Business and Finance
A former CIA systems engineer thrives as a luxury events entrepreneur

The global bespoke corporate brand activation market is projected to achieve $526.1 billion by 203, representing a promising opportunity for entrepreneurs specializing in luxury event production and luxury lifestyle experiences.
Luxury brand activations transcend extravagant budgets and lavish décor, reflecting a sector undergoing transformative growth on a global scale. These exclusive events serve those searching for fastidiously tailored experiences that transcend mere financial resources, which they’ll then share with their customers. According to Bizzabo research, over 70% of event industry professionals browse live events as essential elements of their marketing activities. Customers are increasingly demanding unique experiences and personalized strategies based on their preferences, geared toward achieving results that improve brand visibility and drive sales.
Raven White, founding father of The Envision Firm, is a visionary and chief experience officer (CEO). Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, and armed with engineering and computer science degrees from Howard University, White initially began a profession on the CIA that seemed far faraway from creating events and experiences.
In an interview with BLACK ENTERPRISES, White shares his journey from engineering to entrepreneurship, the evolution of his company and the impact events have had on improving brand visibility, recognition and financial performance.
From engineering to extravagance
Envision’s Journey White’s path to becoming a figure within the luxury events and bespoke lifestyle industry is as unique as the experiences she curates. Reflecting on her journey, White says, “I thought then that I would be an engineer for the rest of my life.” However, her profession took a turn as she moved from her years on the CIA’s Central Intelligence Agency to pursuing her passion for curating high-end events. While working on the CIA from 2005 to 2015, White began as a systems engineer and moved to the project management department after earning her skilled project management certification (PMP) and a master’s degree in technology management from the University of Maryland.
Her interest in event curation was developed during her wedding, which White planned for 2013. The response from wedding guests was “crazy,” White says enthusiastically. “People wanted me to share information with them about my wedding planners, but they were speechless when I told them I had it planned.” Shortly after her wedding, people began asking White to plan personal events, which she slowly began doing part-time while remaining fully committed to her CIA profession.
Based in Washington, D.C., which attracts elites from the federal government and personal sectors, large groups and tourists, White believed her business would quickly take off when she left the CIA in 2015 to pursue her dreams full-time.
“Ironically, when I started the agency, I thought people would come because I lived in Washington, D.C., where I could help create the lifestyle of diplomats and big-chain clients who were visiting the area,” notes White.
The engineering and manufacturing backgrounds could appear very different, but White combined their similarities, particularly in project management, problem solving and creativity, to start out landing high-end clients.
Broadening your horizons
What began as a modest enterprise has evolved into a multi-faceted agency spanning event planning, production and luxury lifestyle services. Raven says, “The events side was solely focused on event planning and has now expanded to include event production services.”
Envision’s evolution reflects White’s journey of discovery as she dared to maneuver beyond her original vision and embrace the expansive world of luxury living. “I started reaching out to customers, prospects, partners and financial institutions to identify a gap or need. I started learning more about the top 5% of people in the world and how they do business,” White said.
White’s research and expertise has enabled her to secure clients including VISA and Monumental Sports, as well as create high-net-worth lifestyles including access to superyachts, private aviation, global events such as the F1 Monaco Grand Prix and Art Basel, through her global consulting services – President’s Club. According to Forrester research, trade shows and events are the second simplest tactic within the marketing mix, after a company’s website.
“The great thing about bespoke events is that they allow brands to get direct feedback from attendees,” notes White excitedly. “Participant satisfaction is one of the greatest measures of success!”
Raising your brand through experiences
Events are essential for brands that want to please audiences and construct an emotional connection. Raven highlights the important thing role of bespoke events in constructing brand awareness, stating: “Events are key to raising brand awareness.” 65% of consumers surveyed by Live Marketing prefer live events because brand understanding far outweighs TV and digital promoting methods. By infusing brand storytelling into immersive events, The Envision Firm creates lasting experiences that resonate with attendees long after the doors close.
At the center of The Envision Firm’s success is a collaborative approach that prioritizes vision and client engagement. Raven emphasizes the importance of understanding customer goals and consumer demographics, stating, “Once we understand this, we can translate that story and message into a real-world, tailored event experience.”
