Women of the Disco: Part 13

Imani Lewis

Imani Lewis is the Director of Marketing Operations and Growth at Flighthouse, the premier Gen Z digital entertainment powerhouse known for its viral content and over 330 million followers across its brands. Based in Los Angeles, Lewis has made significant strides in the music and social media marketing landscape. Starting her career in event promotion in Las Vegas, she swiftly transitioned to artist management and creative direction for electronic act NAZAAR. Her dedication and innovative spirit propelled her to become a lead event manager, eventually earning the unique opportunity to help establish the music department at VRTCL.

In her previous role as Director at VRTCL, Lewis pushed the boundaries of digital music marketing, focusing on pioneering strategies for TikTok and short-form content. She built comprehensive campaigns in collaboration with artist teams, managed relationships with key industry stakeholders, and led a team of specialists to drive impactful results. Now at Flighthouse, Lewis continues to harness her creative vision and leadership to expand marketing operations and foster growth, remaining at the forefront of digital trends and music innovation.

Advice: I would say deep and meaningful relationships have really helped me find my success. You never know who will vouch for you in a room you might not even know exists! I wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t power through all the failures, no’s and rough patches. Every no has made me stronger and you gotta appreciate the learning that comes with failure.

Molly Polus

I was adopted from China and raised in Texas, navigating themes of identity and self-expression. Creativity has always been a part of me, but I didn’t fully embrace it until later. My professional career began in 2017, working at Apple while studying psychology and sociology at the University of North Texas. By 2019, I picked up a camera as an outlet and began experimenting with street photography, capturing everyday moments in Dallas.

I never really took photography seriously until I attended my first music festival, Lost Lands, in 2021. I was inspired by the raw connection between artists and the crowd, and that moment sparked my desire to capture live music through photography. After a chance conversation with a marketing professional at a local venue, I took the leap into the industry.

My first gig was photographing Chelsea Cutler at The House of Blues in 2022, and I continued building my portfolio while balancing a full-time job. After a year of providing press work for small venues, I began working with Disco Presents providing press coverage for festivals in Texas. My role expanded when Disco hired me directly for Texas Eclipse, where I provided sponsorship and experience photos for the in-house team. Since then, I have become part of their internal team for Ubbi Dubbi, Freaky Deaky, Shaq All-Stars, and Lights All Night. Additionally, I contribute media for Silo Dallas and work with touring artists when needed.

In November 2024, I left my corporate job after seven years to pursue photography full-time. Now, my days are a mix of creativity, strategy, and networking. I focus on telling stories through my photos–capturing the energy and emotion of live music.

Throughout my journey, authenticity and resilience have been key. I’ve learned to create art that resonates with me first, allowing me to connect more deeply with others. I embrace failure as part of growth and see creativity as a spiritual practice–a way to align with something greater than myself.

Advice: For anyone trying to break into media, own your space with quiet confidence. Trust your intuition. And never stop creating–not because you need to prove something to the world, but because it is an essential part of who you are. The world will catch up to your vision in its own time. Until then, keep honoring the talent within you.

Maddy George

I began my journey in the entertainment industry just before COVID, initially working with local promotional companies in the New England area as a street team member and performer. From there, I sought out more involved roles, gaining experience through marketing internships, assisting positions, and social media roles. In 2021, I secured a position with the incredible team at MP3 MAG as their social media manager, which later evolved into a marketing director role. Over the years I’ve had experience covering music festivals through editorial work, and briefly explored interviewing and event photography. Last year (2024) I had the incredible opportunity to begin working as a Publicist with MP3 PR.

My day-to-day responsibilities include leading and managing PR projects for MP3 PR’s growing roster of clients alongside an incredible team of visionaries. My work focuses on crafting compelling narratives, securing impactful media and press opportunities, consulting, and positioning our clients’ projects for success in a highly competitive market. I’ve assisted and led campaigns for a diverse range of teams, including AEG Rocky Mountains, Sublime, Jade Cicada, Of The Trees, EAZYBAKED, Tape B, ALLEYCVT, Mersiv, Barclay Crenshaw, DJ Diesel, and more.

