Today we’d like to introduce you to Taimyra Jones.
Hi Taimyra, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Wow, what a question! Where do I begin?
I got married very young, and by the age of 28, I was the mother of four amazing children and going through a divorce. At the time, I worked full-time for the federal government while pursuing a master’s degree in Legal and Ethical Studies. I suddenly found myself responsible for a mortgage, daycare for three of my children, and other household expenses.
I was—and still am—deeply in love with my children, and the thought of taking on a part-time job to support our family was simply not an option for me. So, I began thinking of all the ways I could supplement my income while still being present for my children. I sold Avon and Mary Kay, and I tried my hand at crafting, but none of those ventures generated enough income.
I had always had a passion for making spaces beautiful. One day, a family member asked me to decorate an event. That one event led to another, and then another. Before I knew it, I had discovered a way to turn my passion into a business—one that also allowed me to bring my children along with me.
What started as a passion eventually evolved into a business plan and, ultimately, a legally established business. Fifteen years later, my middle daughter is now my business partner. Together, we travel throughout the DMV creating memorable events for local celebrities, schools, families, and clients from all walks of life.
My vision is simple: to create beautiful, memorable events on a budget and one that people can cherish for a lifetime.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This has not been a smooth transition. Starting a business was hard, and I had to learn many lessons along the way. In the beginning, I was operating my business without a formal legal contract. While pursuing my master’s degree, I took a Contract Law class and quickly realized that I needed a sound contract that protected the interests of both parties.
And then there was inventory. I had no inventory—just a vision. OMG! Purchasing tablecloths, glassware, and other event essentials while maintaining inventory was expensive. At the time, I was essentially coming up with a price for each event based on whatever bills I needed to pay that month. Looking back, I realize how crazy that was!
Fortunately, I met another event planner who was moving to Atlanta and selling her inventory. She sat me down and said, “If you are going to do this, do it well.” She became a mentor to me and helped me understand the importance of having a solid business plan. With her guidance, I was able to create a business plan that gave me structure and direction. Over the years, that plan has evolved as the event industry and my clients’ needs have changed. It has also helped me identify opportunities to generate additional revenue and keep my business financially afloat.
And did I mention the clients? Some clients can definitely be challenging! You have clients who want the world but only want to pay $2.00. Nope! I quickly learned that every client is not the right client for my business. I developed a client questionnaire that helps me honestly “vet” potential clients before entering into a contract.
I will “divorce” a disgruntled client faster than I can spell “A”! While my goal is always to ensure that every client has a great experience, I understand that, like any relationship, every client relationship may not work out. That is why it is so important to me to make sure that we are a good fit before securing a contract.
Over the years, I have also invested in professional development, taking training courses in Civil Treatment, Emotional Intelligence, and Healthy Conflict Resolution. These courses have helped me grow not only as a business owner but also in how I communicate and work with different types of clients. They have taught me the importance of empathy, communication, emotional awareness, and conflict management.
I am proud to say that my business has developed a healthy, multicultural, and diverse clientele. Every experience—both the good and the challenging—has helped me become a better business owner and has shaped the way I serve my clients today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Our business is more than event decorating—we create memorable experiences that bring people together and turn special moments into lasting memories. What started 15 years ago as a passion and a way to provide for my family has evolved into a thriving event business serving clients throughout the DMV.
We specialize in creating beautiful, customized events that reflect our clients’ personalities, visions, and budgets. From intimate celebrations and family gatherings to school events, corporate functions, and high-profile celebrations, we provide creative event design, décor, and styling that transforms spaces into memorable experiences. We have had the privilege of creating events for local celebrities, schools, families, organizations, and a diverse clientele throughout the community.
What sets us apart is our ability to create the “wow factor” without requiring our clients to have an unlimited budget. Our philosophy is simple: beautiful and memorable does not have to mean unaffordable. We take the time to understand our clients, their vision, and their needs so that we can create an experience that feels personal and intentional.
Our journey has also taught us the importance of professionalism and building healthy client relationships. Over the years, we have developed processes that help us understand our clients before entering into a contract, establish clear expectations, and ensure that we are the right fit for one another. We believe that exceptional customer service is just as important as beautiful décor.
I am especially proud of how the brand has grown from a one-woman vision into a family business. Fifteen years later, my middle daughter is my business partner, and we now travel throughout the DMV creating memorable events together. That evolution is one of the things I am most proud of because our business represents more than entrepreneurship—it represents family, perseverance, creativity, and the courage to turn a vision into something tangible.
Our brand is also a reflection of the diverse communities we serve. We are proud to have a multicultural and diverse clientele, and we embrace the opportunity to celebrate different cultures, traditions, milestones, and occasions. Every event is an opportunity to tell a story, create joy, and make people feel celebrated.
At the heart of our brand is one simple vision: to create beautiful, memorable events on a budget—experiences that last a lifetime. We want our clients and our community to know that you do not need an extravagant budget to create an extraordinary experience. With creativity, thoughtful planning, and a genuine passion for what we do, we can turn a vision into a celebration that people will remember long after the event is over.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My advice for finding a mentor is to remain open to learning and to build genuine relationships with people who are doing something you admire. I did not necessarily set out looking for a mentor when I first started my business. In fact, one of the most impactful mentors I had came into my life through networking with another event planner.
She was preparing to move to Atlanta and was selling some of her event inventory. During our conversation, she sat me down and told me, “If you are going to do this, do it well.” That conversation changed my perspective. She did more than sell me inventory—she shared her knowledge, challenged me to take my business seriously, and helped me understand the importance of having a business plan and creating systems that would allow my business to grow.
That experience taught me that mentorship does not always come from someone who looks for you. Sometimes, you have to be willing to recognize the opportunity when it presents itself. I encourage entrepreneurs to attend networking events, join professional organizations, participate in community events, take classes, and connect with people within and outside of their industry. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and tell people what you do.
What has worked well for me is building relationships instead of simply collecting business cards. I try to learn from everyone I encounter and remain open to constructive criticism. I have also invested in professional development, including training in Emotional Intelligence, Civil Treatment, and Healthy Conflict Resolution. Those experiences have helped me become a better business owner, communicator, and leader.
I also believe that mentorship should be a two-way relationship. You should not approach someone simply asking, “What can you do for me?” Think about what you can bring to the relationship as well. Be respectful of their time, be willing to listen, implement their advice, and show them that their investment in your matters. But also paying it forward. I mentor to individuals that are looking to their businesses.
Finally, I would encourage anyone looking for a mentor to find someone who will tell you the truth—not just what you want to hear. A good mentor should be willing to challenge you, help you identify areas for growth, and encourage you to become better. My own journey has taught me that sometimes one conversation with the right person can change the trajectory of your business.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Especially4youbytj
- Facebook: @Especially4youbytj
