Meet Janelle Moore | Scientist and Wedding/Event coordinator

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

Hi Janelle, what inspires you?

**Rediscovering Identity Through Loss and Passion**

On February 27, 2021, my husband of ten years passed away suddenly from COVID-19 complications while I was in my first year of a PhD program in microbiology. The loss shattered my world, forcing me to confront my identity beyond being a widow and a student. I had always had a creative talent for administration and event planning, finding joy in celebrating others and bringing their visions to life through dinner parties for family and friends.

In honor of my husband’s memory, I organized a significant back-to-school event serving 1,500 students in the South Fulton County area. This event became a turning point, leading to a flourishing business. The photographer/videographer I hired for the event became my business partner, opening doors to the world of wedding planning. My first major project was a wedding at the Waldorf Astoria, prepared in less than six weeks, which turned out to be one of my finest works.

Since then, I’ve fallen in love with wedding planning and have been continuously booked for various events, from birthday parties to marketing events and business expos. My late husband Bobby remains my inspiration, motivating me to persevere through my PhD and succeed as an event and wedding coordinator. Through this journey, I have rediscovered my identity, realizing that I am not just a widow or a student, but someone who loves to give back to the community and make people’s dreams come true.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

**Balancing Science and Event Coordination: A Professional Journey**

Growing up, I was inspired by my uncle, a chemist for Coca-Cola, which sparked my affinity for science. At 18, I was diagnosed with lupus, driving me to learn biology to better understand and control my condition. I pursued my Bachelor of Science in Biology at Clark Atlanta University and continued there for my master’s, focusing on prostate cancer research in African American men. Currently, I am completing my PhD at Morehouse School of Medicine, continuing my research on prostate cancer.

My passion for science is my foremost professional pursuit. I thrive in the lab, conducting experiments and collaborating with professors and peers to find cures for diseases. Additionally, my lab engages in community events, offering blood tests to men of all ethnicities.

The passing of my husband deeply impacted me, and I took a year off from my PhD program for mental recovery. During this time, I worked at the CDC and loved it, but I chose to return to complete my scholarship-supported studies, encouraged by my school’s unwavering support.

Balancing the demands of science, I found solace in wedding and event coordination, a creative outlet that provided mental rest and therapeutic engagement. Organizing weddings allows me to help others create and cherish special moments, offering a unique perspective shaped by my personal loss. This dual career not only maintains my passion for science but also brings joy and balance to my life, allowing me to give back to my community in multiple meaningful ways.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

**Exploring Atlanta: A Visitor’s Guide**

When a friend visits me in Atlanta, we immerse ourselves in the city’s vibrant scene. Atlanta offers an abundance of activities, from concerts to festivals. We might start with a wine festival, then dine at a beautiful soul food restaurant. We both love live music, so a night at Kat’s Cafe for dinner and music is a must. The next morning, we’d head to the famous Toast on Lenox for brunch. With so many options, our plans often evolve spontaneously, ensuring an unforgettable experience every time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, I honor my late husband, whose unwavering support helped me through so much. Secondly, I shout out my entire family and friends for their indispensable support in my business, aiding in areas like financial management, taxes, and decor ideas. I also thank LIFTO Visuals for being the backbone of my events, providing content, setup assistance, and managing my business page. Additionally, I am grateful to my entire creative team for making each event special. Lastly, I thank every client who has trusted me with their events, holidays, birthdays, and weddings, allowing me to bring their visions to life.

Website: https://theheartofcrystal.com

Instagram: @the_heartofcrystal

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moorecjanelle

Image Credits
Ryan Coleman photographer @liftolove (instagram) liftovisuals.com