Today we’d like to introduce you to Bernice Ramsey.
Hi Bernice, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a proud Maryland native, raised in Prince George’s County after moving from Brooklyn in elementary school. My family immigrated from Haiti in the 1980s, and I was raised by a hardworking single mother who taught me the value of hustle, sacrifice, and resilience. We didn’t have much, and I learned early to be independent, to look out for myself, and not add extra weight to her already heavy load. I leaned heavily on my teachers, counselors, and mentors to help guide me—and I truly believe God placed the right people in my life at the right time. That experience instilled in me a deep desire to give back.
I graduated from Suitland High School for the Visual and Performing Arts in 2003, then earned my B.S. in Management with a concentration in HR from Penn State University, followed by an MBA from Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. I began my career freelancing at BET in D.C., which tapped into my creative side and gave me a firsthand look at the power of storytelling and shared experience. From there, I moved into a long career in HR operations and program management—primarily at Lockheed Martin, where I also led national DEI programs in support of the chief diversity officer. I later joined Meta, where I led global HR initiatives and major systems transformations—until a company-wide restructure pushed me to finally pursue the vision that had been quietly tugging at me for years.
Since 2018, my family had been dreaming of building a space for community—one that would host joy, spark creativity, and reflect the spirit of celebration. A space that would bring people together in beautiful, intentional ways. My husband, a Baltimore native and the son of two lifelong educators who met at Morgan State and taught in the city, has deep roots here. So when it came time to find a home for this vision, Baltimore made perfect sense.
In February 2024, we picked up the keys to a fifth-floor loft downtown and began transforming it into Collective Spaces—a boutique meeting and event space designed for gatherings that inspire, connect, and celebrate. After nearly a year of renovations and preparation, we officially opened our doors with a ribbon cutting in February 2025.
Since that day, I’ve been in the city nearly every day—walking the streets, connecting with neighbors, and thinking deeply about how Collective Spaces can reflect Baltimore’s richness. There’s so much brilliance here. So many hidden gems. So many people doing amazing, purpose-driven work. My goal is for Collective Spaces to be a hub for that energy—a space where we uplift one another, collaborate, and celebrate what makes this city (and the broader metro area) so special.
People joke that I’m an “honorary Baltimore girly,” and I’ll gladly claim that title. I know I wouldn’t be here without the help of others. Some of the most important people in my life call Baltimore home—and their love, support, and belief in this dream have carried me through.
At its core, Collective Spaces is a love letter to Baltimore. It’s a space for collaboration, creativity, and community. And it’s also a manifestation of everything I’ve learned from my journey—resilience, beauty, purpose, and the power of people who show up. We’re just getting started, but I have faith that we’re going to figure this out—and that we’ll do it together.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all. It’s been anything but a smooth road—but every challenge has shaped me and strengthened my faith, grit, and creativity.
On a personal level, growing up with limited means taught me how to stretch, hustle, and figure things out without a roadmap. That instinct has carried me through corporate spaces, and now, through the unpredictable journey of entrepreneurship.
Launching Collective Spaces has come with its fair share of hurdles. Being in a historic building—especially on the top floor—has presented ongoing challenges with HVAC and facility management. And like many business owners navigating the systems in Baltimore, we experienced significant delays during the planning and permitting process. There were moments of real frustration with outdated systems and unclear timelines, but we were fortunate to receive support from organizations like The WELL, Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, and members of the City Council who helped us navigate the process. Still, it took a full year from the time we received the keys to finally holding our ribbon cutting after securing our Use and Occupancy permit.
We didn’t have investors. We relied on personal funds and support from the SBA to get us to this point, and we continue to explore additional funding sources. We’re not ashamed of that—it’s the reality for many small, family-owned businesses; building something from the ground up. Our desire is to expand into other parts of the state eventually, and we’re treating this first location as both a foundation and a proof-of-concept.
There have been moments where I’ve been physically, emotionally, and spiritually drained. I wouldn’t call it regret, but I’ve definitely had to pause and ask, “Is this the right move?” I think many entrepreneurs reach that point. But I kept pushing forward because I do have faith. I do have a vision. And He keeps making a way. As long as that continues, I will too.
Balancing this work with motherhood—especially with a young family—has been one of the hardest parts. This is a nights-and-weekends type of business: you’re physically present with clients during events, but all the behind-the-scenes operations happen during the day. It’s started to feel like a 24-hour job. I’ve had to be really intentional about setting boundaries because I know firsthand what it’s like to have a parent who works all the time. I want my children to know they matter more than any business ever will.
