Meet ShaWanda Crawford | Event Planner

We had the good fortune of connecting with ShaWanda Crawford and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi ShaWanda, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
As an event planner, I’ve always been passionate about curating experiences that leave a lasting impact on people’s lives. However, my journey took a transformative turn with the birth of my own child, igniting within me a profound love for motherhood and a deep appreciation for the little moments that fill our lives with joy.

It was during this pivotal time that I realized the immense power of celebration and the profound impact it can have on creating cherished memories. Inspired by the newfound love and happiness I experienced as a mother, I decided to channel this energy into my event planning business, infusing every event with the same warmth, care, and attention to detail that I lavish on my own family.

For me, event planning is not just about logistics and coordination; it’s about capturing the essence of love, joy, and togetherness and weaving it into every aspect of the occasion. Whether it’s a baby shower celebrating the anticipation of new life or a wedding commemorating the journey of two souls finding love, my goal is to create moments that resonate deeply with my clients and their guests, leaving them with treasured memories to cherish for a lifetime.

At the heart of my business is a commitment to spreading happiness and creating meaningful connections through the art of celebration. Every event is an opportunity to craft an experience that reflects the unique personalities and passions of my clients, while also infusing it with the pure joy and love that defines motherhood for me.

In essence, my event planning business is a celebration of life, love, and the boundless possibilities that come with embracing the journey of parenthood. It’s about creating spaces where laughter flows freely, hearts are filled with warmth, and memories are made that will be cherished for generations to come.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey to where I am today professionally has been a dynamic blend of calculated strategy, relentless determination, and unwavering passion. With a solid foundation in engineering and business, I embarked on a path that allowed me to seamlessly merge analytical thinking with creative innovation.

Was it easy? Far from it. The transition from the structured world of engineering to the dynamic realm of entrepreneurship presented its fair share of challenges. However, each obstacle served as an opportunity for growth and refinement. I embraced these challenges head-on, leveraging my problem-solving skills to overcome them and emerge stronger and more resilient.

One of the key lessons I’ve learned along the way is the importance of adaptability and embracing change. In both engineering and business, the landscape is constantly evolving, and success often hinges on the ability to pivot and adapt to new circumstances. I’ve also learned the value of collaboration and surrounding myself with a team of diverse talents and perspectives, each contributing their unique strengths to our collective vision.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that we are more than just event planners; we are architects of unforgettable experiences, blending meticulous attention to detail with boundless creativity to craft moments that leave a lasting impact. Our story is one of innovation and passion, driven by a deep-rooted desire to spread joy and create meaningful connections.

Through our events, we seek to inspire others to embrace the beauty of celebration and the power of human connection. Whether it’s a corporate gathering, a wedding, or a milestone birthday, our goal is always the same: to create moments that resonate deeply with our clients and their guests, leaving them with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Our brand is a testament to the fusion of precision engineering and entrepreneurial spirit, a unique combination that sets us apart in the world of event planning. We invite you to join us on this journey of creativity, collaboration, and celebration, as we continue to redefine what it means to craft truly unforgettable experiences.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Morning: Start your day with a leisurely brunch at a local spot like Trattoria Centrale or Blueprint on 3rd. Enjoy delicious food and catch up with your friend over coffee or mimosas.

Afternoon:
Explore Birmingham’s Railroad Park, a 19-acre urban green space featuring walking trails, open lawns, and a beautiful lake. Pack a picnic lunch and relax by the water or rent a paddleboat for a leisurely ride around the lake.

Evening:
Head to the Avondale neighborhood for dinner and drinks at one of the local breweries or restaurants. Enjoy craft beers and Southern-inspired cuisine at spots like Avondale Brewing Company, Saw’s Soul Kitchen, or Fancy’s on Fifth.

Day 2: Art and Culture

Morning:
Visit the Birmingham Museum of Art to explore its collection of over 27,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Admission is free, so take your time to wander through the galleries and appreciate the diverse artworks.

Afternoon:
Take a leisurely stroll through Birmingham’s Downtown Loft District, known for its vibrant murals and street art. Snap photos of the colorful murals and explore the local shops and boutiques in the area.

Evening:
Catch a performance at one of Birmingham’s live music venues, like Saturn Birmingham, The Syndicate Lounge, or WorkPlay. Enjoy an evening of great music and local talent in a relaxed and intimate setting.