With The Envision Firm, White is redefining bespoke branded events, one extraordinary experience at a time. By fostering open dialogue and leveraging modern ideas, The Envision Firm transforms visions into tangible, awe-inspiring realities that exceed expectations and generate revenue.
“The number one reason brands participate in events is to increase sales,” White emphasizes. Event tracking claims that 70% of users turn out to be repeat customers after a marketing experience, and White agrees. “Post-event analytics allows you to see customer efforts during events directly related to sales.”
Overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities
As with any journey, White acknowledges the challenges encountered along the approach to success. “The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented obstacles, prompting a rapid shift toward virtual events,” White says.
Through resilience and adaptableness, Envision delivered unparalleled virtual experiences that bridged distances and fostered connection.
Looking to the longer term, White exudes optimism and shares that “virtual events and digital marketing channels have not replaced in-person events. These channels only amplify it.”
By Envision CompanyWhite continues to create bespoke luxury events for clients, delivering one extraordinary experience at a time, and shares three easy suggestions that can help brands make an unparalleled planning impact.
1. Know what you desire to achieve – Understand the brand’s goal for the event
2. Who may have a role to play – vendors, speakers, invited guests all play a role
3. How you’re going to get known – reaching the specified goal group
Business and Finance
Live Nation plans to improve the Atlanta Center with an investment $ 5 billion

Live Nation Entertainment invests in its portfolio of real estate, committing to a plan value $ 5 billion to update the center of Atlanta about the district of the stadium.
The live entertainment company plans to rent a spot for 5,300 places at the Centenary Shipyard in Atlanta. Currently developed next to State Farm Arena and the Mercedes-Benz stadium, a mixed megaproject costs $ 5 billion.
According to Live Nation Will cooperate with sports teams and real estate programmers on the undertaking. The owner of Atlanta Hawks, Tony Ressler, whose team is playing at the arena, and his brother Richard Resssler, the owner of a CIM programming company, have already began introducing the project to realization.
“The fact that Live Nation decided to be in the center of Atlanta is a great matter,” said the co-founder and director of CIM, Shaul Kuba. “We are creating a completely new market in Atlanta, which did not really exist before.”
It focuses on stadiums as a central element. However, the inclusion of Live Nation will ensure readiness and skill to bring artists from the list A in the center of Atlanta. His concert place will turn into one in every of the largest live internal theaters.
While the project guarantees to help the city of a fighting in the city center, economists don’t seem to sell in the neighborhood model at the stadium. Opposes experts say that projects use taxpayers’ funds to reverse expenditure from the community to the latest stadium.
Reflection of the city itself, the center of Atlanta (*5*)it stays variedAccording to black people, they constitute 48% of his population, according to. However, his financial and residential slowdown, escalated during a pandemic, makes him a brand new trial place for stadium districts.
Until now, the centenary has made slow progress due to approval, permits and partnerships of city officials. In the case of only $ 1.3 billion in his budget, he has 162 apartments, brewery and pavements established in the area.
However, for the World Championships in 2026, a team of programmers hopes to complete a 304-unique apartment complex, together with hotels, restaurants and retail trade. In addition, he hopes to construct an addictive bar from cinema-sports, which might fit 1,500 participants.
In addition to investing in the creation of space in the center of Atlanta, Live Nation also plans to add 20 more places to its portfolio until 2026. He hopes to play an vital role in the developing entertainment industry and real estate in sport.
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Business and Finance
The company supported by Aliko Dangot acquires POLLMAN Kenya trips
Africa Travel Investments, concentrated company acquired Pollman’s trips and safari, the oldest organizer of Kenya trips. The agreement emphasizes the numerous trust of Private Equity in the long run of the Kenya tourist sector, a key factor contributing to the national economy.
The Competition Office in Kenya (CAK) previously approved the takeover of Africa Travel Investments in the quantity of 100% of the Pollman’s issued share capital.
