

The afternoon opened with a welcome, the Black National Anthem, and a powerful message from Community Speaker Demetria Murphy of De’Vinne Infinity Therapeutic Services, representing her organization Heal The Ville. When I tell you she came with motivation, a call to action, and even took us to church—I was left speechless!

Afterward, the mic was passed to community business owners. One by one, they shared their missions, encouraged each other, and dropped gems about collaboration. A standout moment was when a business owner reminded us that “even if you don’t have the funds to support another business financially, you can still grab a card and share it in new rooms so the mission keeps moving.”

That message of collective support carried us right into the performance lineup. Jenielle set the tone with her viral track “Sketchy,” and right after, NaPorsha—who also kept the crowd going as emcee—delivered soulful, melodic vibes that had the room swaying.

Then came the highly anticipated moment—the presentation of the “WE SEE YOU SIS” Community Awards. The honors went to:

• Boss Moves – Natosha Jackson

• Boss Moves - Keisha Troy

• Love Peace & Magic - Kalei Phree

• Health is Wealth – Tina George

• Glam – Diamond Coley

• Style & Slay – Hoop Love Creations

• Visionary Art – Brittany Williams

• Sweet Tooth - Ki Sweetz

• Amongst The Stars – Yolanda Barnes

The vendor lineup was stacked, featuring:

• A Daughter’s Kiss

• Al’s Catering

• Anahata Body Works

• Carla’s Pretty Pieces

• Children’s Hope Alliance

• Designs By Denise

• Diaspora Creations LLC

• Hattitude Boutique

• Hoop Love Creations

• Ill Stylz LLC

• Image Society

• Imagine That! Gifts & Designs

• Kay LaMay’s Cigar Accessories

• Kulture Kidz

• Lutheran Services Carolinas

• Mable Lean’s Soul Food

• Phreedom Holistic Healing

• Red Fairy Lemonade

• Rooms 2 Tailor Organizing Services

• TG Emotional Wellness Coaching

• Together As One Bridal Boutique

• Vida Hermosa Cigars

We’d also like to send a huge shoutout to the founder of Sista Soul Fest, Loretta Terrell, and to the event organizer, FAYNC’s very own Ayreka Plowden. Witnessing the beauty of this event firsthand was an experience in itself, and we can’t wait to see it continue to grow stronger year after year.

From start to finish, the 4th annual Sista Soul Fest NC was more than just an event. It was a living, breathing example of what happens when a community comes together to celebrate, uplift, and keep each other shining.

Christina Miles

Art Director & Admin Lead

FAYNC Magazine