Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcellus “Marz” Lawhorn.
Marcellus, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
The most amazing thing about this is that I never thought this would be my career, to be able to just enjoy celebrating with people. I got started because I loved to dance. You won’t believe this, but I was discovered by Walter Payton because I loved to dance. I had a short stint in the nightclubs for about six years and then moved into the private sector and started doing private events – bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings, corporate parties, and everything else. That is how my road came about. I worked for another company for about 10 years or so and then decided to take the leap and start Charizma Entertainment.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Charizma Entertainment was not my vision, it was the vision of my late partner Vance. Unfortunately, he passed away the day we started this amazing organization. It’s hard enough trying to start a new company, but imagine losing your business partner the day you start the company – it’s crazy. That struggle was more emotionally tough than it was “starting a new business” tough because I lost one of my best friends. But, 16 years later we are still going strong! I think a large part of that is because my partner Lance and I had a vision that if you allow people to just be in the moment and just enjoy themselves, the moment won’t disappoint you. I have kept that in mind all this time and remembered that no matter who was a part of the organization, it was important to teach them to enjoy people in their own skin. That is what is so unique about Charizma.
Charizma Entertainment Group – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
What Charizma Entertainment specializes in is DJ entertainment and event production. But our focus is the people and getting to know them in a special way so that we can inspire them to celebrate like they have never celebrated before. Our DJs, our emcees, and our dancers are unique in the way that we expect them to have a great personality and use that to inspire clients. We hope to inspire clients to have fun, to laugh, and to not worry about looking so perfect, so that they can just let go and celebrate like that moment in time is the only moment that matters. Everybody knows that Charizma Entertainment doesn’t do bad events – we do amazing events. But what is more important to those amazing events is that both myself and my team develop amazing friends and clients.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Who else deserves credit – have you had mentors, supporters, cheerleaders, advocates, clients or teammates that have played a big role in your success or the success of the business? If so – who are they and what role did they plan/how did they help:
Our clients have supported us in so many ways. For myself, I have a lot of people who have influenced me. My team members who are younger than me – not too much but just a little bit! – they help me stay sharp. I get inspiration from my clients who helped start the company, the ones who have shown me into their homes and shared holidays with me, and so many other things. My inspiration comes from all around. And now, as a father, my inspiration also comes from my little girls. They teach me every day and not only keep me sharp with what 12-year-olds are listening to but more importantly, they show me the way to the future – the way that we are going to continue to entertain at Charizma Entertainment.
Every great event starts with people and that is the most the important thing. People make an event, we are just simple conductor of an orchestra. I am very fortunate that I can do three different things at an event – I can DJ, I can emcee, and I can dance. And at any moment, at any one of my events, I can step into that arena and add something to that event. We have a lot of people in the organization who can do that as well. We are all interchangeable, which is a beautiful thing, so maybe one day I’m an emcee, maybe one day I’m a DJ, and maybe one day I’m dancing. It doesn’t matter because we all fit together like puzzle pieces and that is important. Charizma Entertainment will continue to thrive and grow because very simply, people are what makes us amazing.
Be sure to check us out on Facebook. We are constantly up information on great events that we do. I hope to see you guys out there!
Contact Info:
- Address: 3186 Doolittle Drive Northbrook, IL 60062
- Website: http://doyouhavecharizma.com/
- Phone: 847-722-7378
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charizmamarz/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharizmaEntertainment/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/charizmamarz
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/charizma-entertainment-northbrook-2
- Other: WeddingWire: https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/charizma-entertainment-northbrook/162b744e735c19df.html
Image Credit:
Sprung Photo
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