Today we’d like to introduce you to Nigel Ashford & London Lawrence.
Hi Nigel & London, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?Today, What Sets Us Apart is we design experiences, not just events—to make attendees feel connected, valued, and inspired to take their next bold step.
Whether you’re a nonprofit building community, a founder growing a brand, or a creative ready to tell your story, Mingle & Muse is here to help you shine.
From humble, locally rooted beginnings in Houston, you’re steadily growing—forever prioritizing intentional, creative, and transformative connections. The journey continues, and it’s just getting started.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like most meaningful journeys, it hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road, we’ve been building the plane as we fly it. Launching Mingle & Muse meant taking a bold idea and bringing it to life in real time, adjusting and refining as we grew. When we started, one of the biggest hurdles was proving that networking could be reimagined. People were used to the typical “business card exchange” type of events, so introducing a more intentional, immersive approach took time, creativity, and persistence.
We also faced the realities many entrepreneurs do—limited resources, building a community from the ground up, and balancing our vision with the practical demands of running a business. There were moments of uncertainty and trial-and-error, especially when it came to scaling our events and finding the right partners who truly believed in our mission.
The learning curve was real, but what made it easier is that we didn’t come into this work empty-handed. With years of experience in event planning, media, lifestyle coaching, and community building, we had the foundation and skill set to adapt quickly. Every challenge became an opportunity to apply what we already knew while stretching ourselves into new territory.
So while the road hasn’t been without bumps, the combination of vision, resilience, and experience has allowed us to navigate the journey with confidence—and to create something truly transformative in the process.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At Mingle & Muse, we curate intentional experiences that bring people together in ways that are memorable, meaningful, and transformative. Our work sits at the intersection of event production, storytelling, and community building—and we’re passionate about turning every gathering into more than just an event. It becomes an opportunity for connection, collaboration, and impact.
We specialize in curating networking experiences that don’t feel transactional. Instead of surface-level interactions, we design spaces where people can show up authentically, build lasting relationships, and leave feeling inspired. Beyond events, we also help individuals, brands, and organizations tell their stories—through creative strategy, marketing, and experiences that align with their unique voice and vision.
A big part of our work is helping our partners see their next step clearly—whether that’s growing their brand, building community, or launching new collaborations. We show them how to leverage connections to create opportunities, making every introduction and every moment count toward something bigger.
What we’re most proud of is the community that’s formed around Mingle & Muse. Seeing people walk away from one of our events with not just contacts but genuine connections, new opportunities, or a renewed sense of possibility—that’s the real reward.
What sets us apart is our blend of creativity and intention. We don’t just plan—we curate. Every detail, from the flow of the event to the way people are introduced, is designed to make attendees feel seen, valued, and inspired. And because our team brings years of combined experience across journalism, lifestyle coaching, fashion, advocacy, and event design, we’re able to craft experiences that are both polished and deeply personal.
At the end of the day, Mingle & Muse isn’t just about events—it’s about elevating voices, sparking connections, and building spaces where authenticity leads to opportunity.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
ur best advice is to lead with authenticity, not agenda. Too often, networking is approached as a numbers game—but the most valuable connections come when you show up as your full self and focus on building a relationship, not just making a transaction.
When it comes to finding a mentor, don’t get stuck on titles or waiting for the “perfect” person. Instead, look for people who are already aligned with the kind of life, career, or impact you want to create. Sometimes a mentor is a seasoned executive, but sometimes it’s a peer who’s just a few steps ahead of you. The key is being open, observant, and willing to learn.
One thing that has worked well for us is creating intentional spaces where connection happens naturally. When people feel seen and valued, they’re more likely to share openly, offer support, and form bonds that last well beyond the initial introduction.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for the next step. Whether you’re meeting someone new or cultivating a mentor relationship, clarity is powerful. If you see potential in a connection, be bold enough to say, “I’d love to continue this conversation—what’s the best way for us to stay connected?” That simple step turns a moment into momentum.
Pricing:
- Please reach out via our website to continue the conversation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mingleandmuse.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mingle.and.muse/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Mingle-Muse/61577133992741/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mingleandmuse/?viewAsMember=true
- Twitter: https://x.com/mingle_and_muse?s=21
Image Credits
Victor Contreras with close your eyes photo studio
Miranda doughty with expeditionmirandamedia.
