We were lucky to catch up with Medina Oyefusi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Medina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

When launching a business to serve the under so called “underserved” I think the biggest thing someone should ask the business is ‘Why?’ or ‘For What’?

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.

My journey into my current profession has been a bit serendipitous, to be honest. It wasn’t something I initially saw as my life path, but looking back, it’s something I’ve always gravitated towards. From a young age, I was deeply involved in community events and activities, even starting my own organization at 16 called the African American Network Youth. Throughout college, I continued to immerse myself in community service, earning recognition and awards for my efforts. My transition into event management began with organizing private events at a restaurant, which eventually led to co-founding Stumble Media Group, LLC with my business partner, Aaron. While initially not my main focus, Stumble grew organically, and I found myself fully immersed in the world of event management. Now, as the Programmatic and Public Events Manager for Mural Arts Philadelphia, I’ve embraced event management as my career while continuing to nurture the growth of Stumble into a successful venture.

Stumble Media Group is a versatile media agency specializing in providing comprehensive support to independent musicians. While we extend our services to small businesses, with a particular emphasis on supporting businesses owned by people of color, our primary focus lies in offering tailored management solutions to independent artists. Our offerings range from social media consultations and photo/video shoots to guidance on music releases and project launches. Additionally, we assist artists in organizing release parties and events. Within these services, we also offer talent procurement for venues, events, and concerts, acting as booking agents for artists seeking representation.

Regarding our services for small businesses, our expertise lies in event management, encompassing venue booking, talent acquisition, and on-site coordination. We also provide social media management and other supplementary services tailored to meet the specific needs of small businesses.

Stumble Media Group was founded to address the disconnect between venues, bookers, and artists, which often led to frustration and misunderstandings. By bridging this gap and fostering better communication and collaboration, we aim to elevate the quality of performances and business practices within the industry. Our efforts have yielded significant success, with 2023 marking our most prosperous year yet. Through partnerships and collaborations, we have generated over $51,000 in revenue for local artists and creatives in the Philadelphia area.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

What has helped shape my reputation within the Philadelphia creative and music communities is my commitment to transparency, follow-through, and unwavering determination. While I can’t control what others say about me, I prioritize integrity in my actions and interactions. By championing equity and ensuring fair compensation for artists, maintaining transparency regarding payment schedules and business practices, I’ve cultivated trust within the community. As a creative, curator, events manager, and leader, I strive to lead by example. While I can’t definitively know my reputation, I’ve observed that as I continue to align my actions with my values, opportunities have multiplied, and partnerships have flourished. Though our successes may vary in size, each milestone represents a significant step in our journey and serves as a testament to the reputation we’ve built. I hope others recognize and value our commitment to integrity and growth.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

An illustration of my resilience arose from encountering attempted slander against my business by parties I had deemed trustworthy, seemingly to absolve themselves. Last year, I became involved with a local festival named SmoreFest, believing it aligned with my values of community enrichment and supporting the creative and Black business communities. Regrettably, it turned out to be a sham—a deception that left me, at just 26 years old and four years into my business, feeling devastated and deceived. Many were aware of the event’s dubious practices and its organizer’s history, yet remained silent until the situation exploded. Despite the turmoil, the community rallied behind me and my business, speaking out on our behalf. Their unwavering support demonstrated the trust and respect Stumble has garnered within the Philadelphia artistic community. This experience tested my resilience and determination but also reaffirmed my commitment to rooting out problematic practices in our community. Moving forward, I remain dedicated to fostering synergy and integrity among artists, venues, festivals, sponsors, and brands, despite the challenges we may face.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @stumblemusic @queendinafusi
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/medinaoyefusi?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits
Aaron Robinson Sam Lazo Garcia Ritchie King Jr