We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michelle Vaughn a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Michelle , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

The name ‘Kanvas’ was born from a blend of creativity and a deep understanding of what our clients crave. We dive deep and stretch wide into the essence of our clients’ imaginations, from intimate gatherings to grand corporate celebrations, and even those thrilling moments when a business launches its latest creation. Every event, big or small, is a story waiting to burst forth and be shared with the world. You see, as someone who’s all about creating unforgettable moments and styling spaces that speak, I’ve always been all ears when it comes to what my clients are looking for.

They’ve been loud and clear about wanting more than just a venue—they’re dreaming of a canvas that can hold their stories, dreams, and wildest imaginations. That’s the heart of ‘Kanvas.’ It’s far more than just a space; it’s a bursting palette where ideas, celebrations, and cherished memories are painted with the brightest of colors. ‘Kanvas’ captures this dream perfectly. The ‘K’? Well, that’s our little twist, our secret ingredient, representing the key to an enchanted realm where each event is not merely a gathering but a personalized epic. At Kanvas, we believe every celebration is a masterpiece, custom-crafted to reflect the unique essence of our clients’ visions. Here, the most imaginative dreams don’t just take shape—they soar, turning every event into an extraordinary masterpiece!

Michelle , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Oh, where do I even start? I’m about pouring my heart and soul into everything I touch. There’s something magical about connecting with people, about creating spaces where joy and community come together like the perfect melody. For me, bringing people closer isn’t just a job; it’s the essence of who I am. Whether I’m diving deep into financials or bringing to life the most unforgettable events, you can bet I’m doing it with all my heart.

My journey through education and professional development isn’t just a list of accomplishments to hang on the wall. It’s more like an epic adventure, filled with growth, discovery, and quite a few victory dances along the way. I’m always hungry to learn more, to soak up every bit of knowledge the world has to offer. Event planning and mastering the art of finances? Oh, I’ve jumped into those worlds’ feet first, fueled by a passion that just won’t quit. Every lesson learned, every bit of wisdom gained, has been a steppingstone to breaking free from the conventional, propelling me into the vast, exciting unknown.

From cozy little workshops to the most electrifying seminars and meet-ups, I’ve been there, fully invested, soaking up the collective genius you just can’t get from a book. I’ve rubbed elbows with the visionaries, the trailblazers, sparking that same fire of change within myself. With an open heart and a steadfast commitment to personal growth, I’ve honed my skills in the delicate dance of communication and leadership, navigating the intricate web of human connections with grace and poise.

Let’s talk about my professional world—my canvas if you will. By day, I contribute my time and efforts towards shaping minds at a prestigious university, pouring my administrative and financial savvy into fostering academic brilliance. But the real jewel in my crown? That’s Kanvas, my breathtaking event venue right in the heart of University City (West Philly), Philadelphia, PA. As we embrace the vibrant transformation of the Ave of the Arts West, Kanvas stands as a testament to celebration, a haven where every gathering is a masterpiece of joy and lasting memories.

Bringing people together for those moments of happiness is what I live for. It’s about crafting those unforgettable experiences, ensuring everyone leaves with a piece of that collective joy. And when it comes to managing budgets, well, that’s where I shine, balancing the books with a flair that brings both smiles and sighs of relief from my clients.

I’m more than just a pro; I’m a creator of moments, blending financial acumen with a talent for turning administrative tasks into something akin to art. Whether it’s finding those budget-friendly gems or guiding a team across the finish line, I’m your girl, armed with a smile and a plan to make it all happen.

But my passion doesn’t stop at the doors of my venue. It’s a driving force that pushes me to lend a hand to the dreamers and innovators out there. This energy of mine, this limitless zest for life, I channel it into supporting others’ dreams. My time, my knowledge—it’s not just offered; it’s a promise of partnership to those with sky-high ambitions.

My expertise? It’s not just kept to myself; it’s freely given, sprinkled across the aspirations of those I mentor and guide. And Kanvas? It’s more than just a venue; it’s a sanctuary for dreams to unfold, a stage for visions to become reality.

