HoCo — Beyond the Cocktails: The Vendors Bringing Extra Magic to Battle of the Babes

Cocktails might take center stage at the 5th Annual Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition, but the experience goes far beyond the bar. This year’s event at Merchant + Trade will showcase not only the artistry of women behind the shaker but also the creativity of Charlotte-based vendors who are turning self-expression into unforgettable keepsakes. From permanent jewelry to custom trucker hats and handmade waistbeads, these businesses remind us that empowerment and creativity are not limited to cocktails—they’re woven into everything we wear, share, and celebrate.

For consumers, these vendors bring an opportunity to create personal mementos that make the evening last long after the glasses are cleared. For businesses, their presence underscores an important truth: events thrive when they’re more than just one-dimensional. By including interactive vendors, organizers tap into the desire for meaningful connection, personalization, and creativity—essentials in today’s hospitality and lifestyle industries.

Glow Girl: Jewelry That Tells Your Story

Walking into Glow Girl feels like stepping inside a dream. With its signature pink and feminine aesthetic, this South End jewelry studio has become a Charlotte favorite for personalized jewelry experiences. Known for permanent jewelry that’s dainty yet durable, Glow Girl celebrates the beauty of everyday connections—from milestone moments to simple gestures of friendship.

The options are endless. Guests can choose from over 30 chain designs and 250 charms to create jewelry that feels deeply personal. And if you’re not heading to the studio, Glow Girl brings the sparkle to you with Glow Girl on the Go, a mobile permanent jewelry cart that’s perfect for events and celebrations.

At Battle of the Babes, Glow Girl’s presence adds a layer of elegance to the evening. Attendees can leave not only with the memory of sipping cocktails but also with jewelry that represents the friendships, fun, and confidence sparked by the event. For businesses, Glow Girl demonstrates how interactive experiences elevate events from “something you attend” to “something you remember.”

Golden K Designs: Custom Hats, Custom Confidence

A cocktail competition already calls for bold expression, but Golden K Designs is here to take it one step further. At their Trucker Hat Bar, guests get to design their own headwear, complete with custom patches that range from playful to statement-making. It’s a chance to create a wearable keepsake that’s as unique as the cocktails being poured.

With specials like the $30 Hat Special and the Bestie Bundle (two hats for $55), Golden K makes it easy for friends to collaborate and walk away with one-of-a-kind looks. Their alcohol-themed patches and playful prints make the experience perfectly tailored to the spirit of the evening.

For consumers, it’s self-expression in action. For businesses, Golden K’s activation highlights the importance of interactive engagement. Hospitality brands often look for ways to stand out in crowded markets, and experiences like this one prove that people don’t just want products—they want personalization and a story behind what they take home.

Uniquely She: Jewelry with Culture and Confidence

Every detail of Uniquely She’s handmade accessories is designed with intention. From waistbeads to statement jewelry and totes, this Charlotte-based brand celebrates individuality and confidence with every piece. Their mission is simple yet powerful: empower women through accessories that blend culture, style, and self-love.

At Battle of the Babes, Uniquely She will be offering complimentary tie-on sessions with every waistbead purchase. For many women, waistbeads are more than adornment—they’re symbols of identity, confidence, and beauty. This makes the purchase not only fashionable but also deeply personal.

For businesses, Uniquely She’s presence highlights the importance of weaving cultural authenticity into consumer experiences. When guests connect with products that carry meaning, they form bonds not just with the item but also with the brand. It’s a lesson in the value of authenticity and representation in the marketplace.

Why Vendors Matter at Hospitality Events

Bringing in vendors like Glowgirl, Golden K Designs, and Uniquely She transforms Battle of the Babes into more than a cocktail competition. It turns the event into a lifestyle experience where attendees engage multiple senses and leave with tangible keepsakes.

For hospitality businesses, this is a reminder that events thrive when they invite guests to interact, create, and personalize. A cocktail may be enjoyed in the moment, but a bracelet, hat, or waistbead carries the memory of that night into the future. The key takeaway for businesses: when planning experiences, think beyond the main attraction. The details and partnerships surrounding your core offering often create the strongest and longest-lasting impressions.

Behind the curation of Battle of the Babes is HoCo, an organization that builds bridges across the hospitality industry through private events, collaborations, and partnerships. By spotlighting women-owned businesses, HoCo not only celebrates talent but also demonstrates how hospitality can be a driver of creativity, community, and economic growth. For businesses seeking to connect with consumers in meaningful ways, HoCo offers the vision and strategy to make it happen.

Experience the Magic at Battle of the Babes

The 5th Annual Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition is where mixology, music, and lifestyle collide. With Glowgirl, Golden K Designs, and Uniquely She joining the celebration, the event promises to be an immersive experience that goes beyond cocktails.

📍 Event Details
Merchant + Trade, 19th Floor, Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel
Sunday, September 28, 2025 | 4–8 PM

🎟️ Tickets Include: