11th & Co. firm hosts grand opening of 550 RMG headquarters in Atlanta

11th & Co. opens 550 RMG headquarters in Atlanta

In a bold return to its Southern roots, 11th & Co., the first Black woman-led and operated talent management firm, has opened the doors to its new headquarters: 550 RMG. Nestled in Atlanta’s culturally rich Old Fourth Ward, this grand opening marks a pivotal moment not just for the company, but for the broader community of Black creatives, entrepreneurs, and change-makers.

With CEO and Chairwoman Ebonie Ward at the helm, 11th & Co. continues to set new standards in talent representation while simultaneously investing in the infrastructure of Black excellence. The 10,000-square-foot space isn’t just an office—it’s a multi-use creative haven built to foster collaboration, economic empowerment, and cultural representation.

A Celebration with Purpose

The launch event on Saturday, May 17, was a true reflection of 11th & Co.’s vision. Atlanta’s leading figures from entertainment, media, and technology came together to witness the next phase of the firm’s journey. Attendees included Real Housewives of Atlanta star Marlo Hampton, who added star power to an already electric atmosphere.

Guests were treated to a dynamic experience from the moment they arrived. The celebration featured:

• A branded 11th & Co. food truck, serving custom fare that blended Southern roots with modern flair
• A custom 550 RMG photo op, perfect for social sharing and branding
• An interactive 11th & Co. merchandise display
• Board games and networking lounges to spark conversation and creativity
• A powerful ribbon-cutting ceremony, where Ward herself addressed the crowd

“This is a new chapter and a new beginning for us,” Ward said during the ceremony. “I want to thank everyone for being here and everybody for supporting us along our journey. It’s definitely been a time, but it’s only the beginning—because with us, it never stops.”

What Is 550 RMG?

At its core, 550 RMG is more than just an address. It represents a strategic investment in Black entrepreneurship.

The space serves as the new headquarters for 11th & Co., but it’s also home to four other Black-owned businesses:

• Six Degrees – A creative agency based in Atlanta that specializes in branding, marketing strategy, and visual storytelling.
• Genius Club – A full-service production collective that delivers high-quality content for artists, influencers, and brands.
• A Seat At The Table – 11th & Co.’s nonprofit arm, which empowers the next generation of Black creatives through mentorship, education, and access.
• Nine Distribution – A forthcoming distribution company set to launch in September 2025, focused on giving independent creators access to major platforms.

By housing these businesses under one roof, 550 RMG creates a synergistic environment where ideas can thrive and collaboration becomes second nature.

Designed for Creativity and Function

Ebonie Ward enlisted acclaimed Atlanta interior designer Annysa LaMantia to bring 550 RMG to life. The result is a purpose-built, highly functional creative space that includes:

• A private recording studio and suite for artists and producers
• A fully equipped editing and production bay for video, podcast, and digital media work
• Private conference rooms for team meetings and client sessions
• An open kitchen with upgraded appliances, perfect for informal gatherings or catered events
• A spacious patio area for outdoor shoots and social meetups
• A wardrobe showroom for stylists, designers, and talent prep

Every corner of 550 RMG is intentionally designed to encourage creativity, support independent projects, and give entrepreneurs access to the tools they need to grow.

Why This Matters: Economic Equity and Representation

The opening of 550 RMG is not just a business expansion—it’s a powerful statement about economic justice. In today’s creative economy, Black entrepreneurs and artists still face barriers to capital, space, and access. Ebonie Ward is working to shift that narrative.

By creating physical space for Black businesses to thrive, 11th & Co. is investing in an ecosystem where creativity and commerce meet. It’s a model that acknowledges both the challenges and the opportunities that exist within the current landscape.

This is especially significant in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward, a neighborhood steeped in Black history and known as the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr. By rooting this project in a location of such cultural weight, Ward pays homage to the past while laying the foundation for a future built on access and equity.

The Power of Place: Why Atlanta?

Atlanta has long been considered the capital of Black entrepreneurship in the South. From music and fashion to tech and film, the city has become a magnet for innovators looking to connect, build, and scale.

For 11th & Co., returning to Atlanta is a full-circle moment. It’s where the company first began, and now, with 550 RMG, it’s coming back in a major way. The city’s energy, diversity, and entrepreneurial spirit make it the ideal location for a creative headquarters that celebrates Black brilliance.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for 11th & Co.?

The launch of Nine Distribution in September 2025 will mark the next major milestone for 11th & Co. The goal is to democratize distribution for independent creators—giving musicians, filmmakers, and digital storytellers access to channels that have historically been gatekept.

In the meantime, Ward’s focus remains on growing the collective housed within 550 RMG, ensuring that each business inside the space has the resources and community support to succeed.

A Blueprint for the Future

550 RMG is more than an office—it’s a blueprint for how creative business can be done differently. It proves that with vision, determination, and community backing, it’s possible to build something that is both culturally significant and economically sustainable.

In an industry often dominated by exclusionary practices, Ebonie Ward and 11th & Co. are charting a new path—one that centers inclusion, access, and innovation. And they’re doing it on their own terms.

As the ribbon was cut and the crowd erupted in applause, it became clear: this is not the finish line—it’s the start of something much bigger.