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

Hi Lucas, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I think back to the beginning of my business adventures, it’s like digging up buried treasure in my sandbox of life. I literally stumbled upon passions that really set my soul on fire. An industry where my quirks fit in and my street smarts became prized assets. The hospitality industry.

Picture this: me, a teenager figuring myself out in the world of homelessness for three hard years. That time of my life taught me resilience, resourcefulness, determination and empathy- skills I now use in my life to empower others. My story is not unique. It’s about taking your experiences, whatever they may be, and turning that into fuel for your dreams.

Me starting my business wasn’t solely about money; it’s about my commitment to empowerment and advocacy. I want to give a voice to those who feel as if they have none, to provide job opportunities to communities that rarely ever get a chance and break down barriers. My motto is that “I want to help people making a living, while they build a life by leading with compassion and empathy.”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Cutting Edge Elite stands out by fostering a culture of compassion and empathy, not just within our team, but also in our approach to clients and the industry. I believe in the power of experiential learning, especially in the realm of human interaction. Experiences are powerful, it’s how we learn.

At Cutting Edge Elite, we don’t just guide our staff, we empower them with compassion and empathy, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in the events industry. Our approach isn’t about individual hires; it’s about fostering a cohesive team.

My journey to CEE was marked by personal struggles, including battles with self-worth and multiple suicide attempts. Through these times, I learned firsthand the transformative impact of feeling heard and valued. It’s this belief in the limitless potential of every individual that drives our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Feeling valued and respected, regardless of who you are, creates a sense of belonging, contributes to higher self esteem and helps let people know they can be their authentic self.

We cast a wide net when scouting talent, tapping into diverse networks from social media platforms to nonprofit organizations. My proudest achievement is our teams diversity, reflecting every shade in the human experience.

Our success isn’t just about profits, it’s about our best practices centered on caring for our team. From blind resume reviews to fostering inclusive communication, we prioritize creating a supportive work environment where every voice is heard and respected. When we truly listen to someone, only then will we have a better understanding of their needs, therefore making better business decisions.

Despite facing personal discrimination and near-bankruptcy during economic crises, the resilience of both myself and CEE has been lifted by acts of kindness and compassion. Through self love and determination, I rose from adversity to champion others’ voices.

Today, as a thriving business owner, I’m committed to leading with kindness and empathy. It’s not just good business- it’s the right thing to do.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting Atlanta for a week-long trip, I’d want to show them a diverse mix of the city’s culture, history, food scene & attractions. I’ll give you an example of one day.

We would start off by having breakfast at Snooze for some of the best pancakes in town. Then I’d take them to the Georgia Aquarium for a late morning visit. Afterwards we’d go to the Beltline, starting at the Eastside trail and walking through Ponce City Market. We would have to have a late lunch at Vietvana in Ponce City Market for some good Pho followed by getting a chocolate sea salt ice pop from King of Pops. Depending on the time perhaps we would go to the Botanical Gardens to see the exhibit being shown at the time. I would have dinner at Southern National Atlanta, where Chef Duane Nutter was a semifinalist for a James Beard Award. If it were a Saturday night I would want to go to The Basement in East Atlanta. The first Saturday of every month they have an 80s party that I LOVE to go to. End the adventure dancing the night away.

Atlanta has so much to offer, the list is endless. There are so many gems & activities in this city, we would always have something to do.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to give a shoutout to David Beahm. David is the epitome of kindness wrapped in success in the events industry. He’s not just successful, he’s one of the sweetest souls you’ll ever come across.

David opened doors for me when I couldn’t quite see the opportunities. I remember being hesitant, not believing in myself and unsure if I had what it takes. David looked me in the eyes and said “Honey, you’re fabulous. These people need you, they just don’t know it yet. I believe in you.”

Hearing those words from someone I have looked up to for so long, it made me feel seen and gave me the power to trust in myself. Even when I didn’t believe in myself, David believed in me. That is all I needed.

Website: www.ceestaffing.com

Instagram: cuttingedgeelite

Linkedin: Lucas Mendieta

Facebook: Cutting Edge Elite

Other: My email: Lucas@ceenyc.com

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