Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Amalaha.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Michelle. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Mas Pound 4 Pound started way before the business had a name. Growing up in Compton and Inglewood California, I’ve always loved to watch my mom cook and bake. I wasn’t allowed to assist her in the kitchen much and I wondered if I would ever learn how to cook. In junior high school, I took home economics (telling my age just a bit) to get the basics of cooking along with other homemaker type of things. Cooking and baking became my creative corner and comfort zone. On the weekends I catered meals to celebrity hair stylists and private dinner parties.
Fast forward through several years… I moved to Dallas in 2006. I started selling cookies and baked goods just to make a little extra money. I started catering lunch to the local barbershops and salons on Saturdays while working a regular 9-5. I create the menu based on the clients’ requests, no food is peddled and I may have an extra meal available on occasions. By providing meals to barbers, stylists and their clients. I gained clients for catered private clie and events, small corporate luncheons and meal prepping. There is an amazing high I get from knowing my clients are completely satisfied by my token of love and my services.
The Mosaic Agency is band/artist management and also known for being aware of what’s happening in the music scene, from our local artists to national artists. I have been in and out of the entertainment industry for several years. I started with managing my daughter and other child actors and casting for videos and commercials in California. The Mosaic Agency is so much more than management, I provide a support system for bands, musicians and artists, I am here to assist with image consulting, ideas, administrative duties, leads, visions, placement, booking and a listening ear when needed. What I crave for the beings I believe in and any individual working on their dream is a “directionally correct” course of action. I am available 24-7 basically. I manage and support the most amazing musicians, bands and artists here in Dallas and a few in other states. 2020 will definitely take a shift in a different direction, with higher expectations and diligent work from all, including myself.
Has it been a smooth road?
Running a small catering business can be quite a challenge, I’ve encountered people who inquire on my fees for events, I advise them of my fees and never hear from them again. Which is okay, because you get for what you pay for. If I am provided a budget, I can advise a potential client a menu to better suit their budget. The struggle comes from the naysayers and those who feel I am overpriced. I can make some compromise, however I will not allow the opportunity of being taken advantage of.
Managing/consulting bands and artists can often present challenges when the individuals are set in their ways and not always open to change, I look for positive qualities in negative behaviors. I feel if you ask for my assistance and opinion, be ready for change. I also feel sometimes as a woman in what’s considered a man’s world, I am not taken seriously by some venue owners.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Mas Pound 4 Pound and The Mosaic Agency – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Mas Pound 4 Pound is an extension of my love to create memorable experiences through food. My destination is excellence by creating memories to last a lifetime. I am committed to value, service and style (presentation), where great tasting food is explored. It’s more than food it’s my desire to please without compromising and there’s nothing greater than food. I do celebration cupcakes and dinners (birthdays), meal prepping, catered events, private catering and special meals for selected individuals.
A few items I am known for: Chicken and Waffles with my Secret Syrup, Steak with Rustic Baked Potatoes and Roasted Lemon Pepper Asparagus, Gumbo, Cajun Pasta, Multi-Grain Fried Rice, Macaroni and Cheese (I have 3 styles), Strawberry Cupcakes, Neki’s Nanaless Pudding and Sweet Potato Cheesecake. I have also recently incorporated Vegetarian and Vegan items into my extensive recipes. Give me an idea or show me a recipe and my creative juices will flourish.
I’ve provided desserts to Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken in Carrollton for the past two years. Currently I have several clients I provide breakfast and lunch for Wednesday through Saturday, and the clientele is growing.
Earlier this year, I was giving the opportunity to help create a petite kitchen space and the Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Menu for Crowdus Bar in Deep Ellum. Working with the owners and staff at Crowdus was definitely a cool experience.
What sets Mas Pound 4 Pond from others? I would have to say, “Food is my forte and people are my passion.”
I create SERIOUSLY GOOD FOOD.
The Mosaic Agency is me in the very essence, giving love and sometimes tough love to the bands, musicians and artists. Support is a valuable asset in this music world, you can usually find me in Deep Ellum at The Free Man, LockJohnsonsPlayground, Three Links and other Dallas venues supporting some of my favorite musical beings. The Mosaic agency manages: The Found Band, Beaux Dove, Celestial Clockwork, Avehre (Chicago Based Artist) and 2020 TonyJR. Mosaic Agency supports so many artists: J French, Maleke O’Ney, TuKevia, MavTraxx, Antone Amalbert, Terrance Johnson, Michael Clayton, Cleon Edward, Dana Harper, Frank Moka, George “Spank” McCurdy, Justin “GuitarSlayer” Lyons, Movmnt Band, Randy McGill and Eclectic, TryMore Mojo, Kyee, Michelle Dotson, Rachella Searight, Sput Searight, Jaisun Williams, Breanna Parker, Funk Yo Feelings, Daniel Jones, Amanda Maxfield (Hashtag Mandi), Blanche J, Funky Knuckles, Lawyer Turner, Brennen John, Taylor Morgan, Tony Williams, Kortnie Walker, Ashleigh Smith, Friday’s Foolery, King Kie, King The Healer, Jah Born, Cure for Paranoia, Miracle Foster, JD Beck, Domi Degalle, TonyJR, Chris Traylor, Daytrion Cook, Brayla, Paul Cannon and the Band, Kierion Johnson, LaLa Johnson, Polo the Vibe, Azwalf Hanzwolf, BobbySession, Zyah, RC and The Gritz, Flower Child (Flozilla) Rashaad Moss, Que P, Quentin Moore. I’m sure I forgot so many but I love each and everyone of you, the error is in my MIND, not in my HEART!
What I am proud of is the fact that these being accept me as I am, allowing me to love them unconditionally. This provides the room for constructive direction, thought provoking actions and goal setting abilities. This allows me the opportunity to provide my little nuggets of professionalism and whatever maybe needed in their musical endeavors a great pleasure, knowing I contributed something meaningful to their careers. I am capable of mixing business and personal relationships, with set boundaries to create a positive atmosphere. What I am most proud of: the respect given to me and the genuine relationships I’ve gained in my travels.
What sets me apart from others: Me: a loving professional who understands not everyone is the same, each being has something magical to offer, I’m here to assist with finding that magic, to be that voice, a friend, a whisper to push and encourage, to stand beside them, to protect them and to advise them through their encounters in a challenging entertainment environment.
The most important thing is to inspire people so they can be great at whatever they want to do.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I like best about Dallas is opportunities. No matter what your passion is, there is the opportunity to create a space for your gifts and talents. There is room for everyone.
What I can say my least favorite is, in most cases, the resources are not always readily available and some venues not realizing the worth for all the talents in this rich music community.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 972-375-1869
- Email: maspound4pound@gmail.
com and themosaicageny@gmail.com - Instagram: instagram.con/mas_
pound4pound and Instagram.com/ always_lovingy_me - Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/michelle. thomasamalaha, https:// facebook.com/ poundforpoundbymichelle, https://themosaicagency - Twitter: https://twitter.com/
AlwaysLovingly
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