Today we’d like to introduce you to Abra Said.
Hi Abra , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I always like to say I took the windy road to end up where I am today. I can remember getting my first subscription of Martha Stewart Wedding Magazine when I was about 10 years old – my obsession with events started there. After college and graduate school I found myself in the non-profit world for a while but the love of making ideas come to life never left me. Years spent freelancing in the marketing and event world led me to an opportunity to take over events and marketing at a local bar and restaurant and from there I haven’t looked back. I was able to spend a few years honing my craft in the restaurant and venue industry here in Cleveland before making the decision to go off on my own.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not been smooth, the road has been full of struggles, both personal and professional. There have been years where it felt like it was never going to happen and there are still days of doubt or comparison. But I have learned those feelings and thoughts are part of the human experience. Especially when you are creating something different. You just can’t let yourself live in that space forever. You have to process it and then keep working to get yourself to the next level. There is always going to be something hard, but you the more you practice the better you get at navigating what comes your way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What do I do is probably the toughest question people ask me, because honestly, what don’t I do? I always have my hands in a lot of projects at once and I very much like it that way. I would say at this point in my career my specialty is event production + content creation. I am known for creating unforgettable events and running a tight timeline. I pride myself on working with the best vendors and creators in our city and it’s the best part of this work, without a doubt. The people I have met – fellow vendors that have now become friends, has been the most remarkable part of it all. There is a lot of untapped talent in this city. It’s my job to find it and connect my clients to it so they can create more than just an event – so that they create an experience. I think what really sets me apart from others is the relational piece of my work. Most of my clients end up becoming my friends. I think I bring a level of expertise and trust to my clients that immediately puts them at ease. I also always tell people – I am pretty good at a lot of things, so there is almost nothing I can’t figure out. It makes for a really good person to have in your corner on event day.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Anyone who is making something and sharing with the world is a risk taker. I mean, art is so subjective that way. I think often about risk and failure and I think that’s where a lot of people get stuck. It’s like, I don’t want to put this out there and risk someone not liking it. But if you don’t put it out there, don’t you risk missing out on someone loving it? To me the risk is the same, but the reward is the differentiator. I am not scared of failing or someone not liking what I do like I used to be. I don’t know if it’s just because I am getting older or what it is but now I am way more scared of people never knowing what I am capable of than I am of making something someone doesn’t like. I feel like there is always going to be someone that doesn’t like what I’m creating and that’t fine. I have very little desire for creating spaces or experiences that are for the majority. I am not really all that interested in the opinions of people. I am interested in creating and connecting to the people who feel something when they stand in the middle of something I built. When I connect to someone from that space that’s how I find who is for me. That’s how I know what I just created mattered. If it made you feel? That’s my win.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.abramariesaid.com
- Instagram: @abramariesaid
