Brandon Sidney is on a mission to etch out a legacy that will last for generations to come.
With over a decade of experience in the tech industry, the native Chicagoan has honed his skills in building company culture, developing diversity strategies, and creating experiential events for top companies such as Airbnb, Brex, and Meta.
In addition to running BLK NOUT, the nonprofit he co-founded that focuses on uplifting and empowering Black communities, Sidney is also CEO and Founder of The Sidney Estate, a luxurious wedding and event venue with a beautiful legacy of it’s own that is set to open this fall in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood.
N’DIGO recently sat down with Sidney to learn more about the man himself, The Sidney Estate, and the beautiful legacy at the foundation of it all.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Brandon Sidney?
Brandon Sidney: I’m someone who values legacy and honoring my roots while using that foundation to innovate a path forward. I live to create spaces that inspire and bring people together. Whether it’s through my professional ventures, community work, or personal life, I’m focused on making an impact and leaving behind something that matters.
What are three words those closest to you would use to describe you?
Visionary. Compassionate. Loyal
How did you end up in your current career path?
My career started in the corporate world, working with tech giants like Meta, Airbnb, and Brex, where I managed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), as well as corporate events. Along the way, I realized my true passion was creating meaningful, personal experiences for people. This led me to pivot into event planning and entrepreneurship. After years of curating pop-up events and launching smaller ventures like Vibes ByB, I knew it was time to bring a long-standing dream to life with The Sidney Estate.
Please tell us all about The Sidney Estate?
The Sidney Estate is a premier wedding and event venue located in the SouthShore. It’s a tribute to the legacy of hospitality and community championed by my grandparents, Walter and Frenchie Sidney. With over 4,000 square feet of versatile, beautifully designed space, we offer a luxurious backdrop for weddings, corporate functions, and social gatherings. Our mission is to elevate every celebration and provide exceptional service that exceeds expectations. The Sidney Estate is a place where guests can feel the warmth of community and the refinement of timeless elegance.
Can you talk about the significance of being Chicago’s first black-owned south side wedding venue?
It’s an incredible honor to open the first Black-Queer-owned wedding venue on the South Side of Chicago. For me, it’s about more than just providing a space—it’s about creating a legacy. There is a stigma related to “luxury” in the black community and acknowledging our value. I hope to represent what quality, service and approachable luxury entails by delivering a product that elevates and inspires. At The Sidney Estate, we’re not just filling a gap; we’re setting a standard. Representation matters, and I’m proud to offer a space where people of color and the LGBTQIA community can celebrate their special moments in an environment that reflects excellence, elegance, and legacy..
Please also tell us about your nonprofit organization, BLK N Out?
BLK N Out is a non-profit I co-founded that focuses on creating safe and inclusive spaces for Black and queer individuals. Our mission is to break down barriers in both the business and social spheres by providing resources, mentorship, and a strong community network. We host pop-up events, provide workshops, and connect individuals with opportunities that help them thrive in environments where they might otherwise be marginalized.
What are three of your personal business mottos that you always try to abide-by?
- Excellence in everything: If you’re going to do it, do it well.
- Lead with Integrity: No matter how big or small, honesty and transparency build trust.
- People Over Profit: Success is about relationships and making a positive impact.
Having to juggle your work and various projects and real life and everything else, how do you maintain your mental health and/or self-care?
I’ve learned that maintaining my mental health is about setting boundaries and knowing when to say no. As someone who often takes on a lot, it’s important for me to find balance by prioritizing the things that refuel me. Understanding that I have to take care of myself first in order to operate at my full capacity.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
That I’m a huge fan of interior design and architecture. I could easily spend hours designing spaces in my head or looking at floor plans. I think that passion plays a big role in how I approach event design and the creation of The Sidney Estate. I’m also very intrigued by aviation and how airplanes are built.
Best advice to young entrepreneurs?
Keep going. The entrepreneurial path is not linear—it’s full of highs and lows. But as long as you stay committed to your vision and adapt to challenges, success will come. Don’t let the fear of failure stop you from moving forward.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
“You are deserving of good things ”
What’s next for Brandon Sidney and The Sidney Estate?
For The Sidney Estate the immediate goal is to launch our venue with a grand opening event this fall. We’re also focused on expanding our service offerings to include event planning, decor, and catering partnerships. Long-term, I hope to implement an apprenticeship program that teaches the next hospitality and events enthusiast the ins and outs of the event industry.
For more information on TheSidney Estate, please visit their website at www.thesidneyestate.com and connect with Brandon on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok at @brandon.d.sidney
