Meet Robael Gizachew | C0-Founder

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

Hi Robael, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Honestly, the idea came from wanting to be agents of change. We were out and about, hearing the same complaints from friends and people we met—events feeling repetitive, music lacking diversity, venues not really hitting the mark. Instead of just adding to the noise, we thought, why not be part of the solution? We wanted to shift the culture, create something intentional, and make spaces that felt fresh and exciting.

We also noticed a lot of event curation in the Bay was being done by folks who moved here looking for community. Being from here, we felt it was important to bridge that gap between those new to the area and those of us who’ve been here, wanting to expand our community. The Bay has so much culture, but it can be a tough place to navigate, especially if you’re not from here. Working in tech, we got plugged into those implant spaces and saw how they were creating their own communities. But we realized the next step was about connecting these groups—building a space where everyone could feel represented and welcomed.

To be transparent, it wasn’t until our third or fourth event that it really started to feel like a “business.” The turning point for me was when someone told me the event group they were part of was a business, and we were more of a family operation. I said, alright, bet, and things shifted from there. Roles got solidified, teams were created, and everything got a lot more serious. The fun-to-work ratio changed, and so did the size of our team. We started as a group of six close friends, but over time, it evolved. For a few months, it was just three of us leading operations. Then, in early and late 2024, we added two new members, making us a solid team of five now.

Looking back, the “thought process” behind all of this became more about consistency and keeping what we built going. Anyone can throw a party, but not everyone can build a brand, grow a team, market consistently, and dedicate real time to what they love. A lot of people talk about it, but following through is where the difference is made. For us, it’s about creating something bigger than ourselves—spaces where people feel seen, heard, and connected, while proving that when you’re intentional about what you do, the impact speaks for itself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Our art is about creating experiences that connect people—transforming spaces into places of meaning, energy, and culture. What sets us apart is our intention. Every event we curate is deeply thought out, from the music to the vibe to the people we bring together. We’re not just throwing parties; we’re building a community, bridging gaps, and showcasing the diverse culture of the Bay Area.

One of the things I’m most proud of is seeing how Motion Spaces has become a space for people to feel seen and connected, no matter where they’re from. When someone tells us they made a lifelong friend, discovered a new artist, or simply felt at home at one of our events, that’s what excites me. That’s the “why” behind what we do.

Getting to where we are today professionally hasn’t been easy. In the beginning, we were just a group of friends with an idea. We didn’t have a clear structure or even the resources to make it work. But we learned quickly. The turning point came after our first few events, when we realized that to grow, we needed to treat this like a business. We solidified roles, built a team, and committed to staying consistent. There were times when the balance between enjoying the process and handling the workload shifted, and the challenges felt overwhelming. But we kept going because we believed in what we were creating.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that success is rooted in consistency and community. Anyone can have a good idea, but execution is what makes the difference. We’ve had to get comfortable with discomfort, lean on each other, and find creative ways to keep growing, even when things got tough.

What I want the world to know about Motion Spaces is that we’re not just about events—we’re about storytelling. Every event is a piece of a larger narrative, showcasing the richness of the culture around us and inviting people to be part of it. We’re here to bring people together, elevate the culture, and remind everyone that connection is the real art form.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting the Bay Area for a week, I’d make sure they had the full Bay experience—from iconic spots to hidden gems. Here’s how I’d plan it:

We’d kick off the week exploring San Francisco. First stop: Pier 39 for the classic tourist vibes, then a quick stroll over to Lombard Street for the crookedest street photo-op. From there, we’d hit Union Square and walk up to the Gate of Chinatown. We’d grab pastries at Yummy Bakery, then keep walking until we hit North Beach, which is basically SF’s Little Italy. We’d get some of the best pizza in the city at Tony’s Pizza Napoletana and wrap the night with a drive to Twin Peaks for an incredible view of the city lights.

The next day, we’d head over to Berkeley—Go Bears! I’m a proud alumn, so of course, I’d take them to see campus. After that, we’d drive up to Grizzly Peak for yet another amazing view and stop by Tilden Park for a chill nature moment. For food, we’d hit Toss Noodle Bar for some fire noodles, followed by Boba Ninja—hands down the best boba in the Bay.

By midweek, it’s time for a day in Oakland. We’d start at Joaquin Miller Park to enjoy some nature and then grab a Habesha lunch at Alem’s Coffee, where the food never misses. Afterward, we’d prep for Townstrides, our local run club. We’d get a good jog in with the squad and then refuel with dinner at Tacos Mi Reynita—authentic and unbeatable.

After covering most of the East Bay and SF, it’s time to head south to Santa Cruz. We’d get seafood (because when you’re near the coast, it’s a must) and then spend the rest of the day at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. We’d hit the rides, chill on the beach, and soak in those ocean vibes. By the end of the trip, I’d officially dub them a Bay native.

The Bay Area is such a mix of culture, food, and energy, and this itinerary would give them a little taste of everything—iconic views and great eats.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a big shoutout to the other event groups in the Bay Area, but especially to a group called @elevatesocial, founded and run by Edem (@soundsbykofi) and Ayinde (@cryptocastro). Post-pandemic, they really paved the way for event curation out here, turning spaces they could get their hands on into places of connection. I remember going to their very first events at apartment lounges and realizing just how many folks were lacking community or not fully experiencing the Bay the way I know it as a native. Those events sparked something in me—they made me want to be a liaison for my home, bridging the gap between those new to the area and those of us who’ve been here.

That sense of community extended even further when I met my friend Bosa (@b_eazyyyyyy) through Elevate Social’s events. He runs his own event group, Play2Win (@play2winsocial), specializing in club-alternative events and organizing trips. He planned a trip that directly inspired the Super Bowl party I hosted—a party that, as I’ve mentioned in nearly every interview, is what kickstarted all of this. The people I invited to that Super Bowl party? They were a mix of folks I met on Bosa’s trip and at Elevate Social events. It all came together in such an organic way, and looking back, it’s amazing how interconnected everything was.

A special thank you also goes out to Flygerian Jeff (@flygerianjeff) with United Tribes of Africa (@unitedtribesof_africa). Jeff has been an incredible mentor to us and was the first to collaborate with our group. His leadership and guidance gave us a strong foundation to grow, and we’ll always credit him for helping us navigate those early days.

Lastly, I have to shout out Ron over at Continental Club (@continentalcluboakland) for seeing our potential and giving us a chance. When so many other venues in the Bay tried to take advantage of us, he treated us fairly and supported our vision. I’m also endlessly grateful to my roommates, Jambo and Muhab, who let us transform our home into a makeshift event space (with probably a lot of patience and love). And, of course, to everyone who showed up to that first event and encouraged us to keep going—thank you. None of this would’ve been possible without you.

Website: https://motionspaces.us

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motionspaces/