By Brimming with infectious energy and forging her own path, Monique Belle is a ‘face’ in Dubai we always enjoy bumping into. From launching party brands to venturing into the F&B industry and tackling issues of diversity and inclusion, this entrepreneur and ‘Head Mischief Maker’ is going places, with a knack for hatching new and exciting projects that sprout from her passions and business acumen. This is a glimpse into Mon’s life less ordinary…
“I started Those Guys Events & Entertainment because…
I’m ambitious. I felt that if I really wanted to excel I needed to create my own platform to do it on. I’d gained enough experience working for different event and entertainment companies in the UAE, and was fortunate to see different sides of the events industry through these companies. I wanted to take the best bits of what I had learnt and bring them together under one roof. That’s how Those Guys Events was born.
“In a nutshell, Those Guys Events is…
an experienced live events and entertainment company based in the Middle East. We focus on creating memorable moments that bring people together. With over 15 years of international experience, we offer a variety of event solutions, from corporate events and event production to concerts, private events and product launches.
“The event I’m proudest of staging is…
Afrocentric, which is a monthly club night started by myself and DJ Dubai Cory Centric just over four years ago. I will forever be proud of this brand and the hard work that’s gone into building and elevating the brand and the music. The night centres around Afro House and Afrobeats with pre-Covid monthly residencies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. We’ve been able to take the brand into other countries and book a host of amazing artists like Ralf Gum, Monique Bingham, Bucie, Zakes Bantwane. We’ve also showcased incredible young up-and-coming Dubai-based DJs and performers such as GB, Zippy Man, Parvbar and DJ Tribe.
“My favourite international artist to work with has been…
Children of Zeus. I brought them over with a friend and business partner to kick off our live music series, titled TGxHMC Live. The boys are just superstars. Not only did they perform a fantastic live set, they’re all also just really nice Manchester boys. Definitely a duo I want to bring back soon.
“I branched out to launch Oh Brgr because…
food and beverage was always something I wanted to get into. Having an accessible fast food brand that could be a standalone, as well as service outdoor events, festivals and private events, makes good business sense to me given the direction I want to take with Those Guys Events. Burgers are a quick but good quality turnaround product and something we could have fun with. Also, as a non-meat eater, I wanted us to create a strong veggie burger as I don’t feel many other brands have a strong enough offering.
“This year I started Can We Talk DXB, which is…
a UAE-based media platform proudly dedicated to discussing black experiences, as well as uplifting black voices through content creation, brand and media partnerships, workshops, diversity and inclusion training and events. We recently launched our corporate diversity and inclusion training programmes. Now we’re working with several large companies in the UAE, including a Fortune 500 company, to bring diversity and inclusion training to their teams and upper management. I’m really proud I’ve been able to execute this brand as it’s a project I’m very passionate about. We also host monthly talk shows discussing topics that effect the community worldwide.
“Professionally, this year has been…
positive. At the start of the year I also created a second event brand named FR:DAY, which takes place at The Bungalow [a rather cool beach shack joint at La Mer] every Friday. Despite the pandemic pause, the night has gone from strength to strength with sold-out bookings and a strong DJ line-up.
“In addition, Those Guys Events has recently partnered with The Bungalow. We’re curating all the entertainment throughout the venue across the whole week. To help grow the brand, we’re actively looking at working with local promoters, event managers and DJs.
“Despite the challenges, the Coronavirus situation allowed me to…
take the rest my mind and body actually needed to reconnect with myself, enjoy my home, and realign my vision and things I want for me.
“The most rewarding part of being a self-confessed ‘Head Mischief-Maker’ is…
being able to give back and bring people up with me. Being in a position where I can collaborate and support other self-starters, help them build their own dreams and see them flourish is rewarding and something I’m very proud of.
“The best part of being an entrepreneur is…
it’s all in my control. There was a time between 2016 and 2017 when things were really hard for me, financially, with no work coming in. I thought I was going to lose my apartment. I’m not ashamed to admit I was scared but I continued and pushed through and had a breakthrough moment. Things are going to be hard and can seem almost near impossible at times but also, I have the power in me to change the situation. This has forever changed the way I handled my life on a day-to-day basis.
“When I’m not hustling, I like to…
shop for plants, repot plants, watering them and talk to them. I’m a self-proclaimed Plant Dad. It’s my meditation, my quiet time.
“For me, Dubai is…
home.”
