Today we’d like to introduce you to Nadine Newman.
Nadine , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Immaculate Reception and Events began with a simple idea: creating a space where families and friends could celebrate life’s milestones in a warm, personal way without breaking the bank. What started as a vision has grown into a thriving micro-venue that now welcomes gatherings of all kinds, from baby showers and birthdays to graduations and celebrations of life.
This year is especially meaningful for us, the year of the 5’s. On December 5th, we’ll celebrate our 5th anniversary, having officially hosted more than 500 events. Today, we continue to serve up to 70 guests with thoughtful customization and high-quality service that makes every occasion feel unforgettable. Our journey has always been about more than just hosting events; it’s about creating memories that last long after the party ends.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like any small business, we’ve faced our share of challenges along the way. Balancing affordability with quality was one of the earliest hurdles; we wanted every event to feel special without losing sight of people’s budgets. We also had to learn how to maximize our micro-venue space, so it feels intimate and inviting rather than limited. And of course, the unexpected, like navigating a pandemic, tested our resilience and creativity in ways we never could have imagined.
Each challenge has shaped who we are today. They pushed us to get more creative, more resourceful, and more focused on the heart of what we do: giving people a place to gather, celebrate, and make memories that matter.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve spent more than 20 years developing leaders across industries ranging from healthcare, finance, and national defense to education, transportation, and now engineering infrastructure. Today, I serve as the Head of Growth and Development for an engineering software company dedicated to improving the world’s infrastructure for quality of life.
I specialize in understanding an organization’s unique needs, assessing challenges, and building learning strategies that strengthen the leadership pipeline for both current and future leaders. I have the ability to understand complex organizational challenges and utilize creative approaches to reach viable solutions that promote positive organizational change.
What I’m most proud of is the work I’ve done developing people and creating environments where they can truly thrive. What sets me apart is the way I build meaningful relationships and connect with people from every walk of life. My open and collaborative approach has not only shaped my own career but has also led to industry-recognized leadership development programs that equip leaders to be more strategic, more people-centric, and ultimately more impactful.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
The role that best prepared me for running a business was my time as Manager of Training and Marketing Communications at a finance company. The position was created to launch a new product, and during the interview process, the VP told me something that struck me: “This role will not be easy; you’ll hold the primary responsibility for the success or failure of this product.”
My responsibilities covered everything from market research and identifying new markets to working with local municipalities, training employees, developing marketing strategies, managing the product, and tracking performance and sales. The VP added that if nothing else, I would learn how to run a business, and he was right. By the end of my first year, I had generated $1M in revenue and expanded the product into markets across the U.S. It was one of the most challenging and rewarding learning opportunities of my career.
Looking back, that role became a real-life classroom. It taught me how to run a business, how to bounce back when things didn’t go as planned, and how to be creative with limited resources. It was one of the most challenging and rewarding learning opportunities of my career, and the lessons from that season still guide me today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.immaculatereceptionandevents.com/
- Instagram: @immaculatereceptionandevents
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/immaculatereceptionandevents
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadine-sackeyfio-newman-mba-246ab841/