Pursuant to the CAK statement: “In relation to the proposed transaction, after merger, the share in the integrated entity’s market will not change, because the goal and the buyer is not in a similar company, and therefore this will not affect the structure and concentration of markets for tour operators in Kenya.”
This takeover occurs after the February investment of Alterra Capital, the Private Equity fund supported each by Danglot, the richest person in Africa, together with chairman Dangot Cement, together with the American billionaire Dave Rubenstein, on the ARP Africa Travel Group, Pollman’s mother company. According to CAK, connection won’t be going to affect A competitive landscape of the concert market in Kenya, including the obligatory focus of adventure and abundant safari.
The regulatory authority also determined that the acquisition won’t be going to adversely affect the employment or competitiveness of smaller firms contained throughout the industry.
CAK said: “The office also stated that the contract does not pose a threat to jobs or competitiveness to small companies, two of the key fears related to the law to Kenya. The parties indicated that they would not cause any losses of employment from the takeover.”
According to the Nigerian tycoon, it’s value $ 23.2 billion. Vast business empire dangot Include Dangote Cement, a serious cement producer on the continent with operations covering 10 African nations. His investments also include the production of fertilizers in Nigeria and the recently operational refinery of Dangot.
The acquisition of Pollman by the entity supported by Danggot signals diversification to the promising tourism market in Kenya.
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Business and Finance
Fenty joins forces with New York Liberty
Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin Rihanny transferred their WNBA partnership to the subsequent level, concluding a brand recent contract with the prevailing masters, New York Liberty, to point into an official sponsor of the band’s makeup and sweetness sponsor – announcement on May 7.
According to whom Rihanna gave an exclusive interview After the partnership is announced, the offer means the first Fenta trip in business with WNBA. It will likely be They entail the Fenty logo on the good and comfortable -up jackets before playing the team and shooting the sleeves, along with some activations contained throughout the sphereD Moments of discovering the product.
“I have always said that makeup is to have fun, express myself. This should reflect the atmosphere, a moment, personality – whatever you want. I am excited, seeing how amazing women from New York Liberty put the faces of the game and I am proud that they have fenta beauty and fasting skin this season,” said Rihanna.
https://twitter.com/fentyheadlines/status/192012387318405353?s=19
Freedom also probably comprises the suitable mascot in all sports and The most recognizable and dense WNBAEllie The Elephant and Pachyderm coded in a black woman will likely be an infinite a component of activation contained throughout the sphere and other promotions which is able to emphasize cooperation between the team and the Fenty Beauty and Skin Rihanna line.
As Shana Stevenson, director of the Liberty brand, said with reference to the mascot of the Liberty brand, Ellie represents the position of Liberty in Brooklyn and the energy of the district on the extent that does several other mascots.
“The person we know today as Ellie interrogated during this open interrogation, and simply surprised us with his talent and interpretation of Ellie,” Stephenson reminded the shop. “It was so different, so fresh, so harsh. And we said:” This is our person. ” And I also felt a very New York, very Brooklyn in a way we didn’t see before. “
Keia Clarke, General Director of New York Liberty, expressed the band’s emotions from sponsorship with Rihanna’s cosmetic brands. Clarke believes that Fenty and the team divide values paying homage to supporting women and celebrating individuality.
“New York freedom is excited about working with Fenty Beauty-Pioneer, which shares our values of supporting women and celebrating individuality, authenticity and confidence. Adaptation with similarly thinking brands allows us to provide significant connections and experiences that really resonate with our fans. Together we will include strengthening, courage and involvement in creativity,” said Clarke contained contained contained throughout the statement.
On the heels of the MET gala, which some Liberty players, paying homage to Jonquel Jones, Brenna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, along with Rihanna herself, Rihanna mentioned her faith that New York is perfectly embodded by the Liberty team In a press release.
“There is no energy and spirit like New York,” Rihanna said in an announcement. “Women from New York Liberty are an example of such beauty, power and strength, so Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin have become part of their journey this season, he is amazing. We are excited to cooperate with them to get the faces of the game.”
New York Liberty (T) Ellie The Elephan (T) Rihanna (T) Fenty Beauty
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