Day 3: Outdoor Relaxation

Morning:
Spend the morning at Botanical Gardens, where you can wander through beautifully landscaped gardens, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and take in the sights and sounds of nature.

Afternoon:
Head to Oak Mountain State Park for a leisurely afternoon of picnicking and relaxation. Set up a picnic at one of the designated picnic areas, or rent a pavilion for a group gathering. After lunch, take a scenic drive through the park and enjoy the natural beauty of Alabama’s largest state park.

Evening:
Return to Birmingham and dine at a local restaurant in the Lakeview or Highland Park neighborhoods. Enjoy dinner al fresco on a patio or rooftop terrace, and savor the flavors of Birmingham’s culinary scene.

Day 4: Local Markets and Foodie Adventures

Morning:
Start your day at the Pepper Place Market, Birmingham’s premier farmers’ market. Browse the stalls of local vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal goods, and handmade crafts. Pick up ingredients for a picnic lunch or snacks for the day.

Afternoon:
Explore Birmingham’s food scene with a culinary tour of the city. Sample Southern classics like barbecue, fried chicken, and biscuits, as well as international cuisines from around the world. Visit local favorites like Saw’s BBQ, Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, and Ashley Mac’s.

Evening:
End your day with dinner at a local restaurant in the Southside or Five Points South neighborhoods. Enjoy a relaxed meal with friends and family, and toast to the flavors of Birmingham.

Day 5: Lakeside Relaxation

Morning:
Head to Lake Purdy for a day of relaxation by the water. Rent a pontoon boat or kayak and explore the lake, or simply lounge on the shore and soak up the sun.

Afternoon:
Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a lakeside meal with friends. Swim, fish, or paddle around the lake, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Evening:
As the sun sets, gather around a campfire for s’mores and storytelling. Enjoy the tranquility of the lake and the beauty of the night sky as you unwind with loved ones.

Day 6: Scenic Drives and Local Parks

Morning:
Take a scenic drive along the Shades Crest Road or Highway 280, admiring the views of Birmingham’s skyline and surrounding landscapes.

Afternoon:
Explore one of Birmingham’s local parks, like Crestwood Park or Caldwell Park. Take a leisurely walk or bike ride through the park, and enjoy the fresh air and natural beauty.

Evening:
Dine at a local restaurant in the Crestwood or Forest Park neighborhoods. Enjoy dinner outdoors on a patio or terrace, and savor the flavors of Birmingham’s diverse culinary scene.

Day 7: Relaxation and Reflection

Morning:
Spend a leisurely morning at one of Birmingham’s local coffee shops, like Crestwood Coffee Company or Seeds Coffee Company, sipping on your favorite brew and reflecting on your week in Birmingham.

Afternoon:
Take a leisurely stroll through the Botanical Gardens, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and taking in the beauty of the flowers and plants.

Evening:
Gather with friends for a backyard barbecue or potluck dinner to celebrate your last night in Birmingham. Share stories, laughter, and good food as you reminisce about your week of relaxation and exploration.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to my incredible family, who have been my pillars of strength and endless wells of inspiration throughout my journey as an event planner. Their unwavering love and support have fueled my passion for creating moments of joy and celebration for others, and I am endlessly grateful for their presence in my life.

I also want to give a special shoutout to my daughter, who is the light of my life and the driving force behind everything I do. Her boundless energy, infectious laughter, and pure-hearted love remind me every day of the beauty and wonder that exist in the world. Sayori’s presence in my life has infused my work with an extra layer of meaning and purpose, inspiring me to create experiences that capture the magic of childhood and the joy of family.

Furthermore, I am profoundly grateful to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whose grace and guidance have shaped me into the person I am today. It is through His infinite love and the gifts of mind and spirit that He has bestowed upon me that I am able to channel my creativity and passion into bringing happiness to others. Each event I plan is a testament to His boundless grace and the power of faith to move mountains and transform lives.

In every celebration, I strive to honor the love of my family, the innocence of childhood embodied by Sayori, and the divine inspiration bestowed upon me by Jesus. Together, they form the foundation upon which my event planning business is built—a foundation of love, faith, and the profound belief in the power of creation to bring light into the world.

Instagram: @aphroditespearlcreative

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Aphrodites-Pearl-Creative-Company/100094334120617/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Yelp: https://yelp.to/B6kGufzYRi

Image Credits
Family members