Meet Monique Gagnier Robinson | Founder | Executive Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Monique Gagnier Robinson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Monique, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
After more than two decades in the entertainment industry leading large-scale digital initiatives and working with some of the most recognized media companies I reached a pivotal point of reflection. While I had built a successful corporate career, I began to feel a strong desire to pursue work that was more purpose-driven and aligned with my personal values and long-term aspirations.

I asked myself how I could leverage my experience to create impact beyond traditional corporate environments. I knew I wanted to build something that combined my passion for creativity, my drive for financial independence, and my commitment to community. Most importantly, I wanted to support and elevate women-owned small businesses, many of which, despite their innovation and quality, often face challenges gaining visibility and sustaining long-term growth.

That vision became the foundation for Mosaiq Creative Productions. My thought process was clear: to create a platform that celebrates innovation, nurtures entrepreneurship, and offers women-led brands a meaningful space to thrive. Each curated marketplace we produce is intentionally designed to foster connection, increase exposure, and provide direct access to customers. A level of support that can be transformative for small business owners.

Launching my own business has been both demanding and deeply rewarding. I’ve had to quickly adapt to a new landscape, mastering logistics, event operations, vendor relations, and marketing. Yet, at the core of it all are the relationships, the community, and the shared spirit of ambition that fuel this work. This journey has not only allowed me to redefine my own career path, but has also connected me to a broader movement centered on empowerment, inclusivity, and the evolving future of small business commerce.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Mosaiq Creative Productions is an experiential event production company that blends curated vendor markets with immersive activations to create elevated, in-person shopping experiences. What makes us different is our focus on crafting environments where customers and brands connect on a deeper level through live demonstrations, sensory experiences, and interactive storytelling that go far beyond a typical marketplace.

We design our events to be multi-sensory, engaging, and emotionally resonant. Whether it’s a live fashion styling session, a wine tasting, a sound bath, or a curated social media moment, every detail is intentional. We’re not just producing markets, we’re creating spaces where creativity, commerce, and community converge. That experiential layer is what sets Mosaiq apart in a crowded event landscape.

One of the things I’m most proud of is our ability to build events that feel personal and impactful for both our vendors and our attendees. We’ve support women-led businesses by providing a platform where they can showcase their products and build lasting relationships with customers. A particularly meaningful moment was our participation in a relief market after the Los Angeles fires, where we donated vintage clothing, jewelry, and handmade goods to those impacted. It reminded me that our work has the power to uplift and connect people in truly special ways.

Getting to this point has required flexibility, persistence, and constant learning. While I brought strong project management and leadership experience from my prior career, running a small business introduced new challenges, from budgeting and operations to vendor curation, marketing, and audience engagement. Every event has sharpened our approach and helped us build a more sustainable model.

A key challenge has been standing out in a saturated market and redefining what “vendor events” can be. Post-pandemic shifts in consumer behavior also posed a unique challenge, as many shoppers had grown accustomed to online retail. To overcome that, we leaned into the one thing digital platforms can’t replicate: real human connection. That’s why our markets are designed to offer immersive, memorable experiences that draw people in and keep them coming back.

We’ve also worked hard to grow our brand through strategic partnerships, producing city-led initiatives like the HERitage Market for Women’s History Month in Downtown Santa Monica on the iconic Third Street Promenade, and supporting large-scale conferences like the NAWBO-CA Propel 2025 Convention at SoFi Stadium. These opportunities have allowed us to expand our reach while staying true to our mission.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about Mosaiq, it’s that we’re not just curating events, we’re creating a movement. One that champions independent brands, celebrates women entrepreneurs, and reinvents how people experience shopping. Every event is an invitation to engage, discover, and be part of a community that values quality, creativity, and meaningful connection.

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?
Whenever I have friends visiting Los Angeles, I always take them to the place that feels most like home to me: Santa Monica. Growing up in L.A., some of my fondest childhood and teenage memories were spent in Santa Monica, surfing, fishing off the pier, or simply hanging out at the beach. Later, my family opened a New Orleans restaurant on the iconic Third Street Promenade and later on Ocean Park Blvd, which deepened my connection to the vibrant coastal city.

Although I eventually moved outside of L.A. to raise my family, the most wonderful thing happened when I launched my business, I was invited to return to Santa Monica and partner with Downtown Santa Monica Inc. to produce the HERitage Market in celebration of Women’s History Month. It felt like a full-circle moment, falling in love all over again with a place that holds so many positive and meaningful memories for me.

If my best friend were visiting for a week, here’s how I’d give them a true Santa Monica experience, blending the nostalgic with the new, the iconic with the emerging:

Day 1: A Beachside Welcome
• Start with brunch at Shutters on the Beach, one of my favorite spots for a beautiful meal with an ocean view.
• Spend the afternoon strolling the Santa Monica Pier and soaking up the sun on the beach.
• Evening drinks at the Viceroy Santa Monica, known for its chic atmosphere and a rotating calendar of local events, live music, thought-provoking talks, and more.

Day 2: Exploring Local Legacy
• Morning coffee and pastries from a local café, then head to Hotel Casa del Mar or The Fairmont Miramar, both iconic landmarks that capture the elegance and history of Santa Monica.
• Lunch at Ye Olde King’s Head, a British pub and a personal favorite of my husband, Chris, who is from the U.K.
• Sunset wine tasting at AJA Vineyards, Santa Monica’s first wine tasting room, a family-owned, woman-led gem that showcases the beauty of small-batch California wine culture.

Day 3: Pedicab & Promenade Adventures
• Take a Green Goddess Pedicab tour with JoWanda Dziesinski—who was also featured in Shoutout LA, July 2024. It’s a fun, eco-friendly way to explore the city, and JoWanda brings energy, history, and storytelling to every ride.
• Explore local shops and street performers on Third Street Promenade, followed by dinner and cocktails at a nearby rooftop with ocean views.

Day 4–5: Wellness & Creativity
• Start the day with a yoga or sound bath session, some of which we’ve featured in our Mosaiq Creative events. Then spend time at local art galleries or the Bergamot Station Arts Center.
• Evening dining at Forma or Tar & Roses for inventive cuisine that feels distinctly L.A.

Day 6: Hidden Gems + Community Connection
• Check out smaller, community-driven businesses and makers, those we often highlight through our markets. Think pop-ups, craft fairs, or specialty boutiques with a story.
• End the night with a casual wine-and-charcuterie night back at AJA Vineyards or a relaxed dinner with friends by the beach.

Day 7: A Perfect Send-Off
• A relaxing walk or bike ride along the beach to soak up the final views.
• A farewell brunch at Huckleberry Bakery & Café before heading back to LAX with sand still in your shoes.

Santa Monica is more than a destination, it’s a feeling. It’s where personal history, community, creativity, and commerce intersect in a way that’s uniquely Southern California. Sharing that with someone through the people, the places, the flavors, and the stories is what makes it unforgettable.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without question, my shoutout goes to my husband, Chris. When I made the life-changing decision to step away from a corporate career and pursue my own business, he supported me wholeheartedly and without hesitation. His unwavering belief in my vision, and in me, never faltered. Through every challenge and milestone, his encouragement, partnership, and steady presence have made all the difference. His dedication to me and our family is something I deeply treasure. Chris’s role in my journey isn’t just supportive, it’s foundational.

Website: https://mosaiqcreative.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquegagnierrobinson/

Image Credits
Mosaiq Creative Productions LLC