Meet Michelle Crispin of Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Crispin.

Hi Michelle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I moved to Los Angeles in the ‘90s after college to pursue a career in music. I was a professional musician for years, recording and touring with various groups. One weekend, I came down to the South Bay to visit a friend & fell in love with Hermosa Beach. When I started my family, I knew Hermosa was where I wanted to be.

I transitioned into the business side of the music industry, first as a general manager at a record label, then into executive roles in music publishing, licensing, and marketing. Eventually, I launched my own company – Mic Drop Media – which provided marketing, project management, and music supervision for artists, labels, and nonprofits. All the while, I was raising my 2 kids here as a single mom, building a life and a business in the same community.

As a business owner, I joined the Chamber to connect and stay involved. I was voted onto the Board of Directors, and when Jessica Accamando stepped down as CEO, a few people asked if I’d consider applying. At first, I wasn’t sure – my background was mostly in the music industry and nonprofit marketing, not traditional chamber work. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense.

Much of my career has been about building relationships, elevating creative work, and helping others grow. That’s exactly what the Chamber is about. I stepped into the role a year ago. It hasn’t always been easy, but I care deeply about this community and the businesses that make it so unique.

With my music background, I’ve also brought some new ideas to the table. One of them is Tiny Chamber Concerts, where local musicians who are Chamber members perform in our little Chamber & in intimate spaces around town. It’s a great way to highlight our creative community and remind people that artists are entrepreneurs too. We’ve even expanded Chamber membership to artists so they can access our marketing benefits and be part of something bigger.

There’s such rich musical history here – many collectible albums with major artists were recorded live at the historic Lighthouse Cafe’ on the Pier. I’m currently in pre-production to make a new “Live at the Lighthouse” album, featuring artists who currently play at the Lighthouse’s Sunday Jazz Brunch and the Monday Night Jazz Jam Session. The Chamber also hosts a monthly “Songwriter Showcase at Saint Rocke”. I want the music world to see the incredible talent we have right here in Hermosa and appreciate the legacy we’re continuing to build.

It makes me so happy to see people visiting Hermosa to explore our town and our music history – and in the process, support our local businesses, hotels, and restaurants. That’s what this job is about: honoring the past, celebrating the present, and building a future where creativity, community, and commerce all thrive.

Hermosa isn’t just where I live. It’s where I’ve grown, where I’ve raised my family, and where I’m proud to help others succeed.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau?
The Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce supports, promotes, and advocates for businesses in our community. We connect local entrepreneurs, organize impactful events, provide marketing and visibility for our members, and serve as a resource hub for both residents and visitors. We specialize in business development, community engagement, tourism promotion, and economic advocacy – all with the goal of helping Hermosa Beach thrive.

We represent a diverse membership of over 500 local businesses across retail, hospitality, professional services, creative industries, and nonprofits. Our mission is to promote, educate, and organize businesses that serve Hermosa Beach residents and visitors, with a focus on advocacy, economic development, and meaningful engagement.

What sets us apart is our deep integration into the cultural and creative fabric of Hermosa Beach. We champion our city’s artistic and entrepreneurial spirit through regular events like our Tiny Chamber Concerts, Songwriter Showcases at Saint Rocke, and by amplifying Hermosa’s music legacy with projects like the Live at the Lighthouse album and Jazz v. Punk – a documentary that exploring how our 1.4 square mile town became ground zero for two seemingly opposite music movements. We believe that creativity fuels economic vitality.

We’re known for our flagship events – including Fiesta Hermosa (125,000+ attendees), Hermosa for the Holidays, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Oktoberfest, and more, which bring the community together and create huge economic impact for local businesses.

We also offer robust marketing support for members through our digital platforms, visitor outreach, and business promotions. With over 25,000 social media followers and 16,000+ email subscribers, we provide unmatched visibility to local businesses.

What we’re most proud of brand-wise is that our Chamber represents the heart of Hermosa – a mix of small-town warmth, creative energy, and entrepreneurial spirit. We’re not a one-size-fits-all chamber. We’re tailored to this place and these people.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
At the Chamber, I’m especially grateful for our small but mighty team – Millie Martinez Stordeur, our Director of Membership and Operations, and Shelby Forier, our Communications Manager. Their dedication, creativity, and heart are a huge part of what makes our programs and events successful. They help me bring ideas to life, handle a million moving parts behind the scenes, and always keep our members and mission at the center.

I would also acknowledge the Chamber Board of Directors. They are a committed group of business leaders who volunteer their time and insight to help shape the vision and strategy of the organization. Many of them encouraged me to take on the CEO role, and their trust and support gave me the confidence to step into this position.

On a more personal level, I’ve had incredible mentors throughout my career, people who showed me how to lead with both creativity and integrity. And as a single mom working in the corporate world and running my own business, I’ve been lifted up by a strong circle of friends and colleagues who believed in me, helped me navigate challenges, and reminded me to keep going, even when the road was bumpy.

And finally, our members – the business owners, artists, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits who show up, give back, and care deeply about this community – they inspire me daily. Their passion is what fuels the work we do.

Contact Info:

• Website: HBChamber.net, TrulyHermosa.com
• Instagram: @hermosachamber, @trulyhermosa, @mediaho
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HermosaChamber
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micdropmedia/