Kemishia Minta has never had a fear of entrepreneurship, but it wasn’t until she lost her corporate job in health IT while pregnant with her second child that she decided to take a leap of faith and follow her dreams of opening up Soirée Event Venues— the first luxury Black-owned event space in downtown Houston.
The venue has quickly become known for its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.
“I am living my dream,” Kemishia shares with BrownStyle Magazine exclusively, noting she truly finds joy in making herstory and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. “When people come to tour Soirée and I tell them I’m the owner, their eyes light up. That to me makes all the long hours worth it. Seeing little girls look at me and decide that they can do whatever they put their mind to is priceless.”
Kemishia explains that while some may have seen losing their job and maternity leave as a setback, she saw it as divine timing. “Even when I worked in corporate, I was an entrepreneur. I knew I had what it took to go out by myself, but I didn’t have the time. It was very scary to leap,” she expresses. “As women, we like to feel safe. We like to feel comfortable. We like to feel like we’re in control. I needed to be pushed out.”
Early Beginnings
Growing up in the DMV, the Nigerian-Trinidadian was proud to be surrounded by Black Excellence. She notes being around successful Black doctors, lawyers, and entrepreneurs helped instill in her a deep belief that her own dreams were within reach. It ultimately fueled her desire to create safe spaces for women to grow.
Harnessing the power of community, the entrepreneur launched Social Tea— a social networking community for women that has curated over 500 events. “Everything that I do is to help people who look like me win,” the former banker notes.
After experiencing discrimination from an event venue in DC while planning a Social Tea, Kemishia vowed to create a safe and inclusive space for all. She explains, “I really felt bad. I paid all this money to be in the space and I was being treated so badly. That was really a defining moment for me in 2023. The next month, while I was nine months pregnant, I got laid off from my corporate job.”
Instead of being discouraged, Kemishia headed to a coffee shop to brainstorm her next chapter. After sharing her dream of opening an event venue with her husband, the new mom got to work.
Navigating A Business As A Couple
Determined to follow her entrepreneurial dreams, Kemishia and her husband Kofi Minta opened Soirée in April 2024— a 5,500-square-foot venue nestled in the heart of downtown Houston. A mom on the move, Kemishia recalls days of having her daughter strapped to her chest while giving tours.
As you’d imagine, building one of the most popular event venues in downtown Houston was no easy feat. It took a lot of focus and dedication. Kemishia says it also took support from her spouse, who has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. “I love my husband. We did a Bridal Expo and to see him work very hard on something that’s my dream— it’s not something he thought he wanted to do— it shows a true definition of love,” she explains.
Like any business partnership, it comes with its learning curves, but practicing open communication and having set roles has been highly beneficial to the couple. Since opening, the Mintas hosted several notable events including weddings, conferences, and festivals. Today, the lovebirds have plans to expand their business with multiple venues.
For those who are interested in starting a joint business, Kemishia offers the following advice. “Whether it’s your significant other, friend, or a family member, make sure that they are the right person. Think it through because this is a forever decision,” she insists.
Finding Balance As A Mom & Entrepeneur
Kemishia admits that finding balance is something that she continues to struggle with as a busy mom of two, but she takes the pressure off by giving herself grace and allowing herself to grow in every season of her life. “I remind myself that it’s okay to not be everything to everyone at every second,” she explains.
She credits monthly meetings as a family as a great way to check in and ensure that everyone feels seen and appreciated. She also prioritizes a monthly self-care appointment like manicures, lashes, and getting her hair done. “It’s a non-negotiable for me because when I look good, I feel good,” she concludes.
To learn more about Kemishia Minta and Soirée Event Venues, visit soireevenues.com!
Editor’s Note: This story has been edited and condensed for clarity.
By BrownStyle Magazine in Special Editions
72 pages, published 1/17/2025
