Meet Netta Shaw | Professional Event Planner & Boutique Venue Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Netta Shaw and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Netta, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
A few habits that have helped me are maintaining a positive, thankful and grateful attitude, writing down my goals, creating annual vison boards, not being afraid to ask questions, and being ok with stepping outside of my comfort zone.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m the proud Owner of Soul Dustrial Corporate & Private Event Boutique Venue and Owner/Sr Wedding and Event Planner for Heartship Celebrations!

I have over 25 years experience in Business Management and Customer Service. I also have more than 15 years in corporate, private, and wedding planning experience. And have been a contracted planner and coordinator for other venues right here in the Valley!

I absolutely love being a planner and now a venue owner. I have the opportunity to continue to share my experience as a planner and event designer to help guide clients who may not know how to set-up a space or even have the interest in doing so. I feel blessed to be able to provide a service to those who are looking for a budget friendly intimate space that can be used for a variety of events. While thinking about what to name my venue, I knew for sure that I had to include God, as I know that if it were not for my faith and relationship with God this would not be possible. I also like the modern look and feel of an industrial space. And somehow clocks and gears remind me of the time and grind it takes to work towards your goal, lol. So that’s how I came up with the name Soul Dustrial, pronounced SO-Dustrial! 😉 And though most industrial spaces can feel hard and cold, that is the opposite of how I wanted my venue to feel.

Soul Dustrial is not only modern, its warm and inviting. Also chic, classy, and sophisticated with an industrial touch. And that’s exactly the atmosphere I want to provide to my clients.

Planning and decorating was very natural for me. I’ve worked in corporate America for many years and I always found a way to be a part of a community event or work for non-profits that have a heart warming, life changing mission. I’ve been blessed to hold positions that allowed me to help others and continue to do what I love and that was helping bring peoples vison to life and/or making a difference within our community.

When COVID impacted our community, I had to re-evaluate my life, my time, and the time I spent with my family, so I made a decision to turn my part-time passion into a full time business, therefore becoming a business owner.

How did you get to where you are today business-wise. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

Getting to where I am today has definitely not been easy. I grew up very poor, but my mother always taught us to be grateful for what we have, even when we didn’t have enough food to eat at times. Also I lost my mother to cancer when I was 16 years old, which forced me to grow up faster than I needed to. And then I became homeless for a time at 17 years old. And eventually a single mother after my divorce. So at times it felt like there was always an obstacle in the way to slow me down. I overcame those challenges because I refused to give up. I’ve always been a go-getter, so a little set-back has never stopped me.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

Every challenge I have ever experienced became a life lesson that pushed me even harder to go after what I want. A few lessons that I’ve learned along the way is to; believe in yourself even if no one else does. Sometimes we want the love and support of friends and family and when the support is not there it can bring you down tremendously, but if you believe in yourself and your goals, then you should work towards it with or without others negative thoughts, opinion, and/or support. Also, never be ashamed of your journey and don’t let someone tell you to stop sharing your story. Your story is your life’s testimony and just may be the encouragement that a person needs to hear to keep going. And don’t let the first “no” stop you because the second or third ask may be a yes!  Lastly, if you’re in a position to help someone, help them. God just may be answering that persons prayer through you.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I would love the world to that I have a big heart and I love helping others. I wish I could do so much more. However, Im pleased with were I am on my journey and being able to provide a service to my clients makes me very happy, rather its planning an event or hosting one, I get to do what I love on a daily basis.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I enjoy being out and about in nature, so a nice walk or hike is always enjoyable. Also, a road trip is always good! And I absolutely adore the beauty and tranquility of Sedona, so I would definately take my friend there for a visit. Its definitely a must see for anyone visiting Arizona. I’m also a foodie and I enjoy trying new things (within reason, lol) like cultural food and unique dining experiences. So taking my friend to one of my favorite spots or to a new restaurant would be on the list of things to do for sure!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m thankful for my relationship with Jesus Christ and for the many blessings in my life including my wonderful mother, Dorothy Ruth Shaw. She was the strongest most beautiful woman in my life. She was my heart, my strength, my rock. She taught me how to love myself and others, how to be kind, how to be a light in this world and how to be positive even in the face of negativity and adversity. She taught me how to love unconditionally, without judgment. I’m grateful to have had her in my life for the years that I did and I miss her tremendously.

Website: souldustrial.com

Instagram: souldustrialphx

Facebook: Soul Dustrial Corporate & Private Event Boutique

Other: I’m also the Owner/Sr Planner for Heartship Celebrations & Events IG; Heartship Celebrations FB: Heartship Celebrations ww.heartshipcelebrations.com