Meet Mabel Palomino | Creative director for Events & Entertainment at Manina World

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

Hi Mabel, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve had this burning passion for shows and costumes ever since I was a little kid, probably around 4 or 5 years old. I grew up in a small village called Marcona in Peru, and I used to come up with these wild ideas for costumes and performances. My dear grandma would work her magic on her sewing machine to bring my visions to life, and I’d perform in local fashion shows or invite people over to our front yard for impromptu shows. That’s where it all started, really.

Between the ages of 19 and 21, things took a challenging turn. My mom’s gambling spiraled out of control, and suddenly, I found myself having to pay the mortgage and help support my grandma and myself. It was an emotional rollercoaster, to say the least. But it was during those times that my grandma introduced me to Buddhism and meditation. Those teachings became my lifeline. They instilled in me the belief that the impossible is possible and that I should always chase my dreams.

With all that financial responsibility, it felt absurd to drop my studies and pursue a career in dance. My family thought it was a laughable idea and seriously frowned upon it. I was considered a disappointment in their eyes. But this passion of mine, it was stronger than any fear I had. I just knew I had to work hard for it. So, I’d take the midnight bus to New York, where I’d spend my days training in all types of dance styles, taking as many classes as I could even ballet with a Russian strict teacher. It wasn’t easy, let me tell you. It took two long years of struggle.

But here’s the thing, my motivation was unwavering. I told myself, “I have to get a touring show and a TV show to make ends meet.” After those initial two years of hardship, I finally landed my first show, and soon after, I got on La Fureur on TV. I was making enough money to keep our home and cover our expenses. In fact, I was generating more income than most dancers. Failure simply wasn’t an option.

I received this invaluable advice during that time: “Life is a struggle, but you can choose to be happy through it all. Design your life, live up to your full potential.” It really struck a chord with me. When faced with my mom’s gambling debts, I wanted to retreat and play it safe. But the creative force inside me kept pushing forward. I had to try it. I couldn’t imagine living any other life.

Through all the struggles, I managed to build my dreams and live by my creative passion ever since. I am profoundly appreciative of the difficulties, and I owe so much to my mom, my grandma, and everyone who supported me on this incredible journey. My dream now is to give back to the next generation, to inspire and support them in their creative pursuits, just as I was inspired and supported on my path.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
As an event designer, my expertise lies in the art of seamlessly integrating branding and design with the enchantment of fantastical entertainment. This distinct combination allows me to curate extraordinary experiences that leave a lasting impact, fostering deep connections between fans and brands.

I spent a full decade immersed in the dazzling world of show business. As a dancer, choreographer, and show producer, I experienced the highs of success and the lows of hard lessons. But the moment that truly defined my journey was when I took a leap of faith, creating a show called Pinup Saints.

At that time, I was so driven and passionate about making Pinup Saints a success that I made a decision that, in hindsight, I’d consider misguided. I sold my house to fund our tour. We did hit the road, and for a while, it felt like we were living our dream. However, it came at an incredible cost, and I ended up losing everything. It was a devastating time, and I found myself starting from scratch, living in my friend’s apartment above her business. Those were some heavy, dark days.

Questions plagued my mind: How was I going to generate money? My career in show business seemed over, and I had no idea where I could create value. But in life, nothing is wasted. Every experience contributes to your skillset and knowledge. That’s when I discovered a new path, the world of events.

Back in 2009, events weren’t as they are today. Decor was uninspiring, and entertainment options were limited. I saw an opportunity to inject fresh creativity into the industry. I started blending entertainment with extravagant decor, bringing in artists from diverse backgrounds, creating stunning themed costumes, and choreographing memorable experiences.

This newfound direction was a breath of fresh air, and I embraced it wholeheartedly. I started getting calls from high-profile clients, got involved in galas, and worked with luxury brands. That’s when I decided to name my company Manina World. “Manina” was my childhood nickname, and it symbolized the childlike wonder and creativity I brought to my work.

The journey was far from smooth. We faced financial struggles for years, often just breaking even. I knew little about running a business, so in 2015, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I immersed myself in learning, studying everything from marketing to accounting. With the support of my dedicated team, we started turning things around and found success.

Balancing creativity and business was challenging. I had to operate with both sides of my brain, being super creative while also handling the financial aspects as if I were a CFO.

Today, I look back on this incredible journey with pride and gratitude. My experiences have taught me the value of continuous learning, adaptability, and the art of finding balance. I want the world to know that no matter how daunting the challenges, one can pivot, grow, and thrive. My unique blend of creativity and business acumen has allowed Manina World to stand out in the event industry, creating unforgettable experiences for our clients and attendees alike.

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.
**Day 1: Arrival and Spa Day** – **Morning:** Welcome your friend to Montreal and check in at the Four Seasons in the Golden Square Mile
– **Snack:** Grab a smoothie and a snack at Trope and walk down to the old port.
– **Afternoon:** Relaxation at one of Montreal’s renowned spas, Bota Bota Spa-sur-l’eau, located on a boat in the Old Port.
– **Evening:** Take a leisurely stroll along the Old Port, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the St. Lawrence River.

