HALA BISSADA PRESIDENT & CEO, HALA INC. FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR, SPIRIT OF NIAGARA

From Vision to Experience: The Spirit of Niagara with Hala Bissada

April 06, 2026•8 min read

There are some conversations that just flow effortlessly—the kind where you feel like you’ve known someone for years, even if you’ve only just met. That’s exactly the energy in this episode of Make It Count, where Michelle sits down with Hala Bissada, the creative force behind Spirit of Niagara.

What unfolds is more than just a conversation about events—it’s a story about connection, creativity, resilience, and building something meaningful that truly reflects who you are.

Instant Connection & The Power of Community

Michelle: Hi everyone, welcome back to another episode of Make It Count. Today I have a new friend that embodies creativity, purpose, empowerment—Hala Bissada from Spirit of Niagara. Thank you for joining me.

Hala: Oh, I'm so happy to be here, Michelle.

Michelle: It's crazy, right? Like, we became instant friends.

Hala: We did. We only met a few weeks ago.

Michelle: I know—and it feels like I’ve known you forever.

From the very beginning, their conversation highlights something powerful: the magic of genuine connection.

Michelle: I met you at an Empowerer event, and those events are amazing. You meet people from completely different backgrounds, but you find so much unity.

Hala: Exactly. It’s intimate—you can really connect. I walked away with at least three new friendships from just one event.

This moment sets the tone for everything that follows. Because for Hala, connection isn’t just a nice bonus—it’s the foundation of everything she creates.

Style, Personality & First Impressions

Before diving into business, Michelle touches on something fun—but telling.

Michelle: What caught my attention first? Your outfit—and your shoes! I was like, “Oh my god, she has the coolest shoes.”

Hala: (laughs) Shout out to John Fluevog. His shoes are like art pieces.

It’s a lighthearted moment, but it reveals something deeper: Hala sees creativity in everything—even the details.

Hala: I’m pretty simple with my outfits, but my boots give them personality.

And that idea—taking something simple and elevating it with intention—mirrors exactly how she approaches her work.

The Birth of Spirit of Niagara

Michelle: So tell us—how did Spirit of Niagara come to life?

Hala: I’ve led Hala Inc. for 25 years, producing events around the world. But Spirit of Niagara came from my love for this region.

For Hala, Niagara isn’t just a location—it’s an experience.

Hala: People think Niagara is just the Falls or vineyards—but there’s so much more. There are artisans, growers, creators… incredible stories that people don’t always see.

That realization sparked something.

Hala: I wanted to create events that bring those stories to life—and invite people to experience Niagara the way I’ve always known it.

And just like that, Spirit of Niagara was born—not as an event company, but as a storytelling platform.

Designing Experiences, Not Just Events

Michelle: What kind of events are you creating?

Hala: We just launched three signature events this year. One of them is Glow in the Vines—a wellness and culinary experience.

And when Hala describes it, you don’t just hear it—you feel it.

Hala: It’s a two-hour journey of breathwork, meditation, and yoga, guided by incredible experts. There’s live acoustic music, inspiring speakers, workshops like calligraphy and mandala painting—and of course, wine.

Set at the stunning Château des Charmes, it’s designed to be immersive from start to finish.

Michelle: I wanted to get married there—it’s such a beautiful space.

Hala: It really is. The vineyard becomes your backdrop. It’s a full-day experience, but that two-hour journey… that’s something truly special.

The Real Goal: Pause, Connect, Feel Joy

Michelle: What do you want people to walk away with?

Hala: A moment to pause.

In a world that rarely slows down, that answer hits differently.

Hala: People don’t take enough time for themselves. They don’t pause, reflect, or just be. I want people to connect—with themselves and with others—and experience joy.

Michelle: That’s so needed right now. Everything is so fast-paced, and even when we try to slow down, we feel guilty.

Hala: Exactly. Especially as women—we put ourselves last. This is an opportunity to put yourself first, even just for a day.

It’s not just about the event—it’s about permission to breathe again.

Why Niagara Feels Like Home

Michelle: What is it about Niagara that draws you in so much?

Hala: The moment I drive out of Toronto, I can breathe. The stress disappears.

She paints a picture of rolling vineyards, local farms, and a vibrant culinary scene.

Hala: There’s always something happening—wine tours, creative workshops, food experiences. And the community here is so welcoming.

But what stands out most is her appreciation for the people behind it all.

Hala: I love showcasing the growers, farmers, and makers. They are the heart of this region.

From Global Events to Personal Storytelling

Michelle: How is this different from the large-scale events you’ve done before?

Hala: With corporate events, you’re working within parameters. With Spirit of Niagara, I get to design everything from my own vision.

That creative freedom is what fuels her passion.

Hala: I look at every guest touchpoint—how they feel from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. That’s what excites me.

This is where Hala shifts from event planner to experience creator and storyteller.

A Career That Started by Accident

Michelle: Were you always creative growing up?

Hala: (laughs) I was the one planning all the parties in high school.

What started as fun quickly became something bigger.

Hala: I organized a charity event while working at The Keg, and that’s how my career began. There weren’t even programs for event planning back then.

Sometimes, the path isn’t planned—it just unfolds.

The Hard Side of Entrepreneurship

Michelle: Did you face any challenges along the way?

Hala: The biggest one was learning how to run a business. I was a great event producer—but business is a different skill set.

Without formal training or mentorship, Hala learned the hard way.

Hala: I made mistakes. I almost lost my home and my business. It was a huge learning curve.

Michelle: Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart.

Hala: It really isn’t. You wear so many hats, and failure is part of the journey.

But with time, perspective changes.

Hala: You learn not to sweat the small stuff.

Learning Boundaries & Self-Worth

One of the most powerful moments comes when they discuss difficult clients.

Michelle: Have you ever fired a client?

Hala: Yes—twice. And it was necessary.

Hala: I believe in partnership. If there’s no respect, it’s not worth it. Sometimes you have to let go of what doesn’t serve you.

It’s a reminder that success isn’t just about saying yes—it’s about knowing when to say no.

Building Something That Feels Like You

Michelle: When were you last proud of yourself?

Hala: Launching Spirit of Niagara. Finally bringing my vision to life.

That sense of ownership runs deep.

Hala: It’s mine—it reflects who I am. I’ve always been a host. Whether it’s events or dinner parties, it’s about creating an experience for others.

And that’s exactly how she sees her work.

Hala: When someone comes to your event, it’s like they’re coming into your home.

Happiness, Gratitude & Real Life

As the conversation winds down, it shifts to something more personal.

Michelle: What are your top three ingredients for happiness?

Hala: My dogs, my friends, and my partner Kevin. He makes me laugh every day.

It’s simple—but powerful.

They also touch on the pressure of social media.

Hala: Everyone’s life looks perfect online—but that’s not reality.

And maybe that’s the biggest takeaway of all.

Advice for Entrepreneurs

Michelle: What advice would you give to someone starting out?

Hala: Find a mentor. And know your worth.

She emphasizes something many overlook:

Hala: Don’t give your work away for free. Stand up for yourself.

Because building something meaningful starts with valuing what you bring to the table.

Final Thoughts: More Than an Event

This episode isn’t just about events. It’s about:

Creating meaningful experiences
Finding joy in connection
Building something that reflects who you are
And learning to pause in a world that rarely does

Hala Bissada reminds us that sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is slow down, connect, and truly experience the moment.

Because in the end, it’s not just about what you create—
it’s about how you make people feel.

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