I stand as a supporter, a pillar for the community, fostering the growth of individuals and their projects. In this space of encouragement, potential thrives, blooming into something truly spectacular.

My mantra? “This journey is bigger than me.” I am but a conduit for passion, commitment, and the sheer joy of witnessing others achieve greatness. This is my true calling, not just to celebrate my own successes but to ignite the success of many.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Let me share a bit of our journey at Kanvas, especially during a pretty rough patch we hit. Picture this: Kanvas, our lively event venue, usually buzzing with events, suddenly had to close doors for 17 months. Yeah, quite a long coffee break, right? This unforeseen closure was like a sudden storm, darkening the skies of our thriving business. The vibrant laughter and joy that once echoed within Kanvas’s walls were replaced by silence, leaving a void that was deeply felt by the community, our team, and me.

This shutdown was like hitting a giant pause button on our lives. No more events, no more bustling crowds. Just quiet. During this time, the financial pressures were immense. Not only were there concerns about sustaining the business, but the personal toll was significant too. Sleepless nights, the stress of uncertainty, and the responsibility of steering Kanvas through these choppy waters weighed heavily. Imagine juggling work stress and trying to keep a positive vibe at home – not the easiest gig.

But here’s the thing – we didn’t let this pause button turn into a stop button. I refused to let this be the end of our story. I figured, why not use this time to gear up for an epic comeback? So, I started brainstorming. Think of it as doing a bit of behind-the-scenes work while the stage was empty. I dove into creative brainstorming, exploring new ways to reinvent Kanvas. This period became a time of reflection and growth, both personally and professionally.
I connected with venue professionals in the event scene, hopped onto some online meet-ups, and even squeezed in a few webinars. Gotta stay in the loop, right? On the personal front, I made sure to keep the spirits up. A little self-care goes a long way, especially when you’re prepping for round two.

Fast forward to reopening day, and man, it felt like a mini-festival at Kanvas. We came back not just to throw events, but to show that we could bounce back with style. That first event post-closure? It was a blast – like we never skipped a beat.
So, that’s our story of riding the waves and coming back stronger. Kanvas isn’t just a venue; it’s a testament to sticking it out and making a comeback when the odds are stacked against you.

Any advice for managing a team?

Team management at Kanvas – it’s all about mixing the right ingredients. First off, we’re big on chit-chat that matters. Whether it’s our Monday morning catch-ups or those one-on-one coffee breaks, open communication is our jam. It’s all about making sure everyone feels heard and valued. And hey, when someone knocks it out of the park, we don’t just clap – we throw a mini-celebration! A shout-out here, a bonus there – it keeps the vibe high and spirits soaring.

Team bonding? We’re all over it. Think of cool activities, maybe a karaoke night at Kanvas, or team dinner – something that lets us laugh and connect beyond the daily grind. We’re also big on growth; I mean, who doesn’t love leveling up? Whether it’s exciting new projects, or industry changes, we’re here to grow and glow.

Now, transparency – that’s key. I’m all about keeping things clear and honest, like giving the lowdown on how Kanvas is doing or where we’re headed. It builds trust and keeps everyone in the loop. And leading by example? That’s my personal favorite. I try to bring the energy and passion I want to see in the team. It’s like setting the stage for an awesome performance every day.

But hey, let’s not forget the chill time. Work-life balance is a biggie. We encourage taking breaks, enjoying that vacation time – because, let’s face it, a refreshed team is a creative and happy team. Feedback’s a two-way street here; we give it, we take it, and we grow from it. It’s all about supporting each other to be our best.
And lastly, we’re a mix of amazing backgrounds and stories here at Kanvas – it’s like our secret sauce. Celebrating this diversity brings in so many fresh ideas and perspectives, making every day at Kanvas a little more colorful and a lot more fun.

So, that’s how we roll – keeping it lively, professional, and always aiming for the stars. It’s about making Kanvas not just a workplace, but a place where work feels like a fun part of our lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kanvasvenue.com/
• Instagram: www.https://instagram.com/kanvas_venue/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanvaseventcenter
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kanvaseventcenter3880