We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jewel Moore. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jewel below.
Jewel , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?
The main hurdle to profitability in my industry is balancing my growth ambitions with delivering a top-notch experience while dealing with the financial challenge of securing sponsorships or managing ticket prices. It can be disheartening. I invest my heart into SoulFood & SoundTracks because I believe in the event. I dream of booking amazing headliners, giving my chefs more resources to shine, partnering with beverage brands for perfect pairings, hiring a committed staff, and collaborating with local farms for an authentic farm-to-table experience. This event is a safe space to celebrate culture, and I want every detail to reflect its richness and authenticity.
But reality kicks in. The hours spent on proposals and reaching out to sponsors often lead to polite refusals, like hitting a wall. It makes me wonder if my vision is too ambitious or if others understand what I’m trying to create. It’s frustrating because the potential is there; I see the joy at my events and hear the great feedback. I need a little boost to thrive.
Raising ticket prices is a tough choice. Community is the heart of SoulFood and SoundTracks. The thought of excluding those who have supported me from the start feels wrong. I’ve seen events chase profits and lose their genuine connection, which I don’t want. I don’t like choosing between my dream and those who helped me achieve it.
After a three-year hiatus, I felt like a part of me was on pause, filled with doubt about reviving my vision. Yet, my passion for sharing this experience brought me back last year. It was pure joy to return and feel that energy again.
Still, the challenge remains. It’s challenging to want to elevate SoulFood and SoundTracks while facing limited resources. It’s not just about profit; it’s about missional investment, passion, and the struggle to realize my vision without losing the heart of what I’ve built—I’ve created space for cultural celebration.
Jewel , 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?
Jewel Moore, the curator of SoulFood & SoundTracks, is a leader in nonprofit marketing and a freelance wedding planner. Her passion for entertaining, food, and community was the driving force behind its development.
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The concept for SoulFood & SoundTracks began as an idea to host gatherings for friends centered around food and music. Jewel recognized the potential to create a unique experience for a wider audience and transformed this initial idea into a community event. This premier experience was recognized by Toyota and The Grio, further solidifying its value and reach within the community.
For those unfamiliar with Jewel Moore and SoulFood & SoundTracks, it is described as a unique and intimate dinner party experience. Remarkable guest chefs curate a personalized menu inspired by guests’ favorite songs from movie soundtracks. The aim is to create a multi-sensory experience where the food’s tone, pitch, and flavors are synchronized with the music, offering a “musically culinary experience.”
Jewel’s background is in marketing and events. The creation of SoulFood & SoundTracks stemmed from her desire to combine her love for food and music with bringing people together in engaging spaces. She wanted to offer an alternative to the typical “Hollywood” club scene, providing an event where people could connect over food and music and leave feeling like family.
What sets SoulFood & SoundTracks apart is the overall experience it offers. It’s designed to be fun and engaging, allowing guests to connect with like-minded individuals through the universal languages of food and music. While the event has faced challenges, including pauses due to COVID-19 restrictions, Jewel and her team have adapted, even hosting a virtual Juneteenth celebration called “QuranTeenth.”
Jewel is proud to create an event fostering genuine connection and community. She wants potential clients, followers, and fans to know that SoulFood & SoundTracks is more than just a dinner party; it’s an opportunity to have a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience that uniquely and memorably engages all your senses.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
The SoulFood & SoundTracks journey has been a testament to resilience, marked by global events and unforeseen local challenges.
The COVID-19 pandemic abruptly halted our intimate, in-person dinner parties, which were at the heart of SoulFood & SoundTracks. We had to pause the shared physical space, communal dining, and live musical connection that made our events special.
Instead of losing momentum, we embraced the digital realm, creating “QuranTeenth,” a virtual Juneteenth celebration. While it wasn’t the same as sharing a table and a curated meal, it allowed us to keep the spirit of community and celebration alive. We demonstrated an ability to adapt and find new ways to connect, understanding that while the *how* might change, the *why*—our passion for food, music, and community—remained constant.
Beyond the pandemic, we faced unpredictable realities in event planning. I recall one SoulFood & SoundTracks event where the venue wasn’t what we expected. The kitchen had unexpected limitations, the acoustics weren’t ideal, and the ambiance didn’t align with the intimate atmosphere we wanted.
We had a choice: be disheartened or find creative solutions. We rallied as a team. The chef reimagined parts of the menu based on the available equipment. The DJ adjusted the setup and sound levels to work with the acoustics. Our staff enhanced the space with our décor and the energy of our guests, emphasizing the core elements of great food, music, and connection that transcend the physical setting.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that I had to do everything by myself. For a long time, I operated under the mindset that if I wanted something done right, I had to do it alone. But over time, I realized that approach wasn’t sustainable—and more importantly, it was holding me back.
I had to unlearn that need for total control and instead learn to be a better leader. That meant learning to trust others, delegate effectively, and hire the right people who not only supported the vision but also brought their own strengths to the table. Once I started surrounding myself with the right team, it put me at ease, allowed me to grow, and gave me the space to focus on the bigger picture. Letting go became a superpower.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.soulfoodandsoundtracks.com
- Instagram: soulfoodandsoundtracks
- Facebook: Soulfoodandsoundtracks
Image Credits
Photos By Teal Moss & Kirk McClain