The attributes that have helped me find success are determination, deep-rooted passion, and a willingness to keep moving forward despite obstacles. I’ve definitely had to learn to give myself grace and embrace the journey of being a work in progress in this field because I put a lot of pressure on myself to excel at everything right from the start.

Ultimately, knowing what I want out of life and refusing to settle for anything less has been the main force behind my achievements in this industry–along with just being grateful. Contributing to something bigger than myself and constantly being surrounded by creative, forward-thinking, passion-driven individuals is seriously the greatest gift I could ever ask for. Music has been the one constant throughout my entire life. This art and the community at large have been my driving force at my lowest points and I’m just beyond thankful that I get to wake up everyday and do what I love.

Advice: STAY FIERCE! Be unapologetically relentless in chasing your dreams and don’t shrink yourself. Stay authentic, lead with love, and believe in your power.If nobody hears you–get louder. <3

Stacy Majors

I started gigging in 2005 catering the ACL music festival. It absolutely kicked my ass, and I was hooked from there. I stayed with that company (still actually work with them to this day!) and was able to create the liquids (water and ice) program for festivals, as well as work some phenomenal events along the way. ACL, Lollapalooza, Redbull X-Fighters, Avon Breast Cancer Walks, NFL Draft, and the Election Night and Inauguration of Barack Obama.

I’ve lived many lives and many places between gigs over the past 20 years but have never left the industry. There’s something about helping bring together all the moving parts of large-scale events that’s magical. No matter what positions I’ve held over the years (event / production / office / restaurant management, massage therapist, and even flying trapeze artist) they can all help sprinkle a little knowledge and skill to any project. Bonus fact, I turn 40 exactly 4 months from today! So, I’ve been giggin’ half my life!

I’m half of the dynamic duo Quartermaster team for Disco Presents. Also, a sort of site mom / site sister to my festival family.Together with Site Crew, we are the first in and last out boots on the ground that make the magic happen. The QM position is an evolving catch all for everything on site. *Quartermaster: A quartermaster is an officer who supervises logistics and requisitions, manages stores or barracks, and distributes supplies and provisions. In many navies, a quartermaster is a seaman or petty officer with responsibility for navigation and operation of the helm of a ship. We handle everything from rental and asset management, distribution of such, inventory, shipping and receiving, key master / keeper of the keys, motorpool, tool management, fueling, heavy equipment, and the liquids program (water / ice / cooler distro). The go-to team for anything you need. From a zip tie to a sky jack, we have it.

You’re only as good as your team, and I’m surrounded by the best! Showing appreciation and making people feel valued is key to a smooth working environment. Being coachable and eager to learn, as well as taking constructive criticism and improving is important. Keep it light and have fun. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Build and cultivate these relationships. Being organized, task oriented, and prioritization on those tasks is huge for me. I love a good list! In fact, I scribbled one out on paper just to get these thoughts out.

Paper notes are amazing. Never be too proud to write it down, especially when you think you’ll remember.

Advice: Anything you lack in experience; you can make up with attitude!

Adriana Lee

My journey into the music industry started 8 years ago with one big stroke of luck. I got into EDM in college and would go to LA all the time for shows and festivals but it never occurred to me that I could actually work on some of the shows I grew up going to. My background is in fitness. I’ve taught yoga, Pilates, and other fitness modalities for 12 years. My career started when a big EDM festival in my hometown added camping 8 years ago and was looking for yoga teachers. I got hired on for that show and then several others with AMB Event Group. I tried to make myself useful at those first festivals I taught yoga at and was quickly hired on to do more.

My day to day responsibilities include putting together interactive displays, creating pretty spaces that add to the magic, and running fun activities like a camp counselor. There’s a lot of logistics and hard work involved, of course, but it’s also been the most rewarding and creative position I’ve ever had.

Attributes that have helped me find success within your profession is teamwork for sure. I’m always willing to help with whatever I can. Creativity has also been huge for me, both artistically and finding creative solutions to make life easier. Communication is key and I’m not afraid to ask a ton of questions.

Advice: Things will take you places if you let them. Embrace your unique voice and never hesitate to carve your own path.

