Meet the Trailblazers

A collective vision for business advancement brought these conference curators around the fireside in early autumn, where a casual yet candid conversation proved to be productive in their small circle setting. Enthusiastic to share their expertise with a wider audience, The Ignite Intensive was created.

Together, the masterminds behind this one-day program offer over 60 years of event experience and an ethos that centers on elevation. An unwavering commitment to their craft and a dedication to dreaming big saw Michelle, André, and Lisa push event aesthetics and entrepreneurship beyond the expected. With an intention to redefine what can be achieved by aiming high, the expert force behind The Ignite Intensive is excited to widen their sphere for others who wish to do the same.

  • Michelle Gainey | Lemiga Events

    EVENT TASTEMAKER & EXPERIENCE CURATOR

    There is an art to entertaining. It’s exactly this sentiment that drew Michelle Gainey to found her own event design house in 2004. Named by Harper’s Bazaar, Brides, and BizBash as one of the top event designers & wedding planners in the world, Michelle has planned, designed, and produced events worldwide.

    From celebrities like Cardi B and Idris Elba to brands like BET and Four Seasons, Michelle designs iconic events and has made her mark in Atlanta and beyond as a tastemaker of hospitality for the past 18 years.

    Her design process reimagines familiar concepts, intertwining every element of the event to the heart of her client and what they want to express. She connects to the deeper purpose of creating moments where every detail is intentional.

    Michelle is beloved by her clients for her calming presence, expert guidance, and gift for taking an event beyond what they could envision. What makes her designs so iconic is her ability to artfully compose distinctive experiences.

    Outside of events, Michelle empowers other creative business owners and cherishes time with her husband and three children, who inspire her to continue creating legendary life moments through a heartfelt approach.

  • André Wells | Events by André Wells

    PLANNER + DESIGNER

    André Wells is the Founder and CEO of Events by André Wells (EAW) LLC, a highly sought after fullservice event planning and design firm based in Washington, D.C. responsible for creating cutting edge productions.

    Wells is recognized as one of the most creative and revered event planners in the country, making him and his team of event professionals premiere tastemakers of the industry. Wells’ productions have been featured and syndicated across major networks and cited in numerous print and digital publications which include but are not limited to, Vogue, Martha Stewart Weddings, Ebony, and Capitol File.

    EAW is invested in producing high caliber, high profile, avant-garde events which cater to top-tier brands and high profile clientele. Wells also provides consulting to many corporations as it relates to events and sponsorship marketing. Some of his clients include FedEx, AT&T, Comcast NBC Universal, The Walt Disney Company, BET Networks, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, CNN, members of the White House Administration, The National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Smithsonian Museum of African Art, Essence Magazine, Jack and Jill of America, MCLyte, and Debra L. Lee.

    The EAW signature experience has included red carpet premieres, “OSCAR” parties, society weddings, corporate launches, and major political inaugural celebrations and fundraisers. EAW continues to work domestically and internationally and has coordinated numerous special events, (LA, NY, Chicago, DC, Miami, Atlanta, New Orleans, Florida, the Carolinas, Philadelphia, Europe and the Caribbean Islands)

    André is a member of many professional organizations, which include Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the National Association of Guardsmen Inc. and the Consorts. Wells is a community leader and has devoted countless hours volunteering with inner- city schools as a mentor and motivational speaker. He also lends his time and resources to raise funds and awareness for various non-profit organizations and remains an active contributor to the business and social communities in Washington, DC.

    André Wells resides in Washington, D.C. with his wife and son.

  • Lisa Zachery | Papered Wonders, Inc.

    CUSTOM STATIONER + GRAPHIC DESIGNER

    Lisa Renee Zachery is Founder and Creative Director of Papered Wonders, Inc. She has curated the gift of creativity and fueled it with passion to build a business that creates custom stationery that is not only admired, but desired around the globe. As a female entrepreneur and single mom, Lisa uses her expertise and knowledge to not only serve her clients but to also inspire other entrepreneurs as they seek to make their mark in the business industry. Lisa’s designs are incomparable and unparalleled. She credits her unique ability to surpass her client’s expectations to the Master Creator and is inspired daily by God given grace.

    Lisa is the proud mother of one daughter, Kennedy Renee and it is the moments spent with her that she treasures most.