Meet Mickey C. | Experience Curator – Mingle
We had the good fortune of connecting with Mickey C. and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Mickey, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Four years ago I began as a date night planner for couples who lacked the creativity or additional time to invest in curating unique date night experiences for themselves. My date planning company Its A Date ignited a passion in me that fueled the creation of Mingle Elevated Experiences. Mingle is the epitome of intentional luxury with thoughtfully curated events that unite Atlanta’s elite in a deliberate pursuit of elevated encounters and meaningful connections. We create unforgettable moments with intention, exclusivity, culture, and style.
When I started my own business, my number one goal was to create a lane where a girl’s night out, a guy’s night out, a solo night out, and even a date night out could all thrive at a high level in the same space with pure intentionality. My thought process was to create something that didn’t exist, and something the city’s elite desperately needed. Mingle.
Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I am an elevated experience curator based here in Atlanta Georgia. My company Mingle was created based on my own personal social needs and expectations for the city. I wanted to experience highly intentional, finely curated events that allowed me to not only expand my cultural palette but to do so with other like-minded individuals who prefer quality experiences vs the typical club scene. I quickly realized that so many other people in the city shared the same personal need/desire for these types of events as I did.
Every single Mingle experience is curated with the highest level of detail, exclusivity, intentionality, and creativity in mind. Our goal is to continuously bring art, poetry, live music, hand-crafted cocktails, wine pairings, gourmet dining, and more back to the forefront of the city for the grown-ups who want to simply elevate.
I find pure joy in creating one-of-a-kind experiences that people will talk about and revisit for the rest of their lives. Mingle provides a safe space for the city’s most elite to come together and establish long-living connections that might not have been established in other settings.
What sets Mingle apart from others in the city is our unwavering commitment to elevating the Atlanta experience. In a city often associated with hookah and couch surfing being our core, Mingle stands out by championing a sophisticated and intentional approach to socializing. We take pride in curating experiences that transcend the ordinary, focusing on high-value experiences that celebrate art, fine dining, and the uplifting of individuals within our community. Mingle is more than just an event; it’s a statement that Atlanta is a city with a refined taste for meaningful connections and upscale cultural engagements. Our dedication to creating a positive message goes beyond the surface, showcasing that Atlanta is a diverse metropolis where individuals appreciate and seek out experiences that enrich their lives.
Mingle is a testament to the city’s vibrant community that values quality over quantity, and substance over superficiality. By consistently offering events that reflect these principles, Mingle distinguishes itself as a brand that not only understands but actively contributes to the evolving narrative of Atlanta—a city where elevated experiences are not just a luxury but a way of life.
It has definitely not been a smooth road on my entrepreneurship journey. Nothing ever worth having comes easy, so I knew when I embarked on this journey, that the road would not be made of marble and gold. I have been faced with several challenges and I take each one head on. Challenges are inevitable. The ability to stay resilient in difficult times, learn from my failures, stay strong within my faith, and keep moving forward are key factors in the success of my business.
Three of the biggest lessons I have learned along the way:
1. Brand and Reputation Matter. Building a strong brand and maintaining a positive reputation are invaluable assets. Consistently delivering quality, being transparent, and continuing to align my brand with my core values are major.
2. Everyone Will Not Understand The Vision. My vision is my own, and if it was supposed to make sense to someone else, then it would’ve been their vision instead. I will come across a lot of people who are confused by what it is I am trying to build and that is perfectly fine. Stay true to your vision!
3. Stay Customer-Centric. Always keep the customer and the experience at the center of my business decisions. Understanding their needs and delivering exceptional value every single time will contribute to customer loyalty and positive word-of-mouth. Quality over Quantity!
What I’d like the world to know about Mingle, and my journey with it as it continues to grow is that we’re more than an event – we’re a movement. Nestled in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, our brand represents a departure from the ordinary. We want the world to know that this city is a dynamic hub of sophistication, culture, and high-value interactions. Our experiences transcend the ordinary, leaving an indelible mark on the vibrant tapestry of Atlanta’s cultural scene and there is power in bringing people together in an atmosphere that encourages genuine relationships.
We are the canvas for refined and intentional experiences.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So If my bestie came to town I’d craft a super diverse and exciting itinerary highlighting some of my favorite places in the city for a well-rounded experience.
For starters, we’d have to pull up at Apt4B Restaurant and Bar for a taste of some delicious Caribbean food, paired with amazing cocktails. After we finished dinner we would go downstairs to their hidden gem speakeasy The Bassment to hear some prolific poetry for the Potions and Poets event every Sunday night.
It wouldn’t be a great time without sunset cocktails and breathtaking views at the rooftop bar Tesserae at the Thompson Hotel followed by a delicious Italian dining experience at Dirty Rascal. My bestie loves art and great desserts so she would be my special guest at Arts & Crafts which is an elevated Art, Mixology, and Dessert experience at Buckhead & Co Art Gallery hosted by my company Mingle of course.
MCK, C&S Seafood Oyster Bar, and Poor Calvins must be in rotation for amazing food, ambiance, and the amazing crafted cocktails they each provide.
One day would have to include Vinyl shopping at JB’s Record Lounge in the west end, exploring the area, and then grabbing a burger at Slutty Vegan. I would also recommend a super elevated candle-making experience at ByLeCreme Home which is a black-owned candle store with some of the best service in the city.
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’d like to give a huge shoutout to my amazing mom, who has been an absolute rock in my journey to success. Her unwavering support, prayers, encouragement, and belief in my capabilities have been instrumental in my growth and the success of my business. She constantly reminds me that I am destined for pure and exceptional greatness. She has never doubted me, even when I have doubted myself. Having her in my corner, cheering me on, has made all the difference. Here’s to my incredible mom, my source of inspiration and motivation!
Website: www.itsadatedate.com
Instagram: minglebyitsadate
Other: Instagram: @themickeyclee @itsadatedate
Image Credits
photographer – Lola Scott @lolascottart
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