Jenny Holcomb

With a passion for event production and marketing, I began my journey in the entertainment industry nearly four years ago with Disco Presents, starting as an hourly staff member at festivals. I quickly fell in love with the fast-paced environment, the incredible people I met, and the unique experiences that each event brought. During this time, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management, which deepened my understanding of the industry and allowed me to take on greater responsibilities within the company.

Now, as the Vendor Operations Manager at Disco Presents, I oversee the hiring and onboarding of food vendors, retail vendors, and sponsors for each festival. During events, I serve as the main point of contact for vendors, ensuring seamless operations and an exceptional experience for all involved. In addition to this role, I also contribute to social media marketing at SILO Dallas, crafting compelling content that captures the venue’s energy and fosters a thriving community.

My success in this field stems from my strategic mindset, leadership abilities, and commitment to smooth execution. I thrive on creating with a strong vision and coordinating efforts to bring ideas to life.

Advice: I believe that confidence and consistency are key to success in any industry–trust in your abilities, take initiative, and stay dedicated to your goals. With determination and a willingness to keep learning, long-term growth is inevitable.

Manda Miller-Martinez

I work as an Exec. Assistant to the Owner at AfterDark Entertainment, a Central TX based production company that hosts shows at The Marc, Bazaar, Mayfair ATX, Devil May care and more! I graduated from Texas State University in 2019 and have worked as an Admin at The Marc since 2018. Starting as a ticket scanner and street team promoter, I have since made my way to being an Admin for The Marc, handling anything from bookings to social media to harm reduction to box office management- there aren’t a lot of things I haven’t done at The Marc, which is why I call it my 2nd home! Another component of my work with AfterDark is our harm-reduction team called the AfterDark Angels. This team was re-vamped in 2022 and consists of amazing volunteers who are trained in Narcan distribution, SA response and prevention, and in overdose response. Originally, the Angels were a team of our top female promoters, but after the original founder left, I saw an opportunity for the Angels to have a higher purpose. Being in and out of 30+ shows every year, I would see time and time again how necessary harm reduction is in a concert/rave setting. And that’s how the AfterDark Angels were re-born!

I started working with Disco Donnie (Disco Presents) over 2020 at the famous Drive-in raves that I was connected to by some of my Marc staff members. After several years of doing box office for Disco, I now am happy to say I am a box office manager and have been absolutely thrilled with every experience I’ve had with DDP!
Outside of my work with AfterDark, I also curate my own local events in San Marcos TX under Dose of Dance and LGBTQ+ events under Loud & Proud presents. I also have been a DJ under the alias AMINAL since 2017

Currently, I am the Exec. Assistant to the Owner of The Marc and AfterDark Entertainment. This means I essentially do anything that needs to be done for the company, which could include handling bookings, finances, hiring and staffing for events, pitching and coordinating new event ideas, running our social media pages, managing interns, calendars and so much more. Its my job to make sure all the dots are connected between different departments and different businesses to make anything from big concerts to local weekly events happen smoothly and efficiently! Within my title, I also act as box office manager and merchandise manager, which requires me to handle anything having to do with ticketing, guest lists and merch for all of our large-scale shows. I have worked on ticketing for both AfterDark Entertainment and for Disco Presents on larger scale events, and I truly love it!

Being adaptable and having an open heart and mind are extremely important. Being able to quickly shift focus and adapt to the situations presented in front of you is super key to any part of this industry, whether it be on site operations or behind the scenes planning. Most times, I have been one of the first people someone sees when arriving at either my home base venue or at large festivals, so attitude and overall presence sets the tone for not just how people remember me personally but how people remember their experience as a whole. And when you love what you do, it becomes much easier to have a welcoming and bright attitude!

Advice: I held onto a fortune cookie that read “Don’t accept that others know better than you”. Yes, of course, keep an open mind always, but never doubt yourself in your skill and your knowledge, especially to women in music industry fields. Every day is an opportunity to learn, in all areas of life, but your voice holds so much power if you truly put your mind to what you want to achieve. Know and OWN your worth and never let anyone dim your light- shine on!!