What if the feeling is the plan? That’s the question we chase with Preston Poindexter, a Memphis-born creative who blends church-bred musicianship with operations savvy to build events that actually mean something. From drumline captain who learned by ear to community-focused producer and founder of Black Opal, Preston shows how letting passion lead can still sell out rooms, without selling out the soul.
We unpack the blueprint he grew up with: a music producer dad who gave him tools instead of rules, and a supply chain pro mother who taught him structure without killing the spark. That balance now shapes the way he designs experiences, like a modern roaring twenties New Year’s party where hip-hop met elegance and strangers felt like old friends by midnight. The method is disarmingly simple: start with the feeling, reverse-engineer the operations, and shave constraints without touching the core emotion. Think fewer, truer words; visuals that carry mood; and marketing that invites people to “play along” instead of perform for the algorithm.
Preston also breaks down why people, not code, are the algorithm, why joy beats outrage for building durable communities, and why your books and taxes matter as much as your theme and playlist. We talk passion vs outcome, the lost art of hobbies that aren’t side hustles, and the quiet power of adult spaces designed for connection rather than networking. Plus, a preview of Club Noir: a monthly, dressed-to-impress social hour for a 25-plus crowd that wants to feel good without the noise.
If you’re a creator, event producer, or simply someone who misses making things for love, this conversation offers a roadmap with heart. Subscribe, share this with a friend who’s stuck in hustle mode, and drop a comment: what feeling are you building next?
The Algorithm Is People: Creating Experiences That Actually Connect
Creative producer Preston Poindexter shares how to design events that sell out by starting with feeling first. Learn how passion led experiences, smart operations, and community focused marketing build meaningful gatherings, creative businesses, and joyful adult spaces.
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