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

Hi Amanda, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own business was driven by a desire to create something bigger than myself, something with impact, purpose, and heart. I saw a gap in the events industry: many agencies could execute logistics, but few focused on meaningful connection, cultural intelligence, and true partnership. I wanted to build a company that not only delivered great events but also left a lasting imprint on people and communities.
I also wanted to build a team-first culture. As an Asian-American woman in leadership, I didn’t see many faces that looked like mine at the top. I wanted to help change that by building a company where people felt empowered, celebrated, and supported to grow.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At Innovate Marketing Group, we’re a full-service event and experiential agency based in Los Angeles. What sets us apart is our people-first, culture-conscious approach to brand experiences. We don’t just “plan events”, we curate human moments that spark emotion, build community, and drive impact.
We’ve worked with brands like TikTok, Google, and East West Bank, producing everything from influencer events, brand activations, to summits and launch events. I’m proud of how we’ve scaled while staying true to our values.
Was it easy? Definitely not. There were times I doubted myself, faced burnout, and had to make hard calls. But I learned that resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges, it’s about embracing them, learning from them, and showing up again the next day. As an entrepreneur, you need a lot of grit as well.
I want the world to know this: behind every beautiful event is a team that poured their heart into making it happen. And behind every strong brand is a story, and we’re here to help you tell it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love this question! Here’s my dream LA itinerary for a week of fun, culture, and of course—good food:

Day 1: Start with brunch at République (can’t miss their pastries!), then head to LACMA for art and inspiration. Sunset drinks at Élephante in Santa Monica.

Day 2: Hike Runyon Canyon early in the morning, followed by matcha and acai bowls at Urth Caffé. Afternoon spa session at Burke William Spa.

Day 3: Spend the day exploring the Arts District, grab coffee at Verve, check out Hauser & Wirth gallery, then tacos at Guerrilla Tacos.

Day 4: Day trip to Malibu! Brunch at Malibu Farm, wine tasting at Rosenthal, and a walk along the Beach.

Day 5: Shopping, definitely grabbing a boba drink, then catching a show at The Hollywood Bowl or a rooftop cinema night.

Day 6: Cultural day, visit The Broad Museum, have lunch in Little Tokyo, and catch the sunset from Griffith Observatory. And definitely grabbing some mochi.

Day 7: Chill day, brunch at Jonathan Club, stroll through old town Pasadena, and wrap the trip with a low-key night at a rooftop lounge downtown.

LA has this incredible energy, and there’s something here for everyone. I love how the city invites you to slow down and dream big.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh, so many people deserve a shoutout; it really does take a village. First and foremost, my parents. Their immigrant journey and relentless work ethic taught me the power of perseverance and humility.
I’m also incredibly grateful for my mentors, those who believed in me before I believed in myself, who challenged me to grow, and who reminded me that it’s okay to take up space. And of course, my team at Innovate Marketing Group. They’re the heartbeat of the agency. We’ve grown together, and every milestone is a shared victory.
Lastly, I want to give a nod to EO (Entrepreneurs’ Organization) and the incredible network of business leaders I’ve met along the way. Community has been everything.

Website: https://innovatemkg.com

Instagram: https://innovatemkg.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovate-marketing-group/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@innovatemarketinggroupinc.7348

Image Credits
All rights reserved to Innovate Marketing Group

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