
Ryan
A loan of $6,000 helps a queer-owned pop-up lounge startup create theatrical décor and hire local performers.

Ryan's story
I’ve always been drawn to spaces that feel transformative, where design, music, and emotion blend to create something unforgettable. Before launching my own venture, I worked in Los Angeles as a production designer for film and television, crafting sets that transported people into entirely new worlds. That experience taught me how powerful it is to build something that makes others feel.
After years of helping tell other people’s stories, I wanted to tell my own—rooted in identity, creativity, and community. As a gay creator in Rochester, I wanted to design experiences that reflect LGBTQ+ individuals and our boldest allies, offering a sense of belonging and wonder that’s often missing from nightlife.
The Magician Lounge became my way to merge storytelling and hospitality into something more meaningful. Every event feels like a manifestation of my journey—a reminder that when we create from authenticity, magic always finds its way to the surface.