Meet Marti and Lola founders of WanderLuxxe, a luxury experience that generates and provides access to exclusive celebrity-attended film festivals around the world.

1 | Tell me about your company/career… What does your company do/job entail?

Marti: WanderLuxxe is a luxury experience curator that generates and provides access to exclusive events during celebrity-attended film festivals around the world. We align with prestigious brands, influential individuals and celebrity talent to engage a high net worth and diverse demographic of attendees with exclusive experiences that put them at the center of each festival’s most exciting activities.

Lola: WanderLuxxe is a luxury experience brand that provides access to events during international film festivals.  Starting in 2017, we activated at Sundance, Tribeca and Cannes Film Festivals.  We not only grant access to our members, but curate exclusive experiences for them to attend.

2 | How long have you been in business or working in your field?

Marti: We launched WanderLuxxe at Sundance 2017 but have been working in this industry for over a decade.

Lola: After returning from Cannes in 2016 we were talking about our experience over lunch in Malibu and observed that we could expose more people to these unique experiences. From there, WanderLuxxe was born.  We began identifying our vision: what we wanted to provide, what kind of experience we wanted our members to have and set to put into fruition what we realized during Sundance 2016. We had members experience the festival with accreditation, enjoy screening tickets, gain access to events and parties and then we hosted the after party for Burning Sands with a performance by Common in the WanderLuxxe house. This gave WanderLuxxe a lot of exposure that propelled us forward for the next festivals of 2017.

3 | What are some challenges you have faced being an entrepreneur/working your field?

Marti: Being an entrepreneur means wearing all hats and playing with the puzzle of finding enough time in the day to get it all done! Working in the film industry especially means that timelines are constantly pushed back and things change on a dime; there’s never a dull moment.

Lola: There is a significant learning curve with starting a business. It is not just designing the experiences for our members but also managing the legal and financial aspects of operating a business.  So outside of working to create experiences, we are also very involved with the day to day of making sure we have a business model that works.  We are passionate about WanderLuxxe and are excited to see it thrive.

4 | How much has social media impacted your business/career?

Of course social media is extremely important in any business in 2017. It allows us to keep our members and potential members in the know with up to the minute information. We even get to go “live”, on Instagram for example, which allows people a peek into the exciting world of Wanderluxxers; it’s what’s happening now!

5 | What makes you unique to other professionals in your space?

Marti: Being African American Women certainly sets us apart in an industry that is majorly run by white men, add in strong relationships in the film and events industry and we are a force!

Lola: I think potential partners are often surprised that we are young, black women. A lot of them are excited about it.  It is certainly an asset.

6 | What advice can you give to millennial entrepreneurs?

Don’t get too lost in your laptop or cell phone.

Marti:Human interaction and developing relationships is still such a key element to the success of a start up. Text less and pick up the phone to set a coffee date!

Lola: Strive to have a work/life balance.  It is often said that it cant be done and people claim they dont have time for anything outside of work.  While I am very excited about WanderLuxxe and committed to its success, I know there is more to life than work and I believe success is finding a balance.

7 | What are you currently working on?

Marti: We have recently launched our membership program http://www.wanderluxxe.com/become-a-member/ that we are so excited about! This membership will give guests an opportunity to experience all that WanderLuxxe has to offer year round!

Lola: We are currently spending a lot of time working on our Sundance offerings.  Last year we were new to Sundance and this year, we dont want to disappoint.  We are working to provide our members with even more access and additionally, we want to have a more robust programming at the WanderLuxxe house.  We want everyone to think of WanderLuxxe when they think of Sundance and ask “what is wanderluxxe doing this year?”.

8 | Bossfidence is all about finding your bliss and building your confidence, how did you know that you needed to branch out from your comfort zone?

Marti: I have always loved a challenge and I  am constantly looking to learn new things. When things get too easy I know it’s time to push the limits.

Lola: I was comfortable in a corporate job for most of my adult life.  I moved to Los Angeles when I was expecting my son, Hendrix, and left my job behind.  I had the luxury of being home with him for the first 18 months and when I was ready to rejoin the workforce I knew I didnt want a traditional job again. So while WanderLuxxe is a learning experience and can be extremely challenging, I felt confident about branching out because I thought it would be the best way for me to feel satisfied both at work and at home.  Not to mention, the support of my parents and my husband made it very easy for me to make this my new comfort zone.

9 | Who is your biggest influence or inspiration?

Marti: That’s a tough one! I would have to name a few as there are several who have inspired me. Ida B. Wells, Ava Duvernay, Amy Poehler, and Beyoncé. Their passion, trailblazing accomplishments, unapologetic and ferocious demand for equality are things I strive to possess

Lola: I would say my mother is my biggest influence and my grandmother is my greatest inspiration.  My mother was able to “have it all” as they say.  She was able to achieve career success while being a wife and a mother.  She was very active in our school and activities and I am just now realizing she is superwoman.  I don’t know how she did it! And my grandmother and I were so close.  We talked every day about everything.  I wanted her to be proud of me.  Every once in awhile I go to call her.  She would be rooting for me all the way.

 

If you’re headed to Sundance, be sure to get integrated into WanderLuxxe!