We’re looking forward to introducing you to Victoria Williams. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Victoria, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, I’ve been finding so much joy in the art world. This year, I’ve attended more shows, galleries, and exhibits than ever before—locally, I’ve been inspired by Bisa Butler’s Hold Me Close exhibit, Band of Vices Museum, the Black Boy Joy LA show, and Art Melanated’s Children of the Sun exhibition at Sotheby’s Beverly Hills. Some weekends I even fit in multiple exhibits, because I truly love immersing myself in different creative perspectives. Beyond Los Angeles, I seek out art globally, from the vibrant galleries of Accra, Ghana to Paris, Lisbon, and South Africa.
As a supporter of the creative arts and an art advisor, I love the way artists evoke powerful emotions on any canvas they choose. For me, art is both personal and communal—it tells stories, preserves culture, and sparks meaningful conversations. Engaging with diverse artistic voices not only brings me joy but also allows me to guide others who are looking to discover, collect, and invest in art that speaks to them.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Victoria Williams, founder and president of BWP Enterprises, a Southern California–based firm dedicated to curating joyful gatherings with purpose. Entrepreneurship runs deep in my family—my great-grandfather, Ben, started his business in 1904—and I carry that legacy forward by leading a team that creates experiences bringing people together in meaningful ways.
Within the BWP Enterprises portfolio, we’ve developed initiatives that reflect different dimensions of connection and culture. One of our signature extensions is the Black Education Expo (BEE), a year-round movement that connects families to critical K–12 educational resources, college and career pathways, and wellness support. What makes BEE unique is the way it blends culture, access, and innovation—we’ve built partnerships with organizations like Intuit for Education and Black Girls Code, and this fall BEE will be featured during Black LA Tech Week (October 12–19, 2025) as part of our continued focus on tech integration and collaboration.
Another extension is Queen V Collective, our lifestyle and travel concierge brand that takes travelers off the beaten path and into unforgettable cultural experiences. From savoring world-class dinners and wine pairings in Cape Town, to engaging with Afro-Cuban culture in Havana, to exploring the rich histories of Cartagena and Accra, Queen V Collective is where luxury meets culture, and every journey is designed with intention and care. Whether it’s vision board gatherings in Paris or unwinding with a good book on Inkwell Beach in Martha’s Vineyard, the brand is about crafting moments that inspire, connect, and celebrate joy across the globe.
Our promise is simple: curating joyful gatherings with purpose. From community movements to cultural showcases, we create experiences that seamlessly translate from Southern California to the world stage.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me the most about work was my maternal grandmother, Nellie. She had an impeccable work ethic and carried herself with a perfect blend of Southern charm and Brooklyn sass. She was family-oriented, deeply resourceful—a recycler before it was even trendy—and she modeled how to approach work with both pride and care.
Nellie was also a connector, something I now see in myself. Whenever she transitioned from one job to another, she made sure her friends had opportunities, often passing her former roles along so others could benefit. One example that always stands out is when she gave her domestic work position to the mother of actor Ben Vereen as she moved on to something new.
Her example taught me that work isn’t just about what you do—it’s about how you show up, how you uplift others, and how you bring your values into every space you enter. That lesson has guided me throughout my career and continues to shape the way I lead today.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I wouldn’t say I ever came close to giving up, but the January 2025 LA fires were one of the most devastating moments for both my community and my business. Nearly 90 of my friends lost their homes, and my business was deeply affected especially when I had to cancel the February 2025 Black Education Expo. It was heartbreaking to see so much loss all at once.
But in that season, I chose to keep going. I kept making phone calls and following up with potential sponsors, stayed engaged with our BEE community, and volunteered wherever I could—whether delivering hot meals to friends (and unexpectedly running into former Vice President Harris in Altadena), partnering with Jazzy Jam for Empowerment for their Prom Giveaway or helping connect families to vital resources. One of the proudest outcomes was seeing one of our BEE scholars—who also lost his home in the fires—utilizing one of the BEE resources and being selected to travel to Japan in July 2025 before beginning his senior year of high school.
These experience reminded me that resilience isn’t about ignoring hardship, but about pushing through with purpose. Even in the face of unimaginable loss, I was able to continue building community, opening doors for others, and staying true to our mission of curating joyful gatherings with purpose. This October 4, 2025, the Black Education Expo will stand as a full-circle moment—an arc of resilience showcasing reunion, rebuilding, and keeping connections intact for K–12 families who have suffered so much.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that connection really matters to me. I’m the one who follows up, checks in, and makes sure people feel remembered—it’s become such a part of who I am that I have a book coming shortly on The Art of Follow-Up. For me, relationships aren’t just built, they’re cultivated.
They’d also say culture matters to me—in every form. I find joy in art shows and live music, but I’m just as excited about discovering a new restaurant or hidden gem in the city. I’m a proud foodie and Yelp Elite member, and I love the way food brings people together just as much as art or music does.
And they’d definitely say community is at the center of who I am. It’s something I value, cherish, and intentionally replenish. Whether it’s supporting friends, showing up for neighbors, or celebrating life’s milestones, I believe community is where joy, connection, and strength all come together.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m by the water. There’s something about the ocean, a poolside afternoon, or even snorkeling below the surface that grounds me and reminds me to slow down. Whether it’s dipping my toes at Thousand Steps Beach in Laguna, reading a good book by the pool, or snorkeling in Catalina, water elements always bring me a sense of calm and renewal.
I also find peace in connection—catching up with friends and family fills me up in ways nothing else can. And discovering new music or attending a live concert, whether at the Hollywood Bowl or The Greek Theatre, gives me that same release; it’s another way I can be fully present, joyful, and immersed in the moment.
For me, peace and legacy go hand in hand. I value quality time with the people I love, because that’s the true legacy—making sure they always feel my connection and my desire to be with them. One day, I hope to look back with warm and hilarious memories to laugh about, knowing that joy, love, and togetherness are what I left behind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bwp-enterprises.com
- Instagram: @blackeducationexpo
Image Credits
Karim Saafir, Mariah Welch, Victoria Williams