One of the additional challenges has been finding consistent, reliable support. This work means everything to me, and because it’s my baby, I show up with a certain level of intensity and care that’s hard to match. We haven’t been in a position to offer high-paying roles, which makes it more difficult to secure long-term, dedicated help. I say that with deep gratitude for those who have stepped in and supported us—whether through time, effort, or encouragement. I couldn’t have made it this far without them.
So no, it hasn’t been easy. But I’m still here. We’re still here. And I’m committed to figuring it out, one day at a time.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Collective Spaces is a boutique meeting and event space located in the heart of downtown Baltimore. We specialize in hosting elevated, intentionally designed gatherings—from private dinners and milestone celebrations to networking events, trainings, and micro-weddings. In addition to events, our space also supports creative production work, including videography, branded content, interviews, and training recordings. We’ve created a space that’s not only beautiful, but flexible and functional.
Our offerings include full-space rentals, curated vendor recommendations, event add-on services (like uplighting, specialty rentals, and sound equipment), weekday meeting packages, production day rates, and styled shoot opportunities. The venue features floor-to-ceiling windows, original hardwood floors, exposed brick, and a curated signature scent developed in partnership with Baltimore-based KSM Candle Co. From the scent to the catering list, we’ve been intentional about partnering with local businesses—especially Baltimore-based and Black-owned vendors. Our Preferred Caterer Program highlights some of the city’s best culinary talent, and our Chef-in-Residency Program, currently led by a Baltimore native, offers curated dining experiences that reflect the culture and creativity of the city.
What sets us apart is our fusion of aesthetics, hospitality, and operations. With a background in corporate meeting and event planning—as well as operations and chief-of-staff work—I bring a level of detail, thoughtfulness, and service to every booking. Our clients often say they feel taken care of from the first email to the final send-off. Customer care is deeply important to me, and I think that’s reflected in the fact that many of our clients stay connected—whether or not they book the space. Some become friends, others cheer us on from afar, but that ongoing support speaks volumes about the heart behind this work.
Ultimately, Collective Spaces is about more than just events. It’s about creating space—for celebration, storytelling, collaboration, and community-building. We’re still early in our journey, but the response so far has been humbling.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
People are often surprised by the combination of things that make up my story. For starters, I’m an introvert—which might not be what you expect from someone who runs an event space, curates community-centered experiences, and shows up publicly. I’m much more comfortable one-on-one or in small, intentional groups. Public speaking, especially when it’s impromptu, isn’t my preference—I like to be prepared. I’m also an empath, so I feel things deeply and have learned to protect my energy in order to show up fully for others.
Another thing that surprises people is my background. Many assume I’ve always been in the events world, but I actually have nearly 20 years of corporate experience in HR, project management, and operations—working at places like Lockheed Martin and Meta. I’m also a certified leadership coach. That often catches people off guard, especially since I don’t look my age. There’s a bit of disbelief when people realize how long I’ve been doing this work and how much I’ve managed both professionally and personally. That mix of experience, creativity, and family life makes for an interesting dynamic—and it deeply shapes how I approach business and relationships.
I also have a creative side that not everyone expects. I studied vocal music at Suitland High School for the Visual and Performing Arts, and that artistic foundation still influences me—especially when it comes to how I design experiences and think about energy and flow.
Altogether, I think what surprises people most is the blend: introverted but people-focused, structured but deeply creative, warm but boundaried. It’s not always what people expect, but it’s what makes this work feel so personal and purpose-driven for me.
Pricing:
- 12-Hr: Sat $4,750 | Fri/Sun $3,850 | Weekday $2,950 · 6-Hr: Sat $2,850 | Fri/Sun $2,200 | Weekday $1,600
- All packages include tables, chairs, linens, Wi-Fi, A/V, and coat rack
- Media production starts at $300/hr · Weekday meeting bookings from $150/hr
- Outside catering fee: $750 (waived for preferred vendors) · In-house bartending required
- Add-ons: Extra hours from $350/hr · Late fees, trash removal, and $800 refundable fee apply
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.collectivespacesmd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collectivespacesmd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollectiveSpacesMD/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collectivespacesmd/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CollectiveSpacesMD
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/collective-spaces-baltimore
- Other: https://www.partyslate.com/venues/the-loft-baltimore
