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

Hi Teshika, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
By far, the biggest lesson that my business, the wedding industry as a whole, and COVID has taught me is to learn how to pivot. In 2020 when COVID hit, we were struggling to stay alive, pay employees, and generally function normally. With social gathering restrictions put in place by the government, I quickly learned that our normal was not an option any more and that I needed to focus on micro-events and intimate gatherings. After some brainstorming and prayer, I began implementing changes, training staff on new protocols and revising our marketing efforts. Thankfully, we were able to find a niche by creating customized outdoor luxury picnics which allowed us to stay innovative and service our clients who still wanted to celebrate milestones with family and friends in a safe COVID-Free environment.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Chic Soirées is a wedding and event production company based in Atlanta, servicing East Coast Metros. We specialize in over-the-top, celebrity-style weddings ​and events done sustainably.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been ​a lover of lavish, but often felt frustrated with the ​excessive amounts of waste found behind the scenes. ​

As a big believer that glitz and glamour does not need to ​come at the expense of the environment, I ​devote my efforts to show our clientele and the ​industry at large that weddings can be both ​spectacularly chic and wonderfully eco-friendly.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Great question! I’m new to Atlanta so I’m still discovering what’s available. I have had a chance to go to the Caribbean Jazz Festival at Piedmont Park and it was awesome. I also really love several restaurants and hotels in Bankhead, as well as Atlantic Station and the Atlanta Aquarium. I’m looking forward to visiting the Botanical Gardens and a few museums!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to take a moment to recognize the following people for supporting me through my business journey, guiding me to success and managing my stress!

*Every Client I’ve Ever Had, Good and Bad! Thank you!
*My vendor/mentor team, I appreciate you!

Special Shoutout to the following people:

Tope Adegbite
Ainsley Crawford
Kiyah Holt
Shernoa Bankston
Journey Pruitt
Felicia Chandler
Makesha Gallien
Carissa Woo
Tori Williams

Website: https://www.chicsoirees.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicsoirees/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chicsoirees

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChicSoirees

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chic.soirees?_t=8niw2R5wMkl&_r=1

Image Credits
Photography: Cherise Richards
Venue: Whitestone Reserve
Decor/Design: Teshika Burnside

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.