Taneesha Marshall is the owner of Clique Socially Event Space LLC and an alumna of LAEDA’s Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP). Clique Socially Event Venue has become a beloved destination for baby showers, birthdays, graduations, and intimate gatherings. Clients drawn to its charm, attention to detail, and the personalized care Taneesha provides for each event. Her hands-on approach ensures every celebration feels unique and filled with love. We had the chance to sit down with Taneesha to hear about her journey in entrepreneurship and her experience with LAEDA’s training programs.
(1) LAEDA: Entrepreneurship is a very challenging path to take with many different possible directions. What made you decide to become an entrepreneur?
“I would say it started as a hobby that turned into income, then a passion, and ultimately a purpose. It all began with my kids, a Cricut machine, and my love for event planning. What started as a side hustle became very profitable, and eventually I decided to bet on myself. For years, I helped oversee and operate successful businesses, and I kept thinking, “What if I did this for myself?” Taking that leap of faith showed me that something that once felt out of reach was actually possible with determination, hard work, and the courage to go after it.”
(2) LAEDA: Why did you choose your industry?
“Honestly, I think the industry chose me, and I simply followed where it led. I started by planning milestone celebrations for my children, and I realized how much joy and meaning there was in every detail. We created events that not only our kids looked forward to, but our guests did too. That excitement, energy, and connection are really where it all began.”
(3) LAEDA: Tell me about your experience while attending the EDTP program. What have the major takeaways been from the program? Have you had any “Ah-ha!” moments? How did the program help you?
“I could probably go on and on about this question, but I’ll keep it as short as I can. When I started the program, I was entering my second year as a venue owner. As a full-time entrepreneur and a full-time employee, this opportunity really opened my eyes to the importance of investing in my business and making the sacrifice to commit to a program like EDTP in order to gain support and resources. EDTP provides a strong foundation, and value the opportunity to network and collaborate with other entrepreneurs. My biggest “ah-ha” moment was realizing just how many local resources and support systems are available for small business owners. This program truly puts small businesses in a position to succeed, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity and the continued support.”
(4) LAEDA: Tell me about your journey on the road to business start-up. What have been some of the challenges, successes, failures, etc.?
“As an event planner and decorator styling events at various locations, I remember the exact moment the spark hit me. I thought to myself, “This is something you could do,” and I finally put that dream in writing. Building a business from scratch is never easy, and along the way, there were definitely hurdles. One of my biggest challenges was navigating the property search without a commercial realtor who specialized in the industry. Looking back, having that specific expertise could have saved me immense time by steering me away from properties that were not properly for an event venue. Yet, out of that, challenge came one of my greatest successes: becoming deeply knowledgeable about every single aspect of my business. Because I had to learn the ins and outs myself, I can now ask the right questions and powerfully advocate for my brand. If this journey has taught me anything, it is that consistency is everything. I’ve learned that a challenge is never a setback—it is simply a lesson in disguise and another beautiful opportunity to grow.”
(5) LAEDA: Could you tell me a little about where your business is today?
“Today, Clique Socially continues to grow, and that is what matters most. We remain committed to serving our customers and our community, which is something we truly pride ourselves on. At the same time, we make it a point to pour into other entrepreneurs and small businesses by connecting, hiring, and referring to them whenever we can. That’s why networking and community connections are so important in the business world—they create opportunities for everyone to grow together.”
(6) LAEDA: Do you have any advice for future (or existing) entrepreneurs?
“My advice to both future and existing entrepreneurs is simple: always know what is best for your business, and recognize when it is time to pivot. I have learned that true scaling is not about blindly chasing market trends; it is about creating sustainable growth that genuinely works for you and your target audience. To do that successfully, you must stay sharp and aware of industry shifts so you can adapt when the time comes. But as you adapt, never lose your curiosity—remain open to new opportunities and, above all, focus on building meaningful connections.”
Contact Clique Socially Event Space:
Visit: 530 Crown Point Rd West Deptford, NJ
Call: 856.210.3923
Email: taneesha@cliquesocially.com
Website: https://www.cliquesocially.com/
About the Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP):
The Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP) is a free, nine-week business skills training course offered in Camden, NJ in the spring and fall each year. Qualified entrepreneurs receive 72+ hours of training from industry professionals, business planning, and continued technical assistance. For more Information visit us at laeda.com or refer an entrepreneur using this form.