Today we’d like to introduce you to Zaneta Smith.
Zaneta, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Born and raised in Los Angeles my grandmother always felt it was important to contribute to the communities in which you live. After living in Atlanta and Chicago and working in DC, I experienced Black culture and community in ways that I’d never experienced in Los Angeles.
My mother and uncles always talked about rich social experiences they had in South Los Angeles. When I decided to live in Los Angeles, I wanted those rich experiences in my hood. Thus, I started TEDxCrenshaw events. Then, attendees and friends continued asking for more.
Thus, creating Kolor Society, a members-only social club for persons of the African Diaspora. Events include monthly business and tech mixers, quarterly member-curated events, and quarterly Branding Camps.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth is an interesting adjective. It has been an adventure full of ups, downs, circles, bumps, and roller coasters. Struggles include staying focused on goals and curating the life I want in a society that trains individuals to go to school, work, marry, have kids and retire.
Up until recently, anything other than this social structure was seen as risky, different. It has been a struggle to break generational curses and not be defined by societal pressures, structures, and expectations.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Kolor Society – what should we know?
I am the CEO of Kolor Society, a members-only social club for individuals of the African Diaspora. We produce high quality curated events in South Los Angeles for Black millennials and GenXrs with a social, cultural, and intellectual aspect.
I am most proud of the impact we’ve made in South LA in just one year regarding the knowledge/intellectual and cultural thought our speakers share between our mixers and signature events.
We are unlike other companies in that our signature events occur south of the ten Freeway. In addition, we create a bridge between millennials and GenXrs.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I will say attendees of TEDxCrenshaw and the first group of people I surveyed to create Kolor Society were very helpful. I asked a group of people what was missing from South LA, from where was it missing, and where they would like to see more events.
I took that data and created Kolor Society; thus, leading KS to be member-curated. The people say what they want, and we create it. Meagan, Tone, and Alysia were some of the first few people to believe in AND contribute to KS’ mission.
Pricing:
- Kolor Society Membership for first 100 Founding Members $100
- Kolor Society Lapel pins $25
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kolorsociety.com
- Phone: 323-521-9873
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @kolorsociety
- Facebook: /kolorsociety
Image Credit:
Delightful Silence Photography, Tony Lowe Images, David Thomas
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
