Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabrielle Lopez.
Hi Gabrielle, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From a young age, I knew I wanted to own a business. I was always looking for creative ways to earn a few dollars and bring ideas to life. I tried to set up a fruit stand in my grandparents’ neighborhood, made duct tape pens to sell to classmates, baked cake pops in high school, and even convinced friends to help me run my little ventures. I loved figuring out how to make ideas appealing, how to turn them into something real, and how to get others excited to help me bring them to life. Those early experiences taught me the value of creativity, initiative, and following through.
As I got older, that drive led me into marketing, where I could combine creativity with strategy and help businesses bring their visions to life. Each opportunity taught me something new about leadership, execution, and making ideas tangible. Along the way, I discovered a passion for creating experiences that are intentional, elevated, and memorable, moments that bring people together in meaningful ways.
Six months ago, I launched Manna Haus, an experiential marketing and events agency. I also launched Manna Haus Ventures, which invests in opportunities that align with our vision. In addition, I founded Lopez Legacies, a nonprofit supporting individuals and families facing illness or disability.
Looking back, the fruit stand, the duct tape pens, and the cake pops make perfect sense. They were early signs of a drive I have had my entire life to create, lead, and build something meaningful. What started as a lifelong ambition has grown into a path of building businesses, creating experiences, and leaving a lasting impact.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has definitely not been entirely smooth, but every challenge has been an opportunity to learn and grow. Launching Manna Haus, Manna Haus Ventures, and Lopez Legacies Foundation all at once in just six months came with the pressure of building systems, creating credibility, and gaining traction quickly. One of the biggest challenges was establishing trust with national brands and partners so early in our journey. It required not only demonstrating our creative vision and execution skills but also showing that we could deliver results at a high level despite being a new agency.
Another challenge has been balancing multiple ventures at once, managing client experiences, investment opportunities, and philanthropic initiatives simultaneously. It pushed me to refine my leadership, prioritize strategically, and build a team that shares the same level of commitment and attention to detail.
Despite these hurdles, the struggles have only strengthened my approach. Each obstacle has reinforced the importance of intentionality, resilience, and staying true to our mission. If anything, the early challenges have accelerated our growth, taught me to trust my instincts, and proven that even in six months, we can create meaningful impact and earn the trust of both clients and communities.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I lead Manna Haus, an experiential marketing and events agency, where we specialize in designing elevated, intentional experiences for brands and communities. From luxury product launches to immersive community activations, our focus is on creating moments that connect people, tell a story, and leave a lasting impression. We also have Manna Haus Ventures, our investment arm, which allows us to invest both financially and strategically in business opportunities that align with our vision, helping to scale ideas and build meaningful partnerships. At the heart of everything I do is the Lopez Legacies Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals and families affected by illness or disability to continue pursuing their ambitions through scholarships and meaningful support, helping them overcome barriers and thrive even in the toughest seasons.
What I am most proud of is how, in just six months, we’ve been able to establish credibility and work with national brands such as SoulCycle and Kendra Scott while simultaneously building a mission-driven ecosystem that combines creativity, business, and philanthropy.
What sets me apart is our intentional approach and the way we combine strategy, creativity, and heart in everything we do. We’re not just producing events or investments; we’re designing experiences and opportunities that have meaningful impact for brands, communities, and individuals. Our ability to move quickly, think holistically, and execute at a high level while staying true to purpose is something I believe makes Manna Haus distinct in this space.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
When I think about my childhood, so many memories flood my mind. Sundays after church spent playing at my grandparents’ house with my entire family, riding bikes around the neighborhood, sleepovers with friends and cousins, and family dinners every Sunday night all stand out. I was also fortunate to have parents who exposed me and my sister to so much culture, taking us to plays, symphonies, and other experiences that broadened our perspective.
The common denominator in all of these memories was the people around me. The love, support, and presence of family and friends made every moment unforgettable. It was the shared laughter, the traditions, and the feeling of being part of a community that made my childhood so rich and meaningful. Because of that, it is actually hard for me to pick one favorite memory. I feel like I lived such a special childhood with the best people around me, and it was the people who made every moment so remarkable. I am forever grateful to my family for making my childhood so special.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mannahaus.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mannahaus.co/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-lopez-/
