We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stephanie Grae . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stephanie below.

Alright, Stephanie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

1. GRAE began with the idea of existing and creating between the “black and white” ideas of the present day world. I like to live in the middle and embrace. My events are primarily inclusive. To me, not many things in life are “black and white.”

2. How does one spell GREY? GRAY? And when ? Who cares ?! I have chosen my own way to spell it. I like to carve my own paths and strive to make my experiences and events unique, one of a kind.

3. GRAE does not have to be viewed as that mundane, sad, “blah” color. If we live in the middle … the middle of the presence of all color or the absence of it, we are living in and though the RAINBOW. Generally, my events are colorful and theatrical.

RAINBOWS are also a huge symbol of LOVE. So my business name is visually represented by all of the colors of the rainbow. A play on the color name “Grae” as well…

Embrace all. Love all.
Make your own my way…

Carve it out, shift and pivot as needed.

Stephanie, 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 grew up, dancing, singing, and acting. I did everything from ballet, tap, jazz to African and Flamenco. I was heavy in musical theater as well. My stepdad was a professional ballet dancer and my parents own a for-profit dance school, as well as a nonprofit dance company. I went to college for interior design and created many spaces for high profile clients in Atlanta early in my career.

I have always had a gift of connecting people and creating fun experiences. Making these experiences aesthetically pleasing is of upmost importance. It was only natural that I start creating experiences and bring people together with my own business in 2012. I rebranded this business and grew new roots in Sarasota in 2020, but because of the nature of Covid, I did not fully dive into my business until 2022. In one years time, I believe I have created my own unique path and a distinct culture for my brand.

At Grae Productions, we produce events and manage a variety of artists. We are in the business of creating community and doing things you may not have seen before. We are always looking for unique solutions for our immersive experiences. Working with nonprofits is a large part of our business model. We believe in the cyclical nature of giving back and community support.

If you are looking for something unique and creative, look no further. Grae Productions has everything you need and more. Let us surprise you!

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I have been rather unafraid of approaching new potential clients, collaborators and entrepreneurs in my community. One must have the tenacity and bravery to literally knock on any door or open it for yourself. If you believe in what you are doing, there is no one greater than you than to sell it. The power of using your own voice and in person is unlike any other. I value creating relationships organically and unapologetically.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Always lead with love. We are humans first. The value of taking your time to speak one on one with your teammates- understand their vision and the things they go through in their life is crucial. I value finding great talent and letting them have the creative space to do what they do best. Micromanaging is not effective. Giving your team the opportunity for creativity and leadership goes a long way. I measure success by my team’s excitability and happiness.

Contact Info:

• Website: graepresents.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/graeproductions?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GRAEPRODUCTIONS?mibextid=LQQJ4d