Milena Mijuškovic is on the RISE in CULTURE

The Media Prince sat down with Milena Mijuškovic, a powerhouse who is quickly setting the tone and redefining the infrastructure of the DMV nightlife scene. A renowned events coordinator and hospitality entrepreneur, Milena has become a driving force behind some of the region’s most talked-about experiences, seamlessly blending sophistication, creativity, and cultural influence. Her vision and leadership are shaping a new era of nightlife that celebrates community, style, and inclusivity. On the rise to becoming a true beacon of culture in the DMV, Milena Mijuškovic is not just curating events, she’s building a movement that embodies the pulse and prestige of the city itself.

Today, she helps lead projects such as Vera Cocina & Bar, Culture DC, and her passion project, Vibras DC, which celebrates Latin culture and creates inclusive spaces for immigrants and diverse communities. Her experience in the events industry has also supported her charitable work, where she contributes to organizing events for her church and Serbian charity organizations in the U.S.

Known for her eye for detail and her drive to create memorable experiences, Milena continues to push boundaries while staying true to her belief that hospitality is about connection, resilience, and bringing people together.

TMP: How would you sum up Milena Mijuškovic in three words?

MM: Joyful, resilient, overthinker

TMP: How did you get your start in the industry?

MM: My friend was looking for an extra job, so I asked another friend to hire her. He agreed, but only on the condition that he bring us on as a package deal. At the time, I had never been interested in the restaurant events industry, I was studying languages, with the hope of translating books or pursuing teaching, which I always believed was my true calling. But hospitality has always been in my blood, deeply rooted in my family’s love for hosting. Because of that, stepping into the industry came surprisingly naturally to me.

TMP: How important was it to create something that would become a part of the DMV infrastructure?

MM: What we envisioned was something different from a dry, transactional service, a creative space where people’s ideas feel welcome. Quality and consistency in our product are essential, and we find a great deal of beauty in the small details that are so often overlooked. It can be challenging to outdo yourself each time, but it’s important to remember that simplicity carries its own beauty. Finding that balance is what truly matters.

TMP: How did you come up with the name Vera and Culture?

MM: I wasn’t part of the creative process of naming, but Vera was inspired by the port city of Veracruz, where many Lebanese immigrants settled in Mexico. Vera tells the beautiful story of those immigrants who left their homeland behind but carried with them spices, traditions, and dishes that would leave a lasting influence. Much of Mexican street food today is shaped by that migration, and with Vera, we wanted to celebrate the love story between two very different cultures that, over time, blended together seamlessly.

Culture, on the other hand, was created for the people and for the Culture. Our vision was to build an inclusive space where everyone feels safe, equal, and united, a place where culture itself brings us together as one.

TMP: Now can you explain the difference between Vera and Culture?

MM: Vera is primarily a restaurant offering dinner, brunch, and late-night service, while Culture functions as an event space, activated only during scheduled events. Being a modular space, I often say that your imagination is the only limit at Culture.

TMP: What is your take on the growth of Ivy City?

MM: As much as I would love to say that Ivy City is steadily developing, the reality is that a few neighboring businesses have closed over the years we’ve been here. We are constantly working with the city and doing our part to promote the area, though it can be challenging at times. That said, we’ve definitely seen a shift, many more people now feel comfortable coming to Ivy City compared to when we first opened. One thing is certain: we will continue to shine a spotlight on the neighborhood and remain resilient in our efforts to help it grow.

TMP: How do you keep yourself outside the box?

MM: My team helps me to always think outside the box. While I tend to be an overthinker, I draw so much inspiration from the people around me. Nayef, the main owner and creative force behind everything, constantly challenges me to push my limits and think bigger. Fatema, our General Manager and partner, is the one who grounds me whenever I start to doubt myself, always offering guidance and perspective.

In this industry, the people you surround yourself with mean everything. I’m grateful as well for Dusan, our Bar Manager, and for Mazen, Fadi, and Nour, who are all owners. Together, we hold one another to the highest standards and continuously push each other to reach our fullest potential.

TMP: What has been the most rewarding thing thus far on your journey?

MM: As an immigrant, this industry has given me a true sense of community. Working as an events coordinator, I have the privilege of planning someone’s special day and creating moments that they will remember forever. It’s an incredibly rewarding role one that continues to inspire me and keeps me going every day.

TMP: When did you know you had something and that it was working and taking over?

MM: Funny you ask, because in this industry the only constant is change, you never truly know if you’re doing the right thing. The only reassurance comes when you see happy faces and build long-term relationships with people who continue to return. One thing is certain: you can never get too comfortable. You always have to adapt, stay relevant, and keep pushing forward.

TMP:What advice would you give the younger boy or girl who is watching and wants to do what you do?

MM: In the service industry, it’s not just about what you’re doing, it’s about what people think you’re doing. Stay resilient and never let outside noise dim your light. When people start to copy you, take it as a sign that you’re doing something right. Use it as fuel to keep creating, to stay unique, and to always be the one who sets the trend.

TMP: What inspires you?

MM: I am a very driven person, and I find a lot of beauty in creating and overcoming challenges. I used to dislike doing things for the first time, as the learning process has never been easy for me. I strive for perfection, which can sometimes make things even harder. But in the end, everything is a learning journey and my greatest inspirations are people and music.

TMP: What else can we expect from your brand next?

MM: We are currently working on a few exciting projects. We recently launched AI Pop-Ups at Union Market, a 15,000-square-foot event space and are preparing to open Tigres De la Noche, a smaller venue, which is expected early this fall. With my passion project, Vibras DC, I am focused on creating more space for Latin events. Even though I am Serbian, my love for Latin culture, combined with a desire to build inclusive spaces for immigrants, continues to drive this vision forward.