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With the hustle and bustle of an area like the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, it’s easy to feel like a small fish in a big pond. From awkward small talk to a grand gesture in poor taste, it’s difficult to even know where to start when it comes to finding a friend, partner or mutual professional that’s on the same wavelength.
L.I.T Circle – which stands for Laughter, Inclusivity and Togetherness – will hold its first official Mix & Mingle event 6-10 p.m. July 12 at The Meeting Place, 13612 Midway Rd. #601.
“[L.I.T Circle] is really to help provide a space for individuals to find community,” L.I.T Circle founder Imani Johnson said. “And [it’s] for people to genuinely find unique activities to do if they're tired of the same old party scene [and are] looking to connect with other people.”
According to Johnson, Mix & Mingle is an opportunity for attendees to not only professionally network, but to also find friendship or love. The event will use a wristband system to help indicate to others what someone is open to.
“A lot of times, people get into group atmospheres, and they really don't know how to approach people,” Johnson said. “And so, it's like a little icebreaker to kind of set the tone, so you kind of know what people are looking for.”
In addition to finding a mutual talking point based on one another’s wristbands, Mix & Mingle will also have food, a DJ, a 360 photo booth, a schedule full of games and activities and a custom mocktail class. “Each table will be designed based off of what you're looking for,” Johnson said. “So, we'll have games designated for if you're looking for love, [or] if you're looking for professionalism.”
Mix & Mingle has been in the making since May; Andria Lovitt, who has been helping brainstorm and is sponsoring the event space, said that Johnson has been receptive throughout the process when it comes to simplifying her vision and focusing on the experience of her guests.
“I’ve known Imani for about 2 months… [she] is very passionate about her community, and she has a genuine desire to make it better by connecting people,” Lovitt said. “I think Mix & Mingle will be helpful to the community because it will help people meet exactly who they’re trying to meet, without the ickiness of transactional networking… I’m looking forward to seeing her vision come to life.”
Johnson, born and raised in the area, founded L.I.T Circle three years ago to help those who are new to the area – or locals who want to get out there socially – explore different activities, restaurants and fun spots all over DFW each month.
“Honestly, I feel like I am a huge extrovert… so I just really wanted to provide activities on a monthly basis for individuals looking for a community,” Johnson said. “I feel like sometimes you can get lost in the crowd and lost into social media where you feel like… ‘I want friends,’ but then don't go nowhere to meet nobody. So.. I want to provide places where people come to my events [and] you’re not just a number in the crowd – you're actually getting connected.”
While this is L.I.T Circle’s first event titled ‘Mix & Mingle,’ Johnson said that she has organized about 30 events so far, ranging from a vision board party and a pop-up fitness event to karaoke night, bowling night, wine tasting and dinners. To keep up with upcoming events, Johnson said that the best way to remain connected is by following L.I.T Circle’s Instagram page, @litcircletexas.
“You're getting out of your shell, the opportunity to try something new,” Johnson said. “[I’m] very passionate about providing that space, making sure that I make all my guests feel welcome, making sure that they feel heard and making sure they feel valued. I think we live in a world that's under a lot of distress and different circumstances, and having an event that you can look forward to after a long week is something people look forward to.”
