Life & Work with Ugochi Obinma

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ugochi Obinma.

Hi Ugochi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a talent manager in the production/entertainment world, but I also cultivate cool events professionally and for fun. West Vibes is a series I cultivated for the community. The goal is to create a space for small businesses of color to sell their merchandise and at the same time build community, network and just create some vibes in the neighborhood. The first West Vibes was on October 23, 2022. I was sitting with the idea of wanting to do more networking and community events for a few months and 10 days before the first West Vibes event, I decided to run with it. I secured vendors, hired an artist to create my flyers, started an IG page and connected with The Plant Chica which is this lovely Black/Brown-owned community greenhouse in West Adams, where they’ve allowed me to come in and use the space and create some vibes. The feedback I’m getting from the vendors, the community and my tribe is the reason why West Vibes will be back this year after three successful events last year. Starting something rooted from love will always bring the people to you. It’s been three months, a West Vibes each month and after wrapping up each event, my heart is so full because I have people personally sending me messages via email and IG, people walking up to me after each event to share their appreciation for what I’m doing. I’m really just a 30-year-old (bougie auntie ringleader) that took my love for hosting and creating spaces where people feel loved on and could just vibe and decided to share that part of me with the community.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Honestly, West Vibes has been growing organically. I’m excited to see what this year has in store, what spaces I could collaborate with and seeing the community grow.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Freelance event manager, vibe catcher and everybody’s favorite host. For years I’ve been hosting and cultivating events and what makes my events so memorable in my opinion is the hospitality. I’m an LA native with a southern twist and rather it’s a personal or professional event you’re always leaving my event with something; a new friend, someone you could connect with regarding your career, a potential love interest, a party favor, but ultimately a good time.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
My birthday has always been my favorite, even as a child I’d ask my mom to bring a cake, cupcakes or goodies to the class and be the little host in the classrooms bringing the food, juice boxes and vibes.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westvibesonly/

Image Credits
📸: @yasmeanuh: the mindfulfee + 2 ladies at bareroot 📸: @gena_rynae: the plants and girl in front of the clothing rack