We were lucky to catch up with Anahera Patel recently and have shared our conversation below.
Anahera, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?
First and foremost, believe wholeheartedly in what you are doing. If your heart, soul, and mind are not fully invested, you’re not setting yourself up for success. Secondly, embrace every opportunity that comes your way, but always be mindful of your worth. There is a delicate balance between seizing opportunities that could open doors in the future and recognizing the value of your time and skills. Take a moment to reflect on this and understand the true worth of each opportunity. More often than not, saying yes in the early stages of your business will pave the way for something greater down the line.
Collaborate often. Through collaboration, you will forge valuable connections and gain a wealth of knowledge. Success is a collective achievement, not a solitary one. Embrace new ideas with an open mind. Even if a collaboration doesn’t yield ideal results, the experience will teach you invaluable lessons about business, human interactions, and life.
Be confident. Humility doesn’t mean hiding your confidence; it means standing tall while remaining open to learning. Even a master can still discover new insights. I often describe myself as a student for life, always open to new lessons and committed to staying teachable. Self-doubt is the greatest saboteur of success. If I could offer advice to my younger self, it would be to hold my head high, stand firm, and never let fear dictate my choices—whether in life or in business.
Anahera, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am the founder and owner of Mohea Entertainment, an authentic Polynesian dance company based in Hollywood. My journey in the arts began at a very young age, with dance and theater studies that continued through high school and college. After graduation, driven by my passion for the arts, I packed my car, secured a marketing job, and moved to Los Angeles. Once there, I quickly connected with other dancers and performers, eventually establishing myself as a professional dancer and actor in LA.
My experiences in the industry were eye-opening. I learned the intricacies of the entertainment world—the politics, the highs of performing, and the harsh realities that often accompany this career. I had a successful run with another entertainment group in LA, but one day, I was told I was “too fat” and didn’t “have the look.” My skills, knowledge, and work ethic were never questioned, but this superficial judgment shook me. It felt like a scene straight out of a Hollywood movie, and the blow was hard to take. Yet, in that moment, I realized I had a choice: either accept the narrow vision of those who judged me or stand tall and take control of my own destiny.
And so, Mohea Entertainment was born. I built the website, designed and sewed every costume, choreographed every routine, and assembled a talented group of performers. My focus was solely on my growth and the development of something unique and authentic. I wasn’t concerned with competition because my journey was my own. My passion for sharing Polynesian culture through dance, my dedication to learning from authentic sources, and my genuine love for performing were the cornerstones of what I wanted to offer to my audience. In a city brimming with entertainment options, I knew what would set us apart was our commitment to authenticity while delivering the entertainment value that Hollywood expects. I believe there is a way to educate an audience about culture while still bringing the glitz and glamor they crave. Balance is key in everything. When someone remarked, “You’re giving so-and-so a run for their money,” I simply replied, “No, I believe there is room for all art and all artists.” I still hold this belief and continue to lead Mohea Entertainment in my own lane.
Mohea Entertainment has been entirely bootstrapped from day one. I haven’t spent a cent on advertising or SEO; everything, including our top search rankings, has been achieved organically through relentless hard work. While I am proud of our progress, the journey has not been without its challenges. Like many entrepreneurs, I have made my share of mistakes and have learned invaluable lessons from each one. The difficulties were real, but the lessons were priceless, and they continue to guide me in all my endeavors.
As Mohea Entertainment grew, we were approached to participate in various exciting Hollywood projects. However, as a cultural ambassador, I often had to carefully weigh the balance between culture and commerce, sometimes hesitating or even rejecting opportunities. Navigating this balance has been a learning experience in itself. Ultimately, I approach everything with the best of intentions, always striving to make my friends and family in Tahiti proud.
Over the past seven years, Mohea Entertainment has achieved many exciting milestones, but what I am most proud of is our unwavering commitment to our core values. My team of talented professionals brings their best to every performance, not only in skill but also in spirit and passion for sharing our culture. We have carefully crafted our shows to educate and entertain, staying as true to our roots as possible while creating unforgettable experiences for our clients. We are genuinely passionate about what we do, and I am most proud that we pour our hearts into every performance. Whether it’s a backyard summer luau or a corporate event with 2,000 guests, we will always share our Aloha and Aroha (love) with everyone, to the fullest!
Have you ever had to pivot?
Like so many businesses, 2020 and the ensuing years dealt a significant blow to us. As an entertainment company specializing in large-scale, in-person events, we saw our business—and our identities—disappear overnight. With Hollywood shut down indefinitely, we faced the uncertainty of when we might return to the stage. During this challenging period, I found myself, like many others, in deep self-reflection. As a bridge between LA and Tahiti, my concerns extended beyond my team in LA to the artisans in Tahiti, a country heavily dependent on tourism for its GDP.
Having lived on and off in Tahiti for several years, I had established close relationships with many small businesses there. These artisans had even supplied Mohea Entertainment with costumes and dance materials for our shows. I felt a deep responsibility to support them while also seeking ways to sustain my own business and livelihood during this difficult time. This led to the idea of creating a small online shop called “From The Fenua,” meaning “from the land” (as Tahiti is often referred to as “the fenua”).
I reached out to a few artisans, purchased a modest inventory, and set up the online shop in LA. Thanks to the overwhelming support of the Polynesian dance community, every single “drop” sold out. Their support not only helped many Tahitian artisans navigate a dark time but also gave me renewed purpose as an entrepreneur. I remain in close contact with these artisans and cherish the moments we share whenever I return to Tahiti.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Perhaps the most influential book in my entrepreneurial journey has been Simon Sinek’s Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone To Take Action. As the title suggests, this book challenges you to confront your “why.” Over the years, I’ve learned to be cautious about giving advice because everyone’s path is unique, and no one knows your business better than you do. However, if I were to offer one piece of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, it would be to understand your “why.” Never embark on any endeavor without fully comprehending why you want to pursue it. What drives you? How deep is your passion? The reality is, if you don’t know your “why,” neither will your customers.
Living in Hollywood, we are often surrounded by illusions, with the phrase “fake it till you make it” frequently echoed. While this might be sound advice for building confidence, it falls short in other areas. Faking something without fully understanding the reasons behind it is simply not sustainable. What makes us human is our ability to feel, our emotional intelligence. Customers can sense the authenticity of you and your brand in ways that go beyond traditional teachings. That’s why authenticity must be earned; it cannot be faked. When you are genuinely authentic about your beliefs, your brand, and your purpose, that authenticity naturally resonates with others. I was fortunate to experience this firsthand with Mohea Entertainment.
Over the past six years, I have launched multiple small businesses, with a new venture on the horizon. While I cannot predict their success, I am certain of my “why.” This certainty allows me to pursue these ventures with confidence, not out of fear of failure, but with excitement for the potential they hold.
If you are considering entrepreneurship or are already on that path, I highly recommend reading Start With Why. You won’t regret it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.moheaentertainment.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moheaentertainment/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoheaEntertainment/
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/2CaAle1qy0E?si=DOUN6ErPikoAyu8Z
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mohea-entertainment-west-hollywood
Image Credits
Personal Photo by Bryson Kim Photography
Studio Images by Calin Casin
All others Photos by Mohea Entertainment