Candace and Patrina Aku were both born and raised in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. They’re wives and moms of two daughters and 2 boy pups. Passionate about community affairs and invested in creating the changes they would like to see, the couple noticed our community was missing a dedicated space to host events for organizations and community members to come and thrive in their causes. They wanted a space to host family or intimate gathering, but one that would also extend an opportunity to build better business to business relationships. The venue needed to be affordable, flexible, and in a convenient location. Thus, The Aku Venue Event Center, LLC was birthed. Candace and Trena are excited to bring something new and fresh to our community to enhance the lives and businesses of others. (Visit www.theakuvenue.com for more info!)
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?Trena graduated from Job Corp with a certification in Business. Immediately following Job Corp, Trena made a decision to go into the Police Academy. She served as an officer for 8 years. In addition to keeping the community safe, she achieved licenses in Cosmetology, Barbering, and Nail Technology. Trena also has experience in operating heavy machinery and is skilled at artwork and auto body work. She’s very passionate about justice, equality, and the well-being of others. This is what motivates her to do the work.
Candace graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Clemson University and is a graduate of The Citadel Graduate College, having received a Master of Science in Technical Project Management. She’s been at Google for 8 years, employed as a solutions consultant. Her previous career roles in the corporate world have helped her realize that her passion is in initiating projects to better processes, organizing chaos & functions, and inspiring others to become their greatest versions.
We have hosted a variety of events for the community and business owners. Moncks Corner is the 4th largest growing city in South Carolina. The market is expanding, so it’s an opportune time to add to it, especially in the events industry niche.
Together, we have put many stakes in the ground. In addition to The Aku Venue, we have hosted The Annual Afrikan Konciousness Koalition festival for the past 7 years in the city of Moncks Corner. This festival highlights local businesses and organizations while giving community members a fun, safe, and enlightening environment to learn more about the African-American culture, history, and overall diaspora. (Visit www.akkfests.org for more info!) Also, we run South Carolina Buy Black Locally (SCBBL), a webbased ____. Together, we balance each other and are unstoppable. Each of our business ventures serve a purpose, and our operations are continuously being improved.
We enjoy creating a sense of relatability for our youth and peers through our business. We want people to know that with hard work, anything you think can become a reality. It also gives us joy to see each of our client’s joy in the experience of using our space.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Over 8 years
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Hawaii
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Home Alone and The Cosby Show
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Believe in yourself, because YOU CAN!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Visit all 50 states for at least 3-5 days each
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Tasha Cobb
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Some of the historic buildings that are still standing on East Main Street. Riding through that area reminds you of how things have evolved over the years and where our city has come from. The Train Depot is a great historical mark that should remain standing for many years to come.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Trena says Mariska Hargitay from Law and Order SVU 🙂 Because in a scene she opened up a home for molested and battered women in her real life even though she wasn’t in law enforcement. It would be interesting to know more about her heart and passions. What drives her to do what she does on TV and how does that extend to her real life?
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Being able to see our community thrive from the members within it. All of the Black-owned businesses that are coming to life is super rewarding. Diversity will keep our community thriving!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Completely free from Corporate America! 🙂
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Tennessee mountains in Gatlinburg
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Birth Months, Kid’s Birthday (Holiday), Saturday
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Each other 🙂
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Our daughters
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Fresh linen & coffee
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
No-place like home
