Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to MotionSpaces. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi MotionSpaces, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.
A lot of it comes from growing up in the Bay Area. Being raised here, you learn early on not to shy away from challenging the status quo. For my team and me, being surrounded by a community of entrepreneurs and hardworking parents taught us that stepping outside of our comfort zones often leads to incredible opportunities.
We come from special places—being Eritrean and Ethiopian Americans, combined with growing up in the Bay, is one powerful combination. On one hand, we come from some of the world’s poorest regions, where opportunities are limited, and on the other, we live in a place surrounded by countless dollars and endless possibilities. Watching our people leave with nothing and come here to become successful business owners, raise families, build homes, and create communities—all while learning a new language, leaving behind their families, and dealing with trauma and pain—shows us how strong resilience and determination can be.
For us at Motion, taking a chance on our first event opened doors we didn’t expect. Consistency is key when it comes to taking risks. Since May 2023, we haven’t taken a month off, hosting at least one event every month. We’re constantly reflecting, planning, and expanding our vision, which keeps us focused on our mission.
Every challenge reminds us that growth is just on the other side of the risks we take. Everyone waits for the right time, when in reality, they should’ve started long ago. That mindset has kept us moving forward and committing to the journey.
Expanding to other cities has been our biggest challenge because it meant leaving the comfort zone we built in the Bay. We understood the local scene, how to make events resonate, but when we brought Motion to places like Atlanta, Seattle, and LA, we were stepping into the unknown. Every city has its own energy, and we had to figure things out while staying true to what makes our events special. The financial risks were real—traveling, booking venues, marketing to new crowds, and handling logistics without the same recognition we had back home.
And then there’s the personal side. As in-house DJs, Jekari (@woatherejey) and I (@odasounds) don’t just handle things behind the scenes—we create the vibe on the dance floor. Balancing the planning, logistics, and performing can be a lot, but seeing an event come to life and connecting with people through music makes it all worth it.
In the end, we know that taking risks is just part of the process. Whether it’s figuring out how to pull off an event in a new city or juggling the work behind the scenes, we’ve learned that if you trust the process and put in the work, the rewards will come. Every risk we’ve taken has brought us closer to our vision and community, showing us that the best experiences come from embracing the unknown.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Yeah, so Motion started off as just a Super Bowl party at my house in February 2023, but it’s grown into an event group run by Rimon Sium, Jekari Lynch, Yosan Yohannes, and me, Robael Gizachew. We started as MotionBayArea in May 2023 but rebranded to Motion Spaces once we began expanding to other cities. We’re all about bringing the “Motion” to any space, in every way possible. What started as a simple idea—creating spaces where people could experience music and nightlife—has turned into a platform for creativity and community building. Our events go beyond just music; they’re about curating experiences that connect people, celebrate culture, and build new relationships.
Coming out of the pandemic, nightlife in the Bay Area, especially in Oakland, was facing some tough challenges. There was a wave of violence around events, and a lot of them felt like they lacked real thought or effort. We knew we wanted to be part of the solution. The Bay is buzzing with a creative renaissance right now, with entrepreneurs, artists, and business owners stepping up. We’re proud to be part of that movement, creating spaces where community and connection thrive. We’ve seen new friendships form at our events, and even relationships have started from those connections—that’s what it’s all about for us, creating meaningful interactions that bring people together.
We’ve hosted a range of events, from parties and tech mixers to community givebacks—anything that brings people together to celebrate music, talent, art, Blackness, and life. By partnering with local organizations, we’ve created experiences that go beyond just having a good time. Our events help stimulate the local economy. We’ve had venues tell us they really needed the business, and seeing how excited business owners get during our events makes us happy too. We know how tough things have been financially in the Bay, with the pandemic and poor city management, so being able to support local businesses means a lot to us.
Looking ahead, we’ve got some exciting plans. We’re launching a clothing line and lifestyle series, and you might even see us organizing some trips soon. One of our highlights is our December event in Ethiopia, where we’re setting up a community giveback. And as we gear up for 2025, we’re planning some large-scale events, but we’ll keep the details under wraps for now. Just know it’s going to be an incredible journey, and we’d love to have you along for the ride.
At the end of the day, Motion is about more than just events. It’s about creating spaces where people can come together, connect, and be part of something real and intentional. We’re here to celebrate life, culture, and the power of community.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three qualities that have had the biggest impact on our journey are resilience, adaptability, and relationship-building.
Resilience has been a game-changer for us. In any creative or business venture, setbacks are part of the deal. We’ve faced challenges like venues falling through and moments when giving up felt like the easiest choice. Those experiences have shown us that true perseverance isn’t about holding it together when things are easy; it’s about finding the strength to keep going when everything seems to be falling apart. For anyone starting out, know that your journey will test you. Stay focused on your vision, even when the road gets bumpy. Building something meaningful takes commitment and grit.
Adaptability has also been crucial, especially in the fast-paced world of events. No two events, cities, or crowds are the same. We’ve had to change locations last minute, tweak our plans on the fly, and embrace new environments. Flexibility opens up so many doors. If you’re too rigid, you might miss out on opportunities. Our advice? Keep an open mind and be ready to pivot when necessary. Success rarely follows a straight path, and that’s okay!
Relationship-building is probably the most rewarding skill we’ve developed. Motion wouldn’t be what it is without the connections we’ve made, whether it’s with other event groups, local organizations, our event attendees, or community partners. Building relationships goes beyond just networking; it’s about genuinely investing in people and creating meaningful connections. People remember how you made them feel, so focus on creating authentic relationships. For those starting their creative journey, prioritize genuine engagement over mere connections. The stronger and more authentic your network, the more opportunities will come your way.
These qualities—resilience, adaptability, and relationship-building have shaped the story of Motion. They’re essential for anyone looking to create something lasting and impactful.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely! We’re always on the lookout for folks to partner or collaborate with. At Motion, community and creativity are at our core, and we love connecting with people who share our passion for curating unique experiences. Whether you’re in music, art, culture, or community building, we’d love to hear from you!
We’re especially eager to collaborate with creatives, entrepreneurs, Black-owned businesses, and anyone committed to making a positive impact in their space. If you’ve got a talent, project, or idea that aligns with our vision, let’s talk!
The best way to reach us is through Instagram at @motionspaces. We’re excited to explore new ideas and partnerships, so don’t hesitate to slide into our DMs!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.motionspaces.us/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motionspaces/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
