We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelsey Mitchell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelsey, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
There are so many lessons when starting a business and it changes when you’re maintaining your business probably even gets difficult as your business progresses.The ultimate lesson within it all is TO BET ON YOURSELF taking that LEAP OF FAITH that what you’re doing is the right decision and it’ll be all worth it the end. I guess so to say my business always taught me to believe in myself. A lot of entrepreneurs may agree that the beginning of a individuals business path will be rocky, it might even be frightening. But if you take a chance on what you believe in it could be the best decision of your career. There was no book that tells you how to make your dreams come true, the only way was to have confidence that everything will have the intended outcome .

What should our readers know about your business?
Legacy Hookah Lounge and event space is a unique establishment. My ultimate goal was to have a space that was fun but classy, relaxing but urban. I wouldn’t say its your typical Hookah lounge, we have games like Jumbo Jenga, Jumbo Connect Four, Uno, cards, Etc.I wanted a space where each day you received something different. The Lounge has events that covers all elements of a good night. We have Karaoke night , Comedy night, poetry night, and game nights. The decision to incorporate the variety of events was simply to stand out from other business that just offered hookah.

Establishing Legacy Lounge was not easy in the beginning;It was a 5 year journey on finding the right area, researching everything I could on the product and most importantly making sure I was mentally prepared to start this chapter of my life. Once I got to a comfortable place in my business covid was in full effect, I thought all my hard work was over. Only 9 months had passed and Covid was the biggest challenge. To completely shut my doors was the “Goliath” to any test I had to encounter. I have to admit I was discouraged and scared and had one option “lose or conquer”.

My biggest accomplishment would have to be breaking the barriers that my business holds. Hookah alone is Indian derived. In LA the owners were not my color they are not my gender, its most Indian or Egyptian males that owned these establishments. So to be considered the first Black Female owned Lounge is a blessing I’m so proud of.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Any and everyone has to visit Blaqhaus in North Hollywood for a good brunch or Dinner . They have a great outside area that gives all vibes. If they wanted to shop the Upperroom boutique has very nice things for all genders. Lastly Bar 82 fir a night cap.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The drive I have to succeed in all I do especially my business comes from my Mother. She always said “its nothing like having your own, you are the creator of your Legacy”. My business name alone stands for those words, the impact she had in my life were stepping stones to become who I am today. Furthermore more, being a socially driven establishment credit is due to all my loyal customers. Over time I started to realize how essential they are to keeping my doors open.

Instagram: Legacylounge_la

Facebook: LegacyLounge19

Yelp: Legacy Lounge

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