Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lisa Ibia Owens. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Lisa Ibia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?
When I was going through a particularly challenging time in my life, I turned to my faith for guidance and asked God how I could create something that encapsulates my journey as a minority woman, transforming all the broken pieces of my life into something beautiful. The answer that came to me was the concept of a mosaic—a piece of art made from assembling various fragments to form a complete, harmonious picture. That’s how the name “Mosaic Engagements” was born.
This name holds great significance as it mirrors the multifaceted nature of event planning, where various elements such as vendors, sponsors, and speakers come together seamlessly to turn a vision into reality. Just like a mosaic, every piece is crucial and contributes to the overall beauty of the event.
Moreover, the name stands as a tribute to women like me—women who are resilient, resourceful, and capable of creating beauty from the challenges they’ve faced. Mosaic Engagements is not just about organizing events; it’s about celebrating the strength and grace of diverse women coming together to create something extraordinary.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
As the founder and CEO of Mosaic Engagements, I am privileged to lead a forward-thinking event management company that places a strong emphasis on enhancing community connections and supporting minority-owned businesses. With a background in both the corporate and non-profit sectors, I channel my deep passion for event planning into initiatives that genuinely empower and uplift others. My commitment to excellence ensures that each event we organize is not only memorable but also strategically impactful and financially viable.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to develop a strong skill set in process formulation, event organization, and innovative fundraising, which proved invaluable in my early professional roles. My passion for delving into the complexities of event planning grew as I recognized the importance of each detail, no matter how minor, in creating a cohesive and successful event. This realization motivated me to establish Mosaic Engagements, focusing on turning intricate details into flawlessly executed, significant events.
Over the years, I have had the honor of managing a variety of projects, including events for respected organizations such as Girls Inc, the Children’s Advocacy Center, and Soul Reborn. I’ve also been responsible for high-profile events such as the Cheryl Magazine Annual Fundraiser and exclusive C-Suite retreats. These experiences have not only broadened my expertise but have deepened my resolve to support community-enhancing initiatives. My approach ensures that our events are not just occasions but platforms that foster unity, raise awareness, and generate necessary funds.
At Mosaic Engagements, every event is tailored to provide a distinctive and profitable experience for all attendees. Our strategic planning ensures that each event is well-organized, runs smoothly, and has a meaningful impact.
Continuing to expand my influence in the field, I remain dedicated to surpassing our clients’ expectations. I view every event as a unique chance to create something truly special that resonates with participants long after its conclusion.
Guided by a commitment to blend artistic vision with professional rigor, I strive to maintain dynamic leadership in the event planning sector. I am dedicated to understanding the evolving landscape of event management, which allows me to bring our clients’ visions to life meticulously. My focus on building strong relationships and fostering conducive environments enables communities and individuals to flourish under our initiatives.
I also believe in the power of collaboration and actively work to cultivate robust partnerships with our vendors, ensuring success for all parties involved. I envision Mosaic Engagements not just as an event planning entity but as a builder of legacies, a supporter of entrepreneurs, and enricher of communities.
Looking ahead, we aim to widen our reach both geographically and across market segments, continually innovating in how we integrate stunning aesthetics with compelling narratives. Each event we craft aims to be more than an occasion; it aspires to be an enduring and enriching experience for everyone involved. With the philosophy that ‘every event is an opportunity to create something extraordinary,’ we are excited about the future paths we will forge.
My deep dedication and leadership, rooted in a commitment to community empowerment and successful collaborations, continue to inspire and drive the mission of Mosaic Engagements forward.
Life, much like the meticulous art of event planning, presents its fair share of unexpected challenges and setbacks. However, it’s crucial to remember that it is your persistence and resilience that have the power to transform these obstacles into opportunities, paving the way for growth and achievement. For those feeling discouraged or confronted with difficulties, I’d like to share some thoughts to inspire and motivate you to persevere:
1. Embrace the Journey: Understand that both life and event planning encompass journeys, not merely a sequence of outcomes. Each step you take, whether it propels you forward or necessitates a step back, imparts valuable lessons. Cherish the victories and draw wisdom from defeats, as each is an integral part of your development.
2. Set Clear, Achievable Goals: In event management, the importance of clear and realistic goals is paramount, and the same applies to life. Break your larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks, and make it a point to celebrate each achievement. This method maintains motivation and instills a continual sense of accomplishment.
3. Lean on Your Support System: Just as no event is orchestrated single-handedly, no one should navigate life’s complexities alone. It’s important to lean on a support system of family, friends, and colleagues. Don’t hesitate to seek help or guidance, as those around you provide diverse perspectives and resources—they are rooting for your success.
4. Stay Flexible and Adaptable: Adaptability is a critical skill in event management where circumstances can shift dramatically. Applying this adaptability to both personal and professional life allows you to navigate changes effectively, often leading to unexpected and rewarding opportunities.
5. Keep Your Passion Alive: Passion drives progress. It’s the fuel that keeps you moving forward, eager to overcome hurdles. Regularly remind yourself why you embarked on this path and what you aim to achieve. If your current journey has dimmed that spark, consider whether it might be time to reevaluate your course and redirect towards what truly excites and inspires you.
6. Visualize Success: Visualization is a powerful technique employed by many successful professionals. Picture the successful realization of your goals, whether executing a flawless event or achieving a personal ambition. This practice of visualization helps maintain focus and positivity, especially through challenging periods.
Always remember, each challenge is a lesson in disguise—an opportunity to learn, evolve, and come out stronger. Keep pushing forward, adapt your strategies as necessary, and uphold your resilience. Success isn’t solely about reaching your destination; it’s equally about the growth and experiences you garner along the way. Keep going, and you may find that the rewards of your perseverance far exceed your expectations.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
One of the foundational pillars of Mosaic Engagements has always been to build trust through honesty and transparency. This approach has been the cornerstone of my client relationships and, consequently, my most successful strategy for building clientele.
From the very beginning, I make it a point to establish clear and open communication with my clients. I discuss not only their vision but also the realistic steps and budget required to achieve it. This transparency ensures there are no surprises along the way and helps in setting accurate expectations.
Additionally, delivering their vision with excellence and grace has contributed greatly to word-of-mouth referrals. I pay meticulous attention to every detail, treating each event as a unique mosaic that reflects the individuality and desires of the client. This personalized approach ensures that the final outcome not only meets but often exceeds their expectations, creating a memorable experience that they are eager to share with others.
By consistently delivering on promises and maintaining a genuine commitment to their interests, clients do not question the charges; they understand the value they receive and trust in the integrity of my work process. This trust cultivates lasting relationships and, naturally, leads to referrals that continue to grow Mosaic Engagements organically.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
The best source of new clients for Mosaic Engagements has undoubtedly been through empowering events where networking plays a pivotal role. These gatherings typically attract powerful women who are dedicated to making impactful changes in their communities—an ideal match for the ethos of our company.
By immersing myself in this environment, I have the opportunity to connect with potential clients who are not just looking for an event manager but are seeking a partner who understands the importance of community and empowerment. These women appreciate the value of creating events that are not only elegant and well-executed but also meaningful and purpose-driven.
Word of mouth from these influential figures has been instrumental in expanding our clientele. When these clients share their positive experiences with peers, who are likewise motivated by similar values, it naturally attracts more clients to Mosaic Engagements who are looking for the specific niche services we offer. This organic growth is incredibly valuable, as it brings clients who are aligned with the core mission of our company, ensuring a harmonious and fulfilling collaboration every time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mosaicengagements.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mosaicengagementsllc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eventswithexcellence
Image Credits
Willie and Kim