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

Hi Millen, what role has risk played in your life or career?
My risk-taking started with having faith first. Taking a risk had me pursue more in life and in my career.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Millen’s Occasions started in 2016, as a wedding coordinator/event planning. I have been talking about it for years to start my own business. Finally, I did it and started looking for my first clients and found them. What sets Millen’s Occasions apart from others is that I have East African cultural/ American culture knowing both of the dynamics is very helpful. Most proud of that I love seen my clients smiling and bringing both cultures together at the end of their celebration. Prayers is where it got me where I am today. Starting a business can be hard and challenging, there were times I almost quit, I said to myself I got this far and I had to be an example to our youth. I did take a break to reflect on the business and that’s when I decided to hire a business coach, Myown Holmes, my business coach helped me so much on my business and myself, she is a gem! Couple of months later I joined AWL Creative, is a female-focused small business owners where we co-work, share ideas, workshops, this place definitely helped me grow. That’s where I started to do podcasting. Thank you Barbara Kriss. The lessons I have learned along the way, I don’t have to say yes when I am overwhelmed and not every clients are your clients! Most importantly SELF-CARE!

What I want the world to know about me, love the youth, and love speaking up about Mental Health in our black community!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
DMV has so many great places to visit. First, I would take them to the African American Museum, National Harbor beautiful shops and all types of restaurants. Last but not least they can’t leave without having one of the amazing Eritrean/Ethiopian food, with a smile.

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?
Now, that will be a long list lol! But I have to say my amazing parents, my grandmother, my tribes, last but not least my phenomenal Eritrean community.

Website: www.millensoccasions.com

Instagram: @millensoccasions

Linkedin: Millen Haile

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/millen.gheresus

Youtube: Millen Occasions

Other: TikTok- @millensoccasions Email- hello@millensoccasions.com

Image Credits
The 1st 2 & the one with colleagues are by @weddings by Stefanie Middle laptop by Alex Foto

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