Meet Wayne Fernandez | Entrepreneur

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

Hi Wayne, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking risks have defined my entire existence, from packing my bags and moving to new countries, through to betting on when I start a business. I come from three generations of travelers, all who have packed their bags with nothing and gone to different worlds to pursue their dreams, India/Africa/UK/Canada/Australia/America.

Life was never meant to be easy for me, suffering from severe Dyslexia, I was an utter failure in the education system, barely passing high school – but I never let it stop me, truthfully, I was so oblivious, I thought I could do anything, lol, so I did whatever I dreamed of. I’m a true example of anything is possible in life, coming from a modest beginning; uneducated, minority, and poor. I never forget where I’ve come from, it motivates me every day.

I’ve never been one for the status quo, I get restless and always search for what’s next, I liken my life to iconic jazz trumpeter Miles Davis, who was constantly changing and redefining jazz and never going back to the past, his sentiment was that his best work was still in front of him; this is how I’ve chosen to live my life. Taking risks make me feel alive – win or lose, I can’t stop.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

I have a few businesses I’m proud to share about:

Magic Box is my favorite and is one of the biggest event centers in Downtown Los Angeles and is a one-of-a-kind, next generation event space. Boasting over 150,000 square feet spread out over three floors, Magic Box hosts some of Los Angeles biggest events, from exclusive movie launches like Super Mario Brothers, through to State Department, National Geographic, Adidas, and Entertainment weekly just to name a few. We are a truly all-inclusive “one-stop-shop” for producing unique and successful events, from activations through to large conventions.

ShoSoft, an event space management platform. ShoSoft is a free-to-use event space software, not only for mature event centers, but for anyone who has available space and wants to rent it. Originally developed for Magic Box facilities and largely responsible for its success, ShoSoft will go to market in September 2023 and available for everyone who wants to enter the venue event business. Consisting of features that allow event space to plan, manage, execute and optimize operations from CRM, calendar, inventory, F&B, ticketing, exhibitor and billing, just to name a few!  But most importantly, ShoSoft will create a pipeline of sales contact through its marketplace, connecting your events space with clients looking for unique event venues.

Event Venue Startup Consultancy. Needless to say, I’m very passionate about sharing my experiences to those looking to start their own Event Center. With low startup costs, built-in demand, and access to ShoSoft technology and Magic Box’s logistics experience, creates an opportunity for those with available space to build and grow a successful Event Center. EVS creates easy to follow roadmaps to starting your own event space and introduces you to one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in the best City in the world, Los Angeles, there is nothing like this place. On the surface, it comes across as very “Hollywood”, but it’s far more complex. LA needs to get to know you before she gives away her secrets. My perfect itinerary starts with the Arts District in DTLA, lunch at Manuela in the Hauser Worth Gallery, visiting the incredible amount of street art, beer at Angels Brewery, a walk through Little Tokyo to Broadway stopping into the Bradbury Building where they shot the movie “Blade Runner”, cross the street to Grand Central, grab a snack and listen to some music, stop at the Disney Theater, visit the Broad Museum, grab some drinks at the Roof bar at the Ace and end the day in Highland Park at the Gold line Bar…. And so much more!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Wow, this is a loaded question, lol! So many along the way have contributed enormously to my success, from my best friend Paul Bonet and my Dad, Hilary who nourished my artistic curiosity in music and art through to my ex-wife Suzanne Dawson who was a marketing genius and pushed me to be a better businessman, to a book written by Jack Canfield, “Success Principals” that started me early in my entrepreneurial journey by challenging me to double my income in three months. But, none of this was possible without my mother Jeanette, who against all odds as a beautiful brown woman from Africa with a house full of kids, started multiple businesses in the 80’s, and taught me that anything is possible if you believe in yourself!

Website: www.magicboxla.com