We had the good fortune of connecting with Marcie Dunbar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marcie, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is a part of growth, even when it doesn’t feel like it in the early stages. For me, taking risks has always been about stepping out on faith, even when the path wasn’t fully clear. I walked away from a 20+ year corporate career—a steady paycheck, benefits, and a secure retirement plan—because I knew it was time to bet on myself. I didn’t want to reach the end of my life with regrets, wondering what could have been if I had just followed my dreams.

Opening The Reign required me to take both financial and strategic risks. It forced me to step away from the familiar and embrace the unknown. But those risks have paid off by allowing me to create a space where families can come together and make meaningful memories that will last a lifetime.

Writing my story in “Propelled Into Purpose” was another leap of faith, sharing my personal story, my struggles, and my triumphs in hopes of inspiring others.

Every risk I’ve taken has reinforced one truth: purpose and success lie on the other side of fear. If I had played it safe, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Reign is a Wedding and Event venue for unforgettable moments, from elegant weddings and quinceañera, to corporate and community events. We specialize in creating experiences one event at a time. We not only host private event but we open to the public for our signature annual Mother’s Day brunch, Valentine’s Day dinner dance and more. Whether you’re hosting a private event or attending one of our curated experiences, The Reign offers the perfect setting for meaningful moments, which includes our delicious multicultural cuisines which includes Caribbean, Latin, Italian, and all American. We offer customized luxury decor and more event rentals. Everything you need is in the house. Our dream team of DJ, photography, 360 photo booth are additions to take our clients event to the next level.
The Reign is not your ordinary venue also offer tailored event planning and day of wedding coordination at no additional cost We do this so our brides
can relax and enjoy her special day.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to first dedicate this shoutout to my husband, Cisco, who encourages me to push forward and pursue my dreams with fear and trembling. His unwavering support reminds me that I am capable of more than I sometimes believe, and for that, I am forever grateful.

To Anne-Marie Knight from Black Business Alliance (BBA), who, when I first walked into her office and shared my vision, looked at me and said, “We need a Black-owned venue.” She immediately began pointing me in the right direction, offering guidance on what to do and what to avoid. To this day, she continues to help me make meaningful connections and build a sisterhood that supports the growth of my business.

To Dr. Tamara, who believed I had a story worth sharing with the world—even when I doubted it myself.

To my dear friends, Bev, Mel, and Vanessa, who stepped in to help me host guests when I couldn’t yet afford a staff. Your generosity and support meant everything.

And to my adult children, Cory and Dannie, who tells me how proud they are of me and how I find ways to move through my struggles to find my way and reinvent myself time after time. Knowing that my journey inspires them fuels me to keep going.

I am deeply grateful for each of you. Your support gives me strength to continue my journey.

Website: https://Www.thereignvenue.info

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thereignweddingvenue

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1KGh1UGaAM/?

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