We had the good fortune of connecting with Shayla La’Ve Intimate Affairs Weddings & Events and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shayla La’Ve, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk Big, Win Big, even if the outcome is not exactly what you want, you still Win! What I mean by that is, studies show only 6.8% of people will take risk to pursue their dreams, change career paths, or invest. SO the mere fact of taking a risk, makes you a winner! I think a lot of people don’t take risks because of the fear of failure, being uncomfortable, losing something or someone, or going backwards. Well, that’s a risk! BUT what we fail to realize is, taking risks is not all about the Risk. It’s about YOU, the Risk Taker! Taking a risk on YOU, Betting on YOU, Growing YOU, evolving YOU! If we looked at risk taking in that perspective, I think a lot more people would bet on themselves! In my trade career, I was uncomfortable, unhappy and no one could “get me out” of my situation but me. I took a risk. I quit my job, gave away my things, packed 3 luggage and moved across the country for a better opportunity. No one close to me had done it. No one close to me could advise me on the decision. I had every right to run, stay in the same place, and play it safe. BUT, Here I am today saying that was THE BEST decision I could have ever made, even with the ups and downs I faced on the journey. I took the Risk and I WON!

When it came to taking the risks to become an entrepreneur and establish Intimate Affairs Weddings & Events, L.L.C. There was no hesitation! I would bet on myself over and over and over again! Even in this journey, I have failed, I have given up, I have started over and STILL, I’m willing to risk it all ON ME!
Quite honestly, I wasn’t prepared for this interview BUT a part of risk taking means, in spite of, despite of and nevertheless, DOING IT ANYWAY!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Intimate Affairs Weddings & Events is a passion project of mine.

Originally, Intimate Affairs Event Planning & Decorum, built by two soulmates who eagerly had the same vision; an eye for luxury and love for design. A Journey full of Love and Beautiful Execution, Challenges, and Irreplaceable Lessons came to an end.
Overcome with optimism, overwhelming support and Faith in the Journey of God’s Will.
Today I present Intimate Affairs Weddings & Events L.L.C. A Planning & Design Co. Specializing in Micro Weddings and Intimate Social Events. We seek to curate Bespoke Event Experiences by providing Luxury Services, Elegant Designs and Intimate Experiences.
We offer Planning & Management, Decor & Design, and Day of Coordination for Micro Weddings and Social Events such as Baby Showers, Bridal Showers, Birthday Celebrations, Engagement Dinners, Rehearsal dinners, Birthday Dinners, Vov Renewals & More.
I want the world to know that, like Erykah Badu, “I’m an artist, and I’m sensitive about this” I haven’t given up on this vision, so when it comes to working with me, I won’t give up on you and yours. From Conception to Completion, Intimate Affairs Weddings & Events, promises you an Event Experience, you and your guest will Never Forget!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
While I’d like to brag about being Born and Raised in Atlanta, I still feel like a tourist in my own City at times. So, it’s a week long trip you say? On Monday we’d go for some self Care. An early morning, Relaxing Full-Body Massage at Massage Infinity or Hand Foot & Body, followed by a nice snack drink from Starbucks. We’d then follow up with Luxe Mani/Pedi Services in Little 5 Points at Salon Five. Nothing wrong with being a little touristy for the rest of the day so, lets Get some Slutty Vegan on Edgewood, Hop on the Street Car and Ride! Tuesday we’d start early with some adventure by hiking Stone Mountain or the Chattahoochee trails, Shower, and then for surely its Taco Tuesday and 5 ‘o clock somewhere, so Tacos and Margaritas it is, either on the belt line or Bar Taco in the highlands! Wednesday, we’re probably in the house catching up on some sleep and TV. Thursday we’re back outside! A Midday Brunch date a Breakfast at Barney’s, Black-Owned in Downtown Atlanta, followed by a candle making class with Crafted Creations. That’s a BYOB Vibe that would lead us into catching a show a the Fox or Comedy Show at Uptown! Friday we’re heading to the weekend and we’ve only worked out once, so lets head to LOFT Atlanta and burn some calories in one of their classes. Now, here’s where things get tricky…we could Vibe it out at the HIGH Museum, for some Live Jazz on HIGH Frequency Fridays, or we could attend Social House ATL for some Live R&B. Either way, we’re going to Waffle House Afterwards! Saturday Morning, we’d light some incense on the porch, courtesy of my Mother, Journal, talk about life, Pray, and Relax. House hop to see some of my family. It’s Grown Folks Night though, so we would Get dolled up, dressed to impress for a Night on the town. Head out for a nice Upscale Dinner at S&M. Right across the street we could enjoy the culture at Sivas…and have a TIME! Maybe Waffle House… AGAIN! Last but certainly not Least, We Praise God for his Goodness and Blessing we’ve experienced throughout the week. Church on Sunday, followed by the ATL Brunch Scene. I Know…I Know… But there’s so much to do, can you even go wrong?

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First & Foremost GOD! I wouldn’t be ANYwhere I am today without him. He has given me a family and friend support village unmatched, unbeatable, and I am so un-deserving. My Family is my Rock. Keeping me humbled, keeping me grounded, and always being a clean mirror for me to see myself for the good and the bad! They say Home is where the Heart is….You can find my Heart Beating in the Love of my Family! My Friends. Never in a million years would I have thought Attending my Baccalaureate Alma Mater would grant me the life-long friendships I have today! These women are genuine poetic definitions of sisterhood, and I stand behind them in this lifetime and the next. I Credit everyone who has allowed me to be vulnerable, given me space to be myself, Loved me even when it was hard, and given me another chance when I didn’t deserve it. I credit those who have professionally took a chance on me and those who didn’t. I credit those who are no longer present in my life or on this journey with me. I am nothing without those around me!

Website: https://www.iaeventplanning.com

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Image Credits
Alexandria Garrett

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