**Day 2: Cultural Exploration**
– **Morning:** Eat delicious Gluten free crêpes at Spanel, then head to Arsenal for an immersive experience.
– **Lunch:**Indulge in Steak frites at Le Pois Penché.
– **Afternoon:** Explore the Quartier des Spectacles, known for its entertainment and cultural events.
– **Evening:** Head to Emmanuelle, a trendy lounge, for cocktails and live music.

**Day 3: Music Festival Experience**
– **Morning:** Enjoy breakfast in bed
– **Mid-Morning:**Enjoy a Pilates class at Enso and get ready to take the subway to Ile Saint-Helene.
-**Afternoon to Evening:** Attend Osheaga music festival in VIP style, indulging in exclusive experiences, gourmet dining, fantastic performances and dancing the night away!

**Day 4: Local Exploration**
– **Morning:** Start the day on Mont Royal, a lush park offering panoramic views of the city. You can hike, bike, or simply enjoy a picnic.
– **Lunch:** Have a picnic at Mont Royal or head to a local café for lunch.
– **Afternoon:** Explore Montreal’s vibrant neighbourhoods, like Mile End or Plateau Mont-Royal, known for their unique shops and boutiques.
– **Evening:** Explore the city’s diverse culinary scene by dining at a restaurant that specializes in local cuisine, Montreal Plaza.

**Day 5: Farm Visit, Shopping, and Denis Gagnon**
– **Morning:** Embark on a day trip to local farms up in the Eastern Townships and enjoying fresh produce. Consider stopping at Manoir Hovey and local wineries.
– **Lunch:** Enjoy a farm-to-table meal at one of the farms, savouring dishes made with ingredients straight from the fields.
– **Late Afternoon:** Return to Montreal and take a nap before heading to Marcus lounge for a cocktail and meet some friends.
– **Dinner:** Marcus Restaurant, dine on the terrasse area and then get ready to dance at Bord’elle!

**Day 6: Culinary and Shopping Delights**
– **Morning:** . Live the Guerlain Spa experience at the Four Seasons hotel and enjoy the pool and the sauna too
– **Lunch:** Visit Holt Renfrew Ogilvy’s for a high-end shopping experience and grab lunch at the Holts Café, the bar is my favourite spot.
– **Afternoon:** Explore the city’s arts scene by visiting the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts to see their special exhibit , stop in fine galleries along the way.
– **Dinner:** Enjoy a memorable dining experience at Park, with Chef Antonio Park.

**Day 7: Foodie Adventure and Farewell**
– **Morning:** Start the day with with a coffee from Olympico in the old port.
– **Mid-Morning:** Walk the old street and make a stop at Denis Gagnon store and Espace Pepin.
– **Lunch:** Enjoy on the a boat cruise with the picturesque surroundings.
– **Afternoon:** Afternoon tea at Fairmount Queen Elizabeth Hotel.
– **Evening:** Savor Peruvian-Japanese fusion cuisine at Tiradito.
– **Late Evening:** Head out to the airport in the new REM train.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Growing up, I had the privilege of learning from some of the most extraordinary mentors and teachers who played a pivotal role in shaping my artistic journey. To each one of you, I owe a debt of gratitude that words can hardly express.

**Connie Rotella, Michael & Carol Fennell, Caroline Neron, and Don Jordan:** You were my guiding lights during my formative years, and your unwavering support and mentorship ignited my passion for the arts.

**Producers and choreographers Isabelle Delage, Veronique Cloutier, Genevieve Dorion-Coupal, Oko Chio, Tony Loddo, George Zane, Albert Chambers, Paolo Galati, MC Mario, and Rickey Dailey:** Your belief in my talent and dedication to our craft were instrumental in helping me achieve my dreams in the world of dance and performance.

**Collaborators Federico Sanchez, Emilie Caminiti, Jennifer Roman, Cheryl Besner, Danielle Bitton, Lorne Levitt, Michael Caplan, and Jason Katz:** Working alongside you all was not only creatively enriching but also deeply inspiring. Your collaborative spirit and creativity fueled my artistic pursuits.

**Spiritual Guidance from Daisaku Ikeda and SGI Canada:** Your wisdom and teachings instilled in me the strength and resilience to navigate life’s challenges while staying true to my artistic path.

To all of you, I extend my heartfelt thanks for your mentorship, encouragement, and belief in my potential. You have been pillars of support, pushing me to strive for excellence, embrace creativity, and reach for the stars. Your influence on my life and career has been immeasurable, and I am forever grateful for the roles you’ve played in shaping who I am today.

Website: www.maninaworld.com

Instagram: @manina.world

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/mabel-palomino

Image Credits
@Christina Esteban , @moetreal,