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

Hi Michelle, how do you think about risk?
I believe I was born a risk taker and it plays an extremely large role in my life and throughout my career. I decided to start my business at an early age while I was working at my dream company. Then I moved to multiple cities from coast to coast to start and expand my business. Which meant starting completely from scratch in a new markets. I make calculated risks because I realized I wouldn’t grow in life or business without doing so. The most important part of risk taking is embracing that fear is absolutely a part of the process. But when I trust myself to make a leap, I always find a way land safely. Nothing (in life or events) will go 100% according to plan, so being flexible and giving myself some grace is very important.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Onederland Events is a Los Angeles-based, 100% black and woman-owned event company. We’re storytellers that create events that captivate and inspire clients and their guests. For 16 years, Onederland Events has produced a variety of celebrations from coast to coast and destination weddings. We specialize in social and corporate events including weddings, birthday and anniversary celebrations to brand activations, non-profit fundraising galas, baby and bridal showers, holiday parties. With passion, creativity, integrity, and kindness, we’re obsessed with creating unique experiences that are second to none.

This journey has definitely been a rollercoaster ride. When dealing with challenges, I think about the facts of what happened, why I believe the issue happened at this moment in time, and discover a new way to move forward without beating myself up by overthinking the situation. Learning and recovering quickly from challenges is a process, but necessary for growth in business – and in life.

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?
I have a serious sweet tooth, so the first stop is always Hansen Cakes on Fairfax. The moistest cake and delicious frosting ever! And right next door to Hansen’s is soul food restaurant, Annie’s Soul Delicious where I swear one meal last at least 2 days and its well delicious! Another favorite on Fairfax is Thai restaurant Chao Krung. During the summer we’d check out California African American Museum (CAAM) for any fun outdoor dance parties or Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) for Friday Night jazz concerts. I love the beach, so we’d head over the Bruce’s Beach or out to Malibu for an entire day of doing absolutely nothing. And before they left we’d definitely get in a hike on one of the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains trails. My friends and I are constantly moving, so when they come to visit its all about relaxation.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I don’t think there’s enough space to list all the family, friends, and organizations that have been instrumental to the success of Onederland Events. My parents first and foremost deserve a forever shoutout because they have always supported every decision I’ve made – even if they didn’t agree with it. There are so many colleagues and friends that have helped shaped what this business has become to name a few: LaTanya, Tara, Tahani, Susana, Maxine, Flora, Tahnee, Sharde, Pilar, Sydney, Rev. Annie, Linden, and too many others to list! These amazing organizations have provided incredible business guidance along my entrepreneurial journey: Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses and Tory Burch Foundation. And a major shoutout to all of our amazing clients that have believed in me and my team for the last 16 years!

Website: www.onederlandevents.com

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

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onederlandevents

Image Credits
Nikhol Esterás Heather Kincaid Ellen Wildhagen Elmer Escobar

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