Anisa has a passion to provide people with intimate memorable experiences. With past experiences ranging from streetwear to metal smithing, she’s found her niche in music. For the past year, she’s kicked off Sofar Sounds in San Francisco, throwing small secret pop-up shows once a month at homes throughout the city (invite only via mailing list). As a brown girl bossing the indie scene, we asked her a couple questions over tea:

What keeps you throwing shows?

It’s great to produce magical experience for our guests, and also for the host, the bands, and my team. Last year we threw a show in the CTO of Pandora’s home, how rare is that? Beyond that, I love to empower peoples creativity. I don’t just mean the bands, but our team too when we are deciding how to creatively make shows cool, whether its getting graphic designers to make cool posters, or asking bands to go more unplugged.

In a way, I also get to have my own ideal experience with music. Growing up, I’d always want to sit in the front, go backstage etc. It’s funny how now I’ve finally manifested it. From making fake VIP bracelets with my friends at Coachella 10 years ago to throwing our own shows now where a band actually sang a Usher’s Nice & Slow to my face? It’s a dream.

You must be a networking fiend pulling together artists, hosts, and guests to volunteers, what’s your process?

You’ve really got to share your heart out, and seriously tell everyone. If you’re inspired, don’t force it, but you’ll never know what’ll come from it! Seriously, I give my card to every Lyft driver and tell them that’s their golden ticket. There’s no need to be really formal about it, just be genuinely friendly.

What are your tips for someone trying to start their own community projects?

It’s NOT EASY. Sometimes the amount of work will feel overwhelming, but value integrity to the community you’ve created. Remind yourself why you are doing it, and continuously stay inspired. That’s when you do your best work!

We’re so proud of Anisa’s come up so far with SoFar Sounds and appreciate her dedication to organizing and showcasing the amoebic music scene of the Bay.

If you’re interested in playing, hosting, helping, or attending a SoFar show in SF, hit them up! – http://sofarsounds.com/