Yuni Graham & Nicole Schafer
Event Producers / Miwa
Chicago, IL / Madrid, ES / Remote
www.miwa.events
instagram @miwa.events
twitter @miwaevents
linkedin @miwaevents
Q What do you do?
“We’re an international events agency creating bespoke experiences, bridging the gap between innovation and community. Miwa assists you in conceptualizing, executing, and overseeing your events!”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
We both started out as career Executive Assistants, which we absolutely loved. However, so much of the EA role (or at least ours!) revolved around production & event planning. The opportunity arose for us to create our own agency, and we took the leap! We formed Miwa, focusing full-time on bringing ideas and events to life.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
With regard to our backgrounds as Executive & Personal Assistants, we really have nailed down all aspects of creating a memorable experience. We are an extremely complimentary team. There's a balance of one another to exceed in areas where the other may not, offering a completely dynamic team.
Q What are you working on right now?
We are currently working on IPFS Camp 2024, which is a gathering for builders, operators, devs, & researchers featuring talks, workshops, discussion circles, hacking time, and more. It's all focused on celebrating and advancing a better web. Connecting builders and real-world users, organized by thematic tracks, and inspired by both the in-depth conversations.
Q What’s your style?
We both have our own personal aesthetics and styles, however, oftentimes our events aren't able to fully reflect them due to our client's own vision(s) we are leading. Our website is a great representation of our overall 'vibe' and will continue to morph as we grow as an agency.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
We are excited to work in different industries outside of the web3 space, as that's where most of our focus has been over the past few years. We're very interested in working with women-owned/lead companies with inspiring visions. We’d also love to tackle more team retreats, brand or product releases, and of course networking or social celebrations and events.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Not knowing who to reach out to or how to break into a new industry.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Having an extra set of hands to help further with reach-outs to new potential clients would be an absolute must!
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Have clear boundaries and non-negotiables of how you want to maintain business when starting out.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Definitely someone who has started a services business from the ground up to learn where they made mistakes and what they would do differently or more efficiently.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
We're very interested in working with women-owned/lead companies as well as getting into unique event requests from team retreats to brand or product releases and of course networking or social celebrations and events.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
We continue to work closely with the IPFS community to host their yearly events, IPFS Camp & IPFS Thing. This has consistently been not only a positive experience but a rewarding one as well. Creating an ongoing relationship with companies or teams is of course ideal, as we grow together and are able to work like a well oiled machine.
Q What is your rate?
Our rates generally start as low as $4,500 and go from there. As we have a range of offerings, each request is handled differently. From full on conferences to a more simple networking event or even event consulting, we make sure we're pricing accordingly. If you're not sure, just ask us. We’re here to make your event a success!
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
www.miwa.events/contact or hello@miwa.events — If you are emailing us, please provide a few details about the event, estimated number of attendees, the date of said event, and any budget you may be working within.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Internet Dev — Absolutely unique engineering, design, branding, marketing, and coding.
Lumen — For all your design needs
Astrofitters — For all of your swag & merchandise needs
Emily Vaughan | Allegro — For bespoke marketing
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Really, it's harder to NOT be creative.
This member profile was originally published in April 2024