We recently connected with Lakia “LB” Brandenburg and have shared our conversation below.

LB, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

I never thought that I would launch a business as an event host/MC. But after hosting a super successful, high-energy and engaging 3-day enrollment event for my coach/friend in 2021, it became clear that magic happens when I’m on stage with a mic in my hand.

“LB, you made the event!” It was those words from that same friend that fully sparked my interest to explore my gift as a host. Even though I had hosted a handful of events before, I knew that my love and enjoyment for connecting with audience was about to elevate to a new level.

But I knew that I didn’t want to just be an MC. I wanted to stand out in this event/entertainment industry as an edutainment extraordinaire. So, I married my experience as a former classroom teacher and former coach to wives + wives to be (The Wife Coach®) with lots of fun, learning and entertainment.

That one defining event turned into 3 events the following year, and in 2023, I gave myself permission to go to full time, closing out the year with 11 more events added to my now growing catalog.I never thought that I would launch a business as an event host/MC. But after hosting a super successful, high-energy and engaging 3-day enrollment event for my coach/friend in 2021, it became clear that magic happens when I’m on stage with a mic in my hand.

“LB, you made the event!” It was those words from that same friend that fully sparked my interest to explore my gift as a host. Even though I had hosted a handful of events before, I knew that my love and enjoyment for connecting with audience was about to elevate to a new level.

But I knew that I didn’t want to just be an MC. I wanted to stand out in this event/entertainment industry as an edutainment extraordinaire. So, I married my training as a former classroom teacher and former coach to wives + wives to be (The Wife Coach®) with lots of fun and entertainment.

That one defining event turned into 3 events the following year, and in 2023, I gave myself permission to go to full time, closing out the year with 11 more events added to my now growing catalog.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

So, let’s start from the beginning. How did I get started in hosting? By accident. It was back in 2015, when I was a part of a team and we were planning our third annual 3-day weekend women’s empowerment event, and we needed an MC. The team unanimously said, “LB can do it,” and I stepped right in with no prior emceeing/hosting experience, and here we are today.
But before this pivot, I was The Wife Coach®, teaching and showing married women how to become happy, fun and irresistible wives. Now, as an edutainment extraordinaire, I’ve been able to marry my experience as an educator and coach with hosting—a true match made in the event world.

What I’m most proud of as an event host + edutainment extraordinaire is that I’m still a teacher at heart every time I hit the stage. My love for what I do is undeniable, and I’m constantly going into my teacher’s toolkit to make sure the audience is engaged.

Plus, I’m able to play with different learning styles and strategies to make sure that the message and content that is being presented from the stage or that the key points that the speakers are sharing is landing with the audience.

And the entertainment? That’s making learning fun. It’s bringing in the high energy, the type of music that makes you dance and creating an unforgettable audience experience for all who attends.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Honestly, putting myself out there and letting people know what I do has been the best strategy for me to grow my clientele. Once I host an event and leave a positive lasting impression, the word will spread. One of my clients who booked me for her multi-day event was a referral and she told me “Your name is being spoken in rooms that you’re not even in.”

Okay, God. That’s word of the mouth. I’ll take that. Referrals? I’ll take that.

That allows you to start building relationships with the clients and if this is an event that they host every year, guess who they’re calling when it’s time to book their host? That’s always my first method. Show up, do an amazing job, and let my work and performance speak for itself.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The impact and positive influence that I have on an audience is one of the most rewarding aspects of being an edutainment extraordinaire. I love seeing people have a good time and to be learning while they’re doing it.

To be able to lift spirits an infect others with your positive energy is priceless. There was an event where an attendee came up to me in the pre-function area with tears in her eyes and said, “LB, I borrowed your confidence this weekend. I wasn’t even going to come. But I’m so happy I did.”

It was that moment that I knew I needed to stop playing with my gift. I was sleeping on my talent, but not anymore. Who I’ve become (both on and off stage) brings so much value and life to people.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lakiabrandenburg.com/host
• Instagram: @lakiabrandenburg
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/people/Lakia-Brandenburg/610012228/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakiabrandenburg

Image Credits
Mecca Gamble Photography IG: @meccagamble