In this episode, Sarah engages in a captivating conversation with Gary Sewell, the founder of Sintillate, a lifestyle brand that has evolved significantly over its 26-year history. Gary reflects on the transformation of the nightlife and hospitality industry, particularly in the wake of COVID-19, and shares insights into how Sintillate adapted by pivoting to daytime events like bottomless brunches. He discusses the early days of the brand, the challenges of maintaining a sustainable business, and the importance of community and customer experience. The episode also touches on the impact of social media, the changing dynamics of nightlife, and the significance of personal connections in the industry. With anecdotes from his journey, Gary highlights the essence of staying true to one's brand while continuously evolving to meet the needs of a diverse audience. Key Takeaways Adaptation to Market Changes: The brand has successfully evolved from traditional nightclub promotion to hosting daytime events like bottomless brunches, responding to changing consumer preferences and the impact of COVID-19 on nightlife. Community and Lifestyle Focus: The brand emphasizes creating a lifestyle and community around its events, attracting a diverse demographic that values experience over exclusivity, and fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all attendees. Innovative Marketing Strategies: Before the rise of social media, the brand utilized early digital marketing techniques, such as posting event photos online, which helped build a strong following and community engagement. Challenges in the Industry: The nightlife and hospitality sectors face significant challenges, including the loss of nightclubs, rising operational costs, and the impact of Brexit and COVID-19, which have made it difficult for many venues to survive. Long-Term Relationships and Team Dynamics: Maintaining a loyal team and fostering long-term relationships with staff and venues has been crucial for the brand's sustainability, with many employees staying for years and contributing to its success. Social Links https://www.tiktok.com/@provocateurspodcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPmCQvMWLaLTayKshPyGOEg Gary's Links https://www.instagram.com/garysintillate?igsh=ajAzdGxreWR0OTN1 https://www.instagram.com/sintillatelondon?igsh=eHBlZ3JwbXAxYTZl https://www.sintillate.com/london Host Bio Sarah Moxom is the ultimate powerhouse—an accomplished serial entrepreneur, seasoned investor, and master of navigating the human connection. At just nineteen, she founded her first company, a thriving temporary staffing agency, which she has successfully led for over two decades. With a remarkable ability to blend business acumen with emotional intelligence, Sarah is passionate about exploring the intricate interplay of entrepreneurship, relationship dynamics, people skills, and leadership. Her wealth of experience and sharp insights into human behaviour make her a compelling guide through the challenges of life and business. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your communication skills, build stronger relationships, or take your ventures to the next level, Sarah is here to inspire and empower you every step of the way. https://sarahmoxom.co.uk/ This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/