We were lucky to catch up with Kelyne Noel Andrey Etu recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kelyne Noel, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

We came up with the idea for PULSE by reflecting on our shared love for culture, music, and community, as well as our experiences hosting large events as well as smaller gatherings at home. We realized that every event we had been part of was more than just a party—it was a way to bring people together, celebrate our heritage, and create lasting relationships.

When we moved to Raleigh, we saw an opportunity to fill a gap in the local event scene. While there were African-themed events here, they often felt fragmented or didn’t fully capture the depth of our cultures. We wanted to create something more intentional—events that would not only highlight African culture but also connect people across communities in meaningful ways.

The inspiration for PULSE also came from our personal experiences. We both felt the importance of having spaces where people can gather, feel seen, and celebrate their roots unapologetically. Hosting intimate events at home reinforced this idea. Whether it was cooking traditional meals, playing music that felt like home, or simply seeing how much joy these gatherings brought, it became clear that this was something worth building on a larger scale.

Ultimately, PULSE was born out of a combination of pride in our heritage and a desire to create something unique and inclusive. We knew that if we could create spaces where culture, community, and connection were at the forefront, it would resonate with others. Seeing the positive response to our events has only solidified our belief that PULSE is more than just an idea—it’s a movement.

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.

Kelyne Noel is a creative visionary, event producer, and community builder with over a decade of experience in designing vibrant, culturally immersive events. Rooted in Cameroonian heritage, my journey into this industry was fueled by a deep love for storytelling, connection, and creating spaces where culture can thrive. Before founding PULSE I built my foundation organizing Afro-centric events in Boston and New York City. These experiences shaped my approach to curating intentional, well-rounded gatherings that celebrate African culture and bring people together.

Andrey Etsu is a creative powerhouse with a deep passion for culture, art, and storytelling. His journey into this industry was shaped by his natural ability to bring ideas to life and connect people through shared experiences. Growing up in Nigeria, Andrey was always drawn to creative expression—whether it was through music, dance, or visual arts. Over time, that passion turned into a career as a creative project manager and clothing illustrator, where he honed his skills in design, branding, and production.

What We Provide
PULSE is all about creating unforgettable experiences that celebrate African culture and bring people together. Our events are rooted in authenticity and creativity, and they include:

Signature Events like Bolé and Party, where we fuse African street food with nightlife energy; Brunch and Banter, a town hall-style gathering for dialogue and empowerment; and Afro-Karaoke and Game Night, which combines entertainment with cultural pride and nostalgia.

Custom Experiences: for clients who want to infuse African culture into their celebrations or corporate events.

Collaborative Projects: like culture-centric festivals, where we partner with local businesses, vendors, and creatives to showcase African diaspora’s contributions to the area.

Problems We Solve
One of the biggest challenges we address is the lack of spaces that authentically celebrate US. Many events are one-dimensional, lacking the intentionality that make experiences memorable. PULSE bridges this gap by offering well-thought-out events that don’t just entertain but also educate, inspire, and connect. Whether you’re African or simply curious about our culture, PULSE creates a welcoming space for you to enjoy, AND learn.

Another problem we tackle is the lack of visibility and opportunities for African creatives, vendors, and businesses. It seems we are included as an afterthought, if at all. Through our events, we prioritize working with local talent and businesses, creating platforms for them to shine.

What Sets Us Apart
What makes PULSE unique is our approach. We don’t just throw events—we create movements. Every detail is intentional, from the music to the decor, the food to the collaborations. We emphasize authenticity, making sure that the experience we provide wholeheartedly represent the best parts of our culture. Also, we’re deeply committed to community—our events are as much about creating joy as they are about fostering a sense of belonging.

What We’re Most Proud Of
We’re most proud of the joy and sense of connection that PULSE has brought to people. Seeing attendees leave an event inspired, smiling, and excited to come back is the ultimate reward.

What We Want People to Know
At PULSE, we’re about creating experiences that resonate, and inspire. Our work is a reflection of the love and pride we have for ourselves and our culture. We aim to share that with as many people as possible. Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable dance party, a culturally immersive event, or simply a space to celebrate, PULSE is here to deliver.

We want people to know that our brand is about authenticity, creativity, and community. It’s about telling the story of our individual cultures in a way that’s bold, fresh, and inclusive. And most importantly, it’s about creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, and celebrated.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

Andrey and I met on Hinge in 2019, and from the start, it felt like the universe had connected us in a meaningful way. We discovered we had a lot of mutual friends, and to our surprise, I even knew his cousin from my young adult years in Arizona. What really brought us together, though, was our shared love for family, community, culture, music, food, and dance—things that have always been central to both of our lives.

Andrey became a support system during my time at AfroNightLive. He understood my vision and the energy it took to make those events successful, and he was always there to lend a helping hand, whether that meant brainstorming ideas or simply being someone I could lean on when things got overwhelming.

Once COVID hit, we started hosting intimate gatherings at home. Those small events, centered around good food, music, and connection, became the foundation for what PULSE would later grow into. It wasn’t just about throwing parties; it was about creating spaces where people could feel seen, celebrated, and connected. Andrey was my rock during that time, and his belief in what we were building together made all the difference.

When we officially started PULSE, Andrey naturally became my partner in every sense—creatively, logistically, and emotionally. His ability to see the big picture while still supporting the smallest details has been instrumental in bringing our ideas to life. Together, we’ve been able to take our love for culture, music, and community and turn it into something bigger than either of us could have done alone.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons we had to unlearn as a team was the idea that we had to do everything ourselves for it to be done right. Because we have a clear vision for our events, we often felt that delegating meant sacrificing quality or control. This mindset, while helpful in some ways, was also exhausting and ultimately unsustainable.

The backstory? It hit us hard during our first public event in Raleigh. We were organizing Bolé and Party during the 2024 Dreamville weekend, and we were determined to oversee every single detail—from coordinating with DJs to designing promotional materials, preparing food, setting up the venue, managing the door, and even troubleshooting tech issues on the day of the event. By the time the event started, we were too drained to fully enjoy it or connect with the attendees. It felt like a win on the surface because the event was successful, but we knew we couldn’t keep operating that way.

Over time, we realized that trusting others and building a strong team was not just necessary but transformative. Delegating didn’t mean giving up control; it meant creating room for collaboration, fresh ideas, and even better execution. The shift began when we started intentionally surrounding ourselves with talented, reliable people who shared our vision and values. We learned to let go of micromanaging and embrace the idea that different perspectives lead to stronger outcomes.

This lesson has been invaluable, especially as we grow PULSE. Building a strong, cohesive team has allowed us to focus on the bigger picture—expanding the brand, fostering community connections, and ensuring our events are meaningful. It’s also made the process more joyful because we’re no longer carrying the weight alone. Unlearning that “if you want it done right, do it yourself” mentality has been a game-changer, and it’s a philosophy we continuously remind ourselves of as we grow.

There’s an African proverb that says, “”Si tu veux aller vite, va seul. Si tu veux aller loin, allez ensemble.”
Which translate to: ” If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”

That wisdom now guides how we operate every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pulseevents.life
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p.u.l.s.3/
• Twitter: https://x.com/puls3events

Image Credits

Image 7 (Andrey Solo)

Photo credit: Winz Media