Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Courtney.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
It all began in the cozy confines of my great-grandmother Mia’s kitchen. As a child, I was enamored by the way she would effortlessly transform ingredients into something magical. I was seven when I tried my hand at cooking an egg dish under Mia’s watchful eye. That experience wasn’t just about cooking; it ignited a passion within me for the culinary arts and symbolized the beginning of my connection with creativity.
But my trajectory wasn’t limited to the kitchen. The more I delved into the world of food, the more I began to recognize its power in bringing people together. By my teenage years, I was organizing small gatherings for friends, merging food with music and art. These humble get-togethers unknowingly sowed the seeds for my future endeavors in event curation and brand development.
Fast forward a few years, and I found myself deeply immersed in the bustling Los Angeles creative scene. Friends began to refer to me as “The Mayor” (haha), not just for my knack for organizing events but also because I was always keen on connecting people. Whether it was introducing an emerging artist to a potential collaborator or bringing together diverse groups of people over a shared love for culture, I became a bridge between different worlds.
In 2008, I founded “59th & Van Ness Creative Agency” formerly known as “The Courtney Agency” It wasn’t just an event marketing agency; it was a dream realized. I aimed to create a platform that championed diversity, promoted creativity, a guiding force for future creatives, and bridged the gap between brands and communities. Today, we’ve expanded our services to the entertainment, film, and television sectors, but our core mission remains the same – to build connections and foster raw talent.
Over the years, I’ve been blessed to work alongside some incredibly talented individuals and have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformative power of creativity. While I’ve had my fair share of challenges along the way, the values instilled in me by the powerful women of my family – diligence, persistence, and consistency – have been my guiding stars.
Now, as we gain more significant clients and I find myself stepping into a more visible role, I’m excited about the future. I’m here not for the limelight but to continue the legacy that started in Mia’s kitchen, to amplify voices, and to inspire the next generation of creatives.
In essence, my journey is a testament to the belief that when passion meets purpose, extraordinary things can happen. And I believe we’re just getting started.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The path of “59th & Van Ness Creative Agency” has been anything but straightforward. Every small business owner knows the terrain all too well: the tantalizing dance of ambition against the constraints of limited resources, the stifling grip of creative blocks, and the echoing silence that follows a closed door.
In the beginning, financial hurdles cast their shadow far and wide. Delving into personal savings, pouring over spreadsheets until the early hours, and feeling the weight of every financial decision became almost a daily ritual. The uncertainty was palpable, each step forward feeling like a precarious leap of faith.
Yet, beyond the monetary challenges, were the silent battles with creativity. While the world celebrated our successes, they rarely saw the discarded drafts, the ideation sessions that led to dead ends, or the heart-pounding anxiety of presenting a new concept, hoping it would resonate.
And, of course, there were the inevitable ‘no’s. The declined pitches, the turned backs, and the missed opportunities. The sting of rejection, even in the world of business, is profoundly personal.
Self-doubt was often the unwelcome guest, sneaking in with questions like “Am I good enough?” or “Is this the right path?”. But, every time I felt overwhelmed, I would lean into my faith, drawing strength from something greater than myself. My friends and family, ever the beacon of support, consistently reminded me of the vision, the dream, and the passion that set me on this path in the first place.
As challenges presented themselves, I saw them less as insurmountable obstacles and more as opportunities to grow, to innovate, and to redefine our trajectory. Every setback became a set-up for a more significant comeback. With every fall, the rise was even more determined.
To my fellow entrepreneurs, remember this: Our journey is not defined by the challenges we face but by how we respond to them. Each hurdle is an invitation to evolve, to push boundaries, and to break through ceilings we never thought possible. Stay focused, stay driven, and let your passion be the guiding light. When the path gets tough, remember why you started and use that fire to forge ahead with unwavering determination. Every new dawn presents an opportunity to redefine, rebuild, and reignite our dreams.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
59th & Van Ness Creative Agency stands at the intersection of commerce and culture. At our core, we’re committed to empowering underrepresented voices throughout the creative sector. Serving as cultural catalysts, we seamlessly build bridges, connecting the dots between established brands and rising talents, spanning diverse areas such as the culinary arts, film, television, and the music industry.
We pride ourselves in not just creating culture but thoughtfully cultivating it. This commitment transcends beyond mere business transactions; our aim is anchored in fostering societal impact and weaving the fabric for a more inclusive, vibrant future.
Our offerings are as varied as they are innovative. We specialize in curating distinctive events – from decorative dinners to immersive brunch experiences. These are more than just meals; they’re narratives, stories, and connections shared over delectable dishes. As we progress through the year, we’re enthused to invite notable brands and distinguished guests to share and relish these curated experiences.
Diving deeper into our suite of services, we encompass a spectrum: brand marketing, expertly handling social media personas, crafting unforgettable events, conjuring culinary journeys, and representing creative and talented individuals within the Hospitality and Gastronomy space. Our lens is always tinted with diversity, ensuring every narrative we weave is both vibrant and inclusive.
What truly distinguishes us is our tailored approach. Whether you’re a seasoned brand itching for a rejuvenating narrative or an emerging talent seeking a launchpad, our solutions are meticulously crafted to inspire innovation, champion inclusivity, and drive tangible results.
In the realm of creative marketing, we don’t just boost your brand presence; we reshape and refine it. It’s about curating a presence that’s an authentic reflection of a brand’s ethos, striking a chord with the target audience. And when it comes to experiential brand events, we don’t just strategize; we envision, innovate, and embody campaigns, ensuring they mirror our client’s vision to the finest detail.
In essence, 59th & Van Ness isn’t just an agency; it’s a movement. A movement propelling brands forward, celebrating diversity, and stitching the societal fabric with threads of inclusivity and innovation. With us by your side, it’s not just about leaving a mark; it’s about leaving a legacy.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
For me, risk-taking is synonymous with growth. It’s the dance between what we know and the boundless potential of what might be. The journey of building 59th & Van Ness Creative Agency was riddled with moments of stepping into the unknown. But every entrepreneur knows growth often requires us to embrace uncertainty and take leaps of faith.
One of the most significant risks I undertook was delving into the marriage of culinary experiences with brand narratives. The world of hospitality and food service is vibrant and intricate, and combining it with the realm of branding was like navigating uncharted waters. But the vision was clear: to create immersive experiences that went beyond just the palate, resonating with the heart and soul of our audience. The stakes were high, both financially and reputationally, and there were moments of doubt. But it was a calculated risk backed by research, passion, and a deep understanding of our target audience.
But here’s the thing about risk – it’s not about being fearless. It’s about acknowledging the fear, analyzing the potential outcomes, and then making an informed decision to move forward. Every step we take, every event we curate, and every brand story we tell come with its set of challenges and uncertainties. But it’s through these very challenges that we learn, innovate, and push boundaries.
I think risk is an essential part of the entrepreneurial fabric. Without it, there’s stagnation. Every major innovation, be it in the culinary arts, technology, or any field, comes from someone daring to think differently to challenge the norm. And while not all risks guarantee success, they always guarantee growth – in skills, knowledge, and character.
For those contemplating taking a risk, my advice is simple: Do your homework, trust your gut, and embrace the journey. Because at its core, risk-taking is about believing in the potential of ‘what could be’ rather than being confined by ‘what is’. And in that belief lies the magic of possibilities.
Pricing:
- Brand Strategy Consultation starts at $1,200
- Social Media Management starts at $1,500/month
- Event Planning & Curation starts at $5,000
- Culinary Experiences starts at $3,000
Contact Info:
- Website: www.59thandvanness.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/yeseniasfiestacreations2
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/59thandvanness/
