We were lucky to catch up with Marcus Isaiah recently and have shared our conversation below.

Marcus, appreciate you joining us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

I remember when the idea for MANIFEST first sparked in my mind. It was a mix of excitement and uncertainty, but I knew it would be something big. At that time, I was juggling a lot, feeling like I was in the midst of a mental and emotional storm. My love for dance and design was strong, and I was clear about my vision, but I was also navigating a challenging personal and professional landscape.

The initial idea felt like a distant dream. The concept of the show is deeply personal, originating from a place of vulnerability. I had embarked on earning my certification in interior design, a move that added a new dimension of expertise to my skill set—something I had always wanted to do. My plan was to blend this new knowledge with my love for dance to create something truly unique. However, reality was more complex.

I left my job right after MANIFEST premiered at the Kennedy Center and then, shortly after, got fired from another. It was a tough period, and I felt like everything was falling apart. But even in the chaos, the vision for MANIFEST continued to simmer. I knew that if I could channel this turbulent energy into something productive, it could become something extraordinary.

The process of bringing MANIFEST to life was intense. I had to shift from a personal project to producing and directing it as a full-scale production. This required a lot of groundwork—securing funding, assembling a team, and finding venues sponsorships. I was constantly balancing this with building my business ‘details’, which helped keep me grounded but also added to the pressure.

As I worked on MANIFEST, the production gained momentum. The first performance was a huge leap, but the real turning point came when we decided to do an Encore! This was a critical moment—it not only validated the work but also reinforced my commitment to pushing boundaries.

The transition from a project under All Hail The Creatives to establishing it as an entity was another significant step. It meant shifting from a freelance initiative to a structured organization with a mission and a community focus. There were endless details to manage, to ensuring that our mission resonated with our audience.

Through all this, I also maintaining my design clientele, which provided a financial buffer and kept me engaged in a different creative field. It hasn’t been easy to juggle everything, but it is necessary to sustain the vision.

The journey from idea to execution has been a whirlwind of emotional highs and lows, but each challenge has helped shape my vision. MANIFEST has become more than just a production; it is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of transformation.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Marcus Isaiah, the creative force behind All Hail The Creatives and Details by Marcus Isaiah. My journey into the dance and interior design worlds has been both unconventional and deeply personal, driven by a passion for blending art with innovation.

My entry into the industry began with a strong foundation in dance. I pursued a degree in Dance & Choreography, followed by earning my interior design certification—an aspiration I’ve long harbored. This additional expertise offered me a fresh perspective and a new dimension to my craft. My love for dance led me to create MANIFEST, a project that inspired me to launch my newest venture. This space is dedicated to crafting innovative performances that resonate with the human experience. My mission is to inspire, educate, and connect the community through dance, with a focus on inclusivity, collaboration, and excellence.

In interior design, I understand the significance of paying close attention to the smallest details in every space. These intricacies reveal a space’s true essence, creating a beautiful oasis that enhances both aesthetics and atmosphere. I believe well-being is embedded in the finer details of a thoughtfully designed living space. Guided by this belief, I carefully source unique furniture, curate thoughtful items, and incorporate decor that mirrors each client’s individuality while fostering balance and well-being. My goal is to craft spaces that enrich my clients’ quality of life, providing that finishing touch that elevates the overall experience.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my work is driven by a genuine desire to transform and elevate experiences through art and design. Whether through a groundbreaking dance performance or a meticulously designed space, my aim is to create moments that inspire and connect deeply with people.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Absolutely. Let me share a story about this year alone I’ve had to pivot in both my personal and professional life.

I found myself at a crossroads numerous of times throughout this process that required a significant shift in direction for me. My commitments included managing a growing business, maintaining important friendships, and balancing personal relationships. Everything was intertwined, and it felt like I was juggling a lot of responsibilities at once.

In the midst of this, I faced a series of unexpected challenges. My business was undergoing changes that required me to pivot strategically. I was dealing with shifts in client needs and market demands, which necessitated a reevaluation of my approach. On the personal front, I was navigating evolving relationships and commitments that were becoming increasingly complex. Friendships were strained as I struggled to find time and energy to invest in them while managing them with my professional obligations as they were intertwined with my businesses.

The pivotal moment came when I realized that continuing on the same path was unsustainable. I needed to reevaluate my priorities and make some tough decisions. I had to reassess my business strategy to better align with changing market conditions. This meant redefining my goals, streamlining operations, and focusing on areas where I could have the most impact.

On the personal side, I had to confront the reality that some relationships needed to be redefined or even let go. This involved having honest conversations and setting new boundaries to protect my well-being. It was challenging to balance the need for personal growth with the desire to maintain meaningful connections.

The process of pivoting was not easy, but it was necessary for long-term success and fulfillment. By making these adjustments, I was able to create a more sustainable business model and find a better balance in my personal life. It taught me the importance of flexibility, clear communication, and prioritization in managing both professional and personal commitments.

This pivot allowed me to build a stronger foundation for my business and cultivate more meaningful relationships. It was a period of significant growth and transformation, underscoring the value of adapting to change and aligning with what truly matters.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

To secure the initial capital, I employed a multifaceted approach that combined various fundraising strategies. I organized a series of engaging fundraising events, including community gatherings, where attendees could experience our vision firsthand while contributing financially. Reaching out to potential donors and sponsors was also crucial; I crafted personalized proposals and successfully secured sponsorships, including significant partnerships, which greatly alleviated financial pressures.

Additionally, I launched a crowdfunding campaign to tap into a broader network of supporters and applied for grants from arts foundations. These combined efforts not only provided the necessary funding but also helped build a strong community around our mission.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marcusisaiah.com
• Instagram: @marcusisaiah
• Facebook: Marcus Isaiah

Image Credits

Rodney Rice
Kollin Benson
Clay Pruden