Meet Aaliyah Dai’ Holsey: Event Planner & Decorator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aaliyah Dai’ Holsey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aaliyah Dai’, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
My favorite quote is “This too shall pass”. It is a reminder that storms don’t ever last long. I adopted this quote into my life when I was in High school. It helped me to cope with stress and always aim to see a brighter day. To make it even more special, I have this quote tatted on me, in high school.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a full time Special Education Paraprofessional. I am proud to say that because never did I ever think I would be here. After returning home, I started a job for an after school program for a school district. I wasn’t making much but I was able to enjoy what I loved doing most, interacting with kids. At the time, I disliked my site manager and felt that work that was asked of me, didn’t equal the pay that was given. (Im spilling all of this because there’s a moral) My manager and I had a slight disagreement and I was transferred to another site. So, here I am and I’m liking my new manager and coworkers, but the pay is still the same. But hey, I’m dealing right? I prayed hard for the longest because I knew that this job was not my final destination. I was determined to keep my head held high. Meanwhile, on the inside, I started doing my spiritual work of getting my mind in order. I started manifesting, writing my goals down in my books. I learned to speak highly of myself. I stopped invalidating my feelings and doing self assessments. I was doing my work because I knew that once I worked on myself, I could shine a different light. Out of nowhere, the money just started coming to me. I became a baby-sitter for many of the families in the after school program and boy was I busy. Then Covid happened, surprisingly, my hustle didn’t stop. In November, I began another position in the same school district as a pod facilitator for virtual students. In this position I shined because not only was I making pretty good money and being able do what I’ve, but I was also able to devote time to my craft while at work. I worked as a facilitator until January and was placed in the classrooms as a paraprofessional. No experience, just hard work. My principal started hinting to me that there would be a permanent position available coming and I should apply for it. I slept on it, I prayed on it and I applied. Just like that, it was given to me. Throughout the days of crying, worrying, wanting more, the set backs and difficulties, there was a rainbow. I did my inner work and was able to grow. I took myself to my next destination and I’m proud of it.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In college I joined the event planning committee for Distinguished Women of Excellence at Valdosta State University (2014). In this committee, myself and a lot of other talented women would come together and plan our organizations’ events. During my hiatus at VSU, I was given the chance to decorate for three people and I was honored because lord knows, I didn’t know half of what I know now. I appreciate the organization for giving me the recognition I needed, to begin my new journey. I am super thankful for the people who trusted me with their events even though, I was an amateur.

My cousin Moneak Evans of Jumperees Balloon Artistry and Party Rentals, introduced me to the oyster of decorating. Because of her, I have been moulded into the planner I am today. She helps me to network, build my brand, and teaches me the ropes of this business. I love her so much!

My parents, my brothers, nieces and nephews always help me with my events. They have help fund, help transport, help set up, help break down, help me maintain my equipment, help me organize equipment, Made By Dai’ runs because of my family. Of course their support doesn’t start from there, but their ongoing love flows through my veins and motivates me. They support me no matter how big the vision is.

My friends are amazing because they push me even when I’m tired, I’m stressed out, running low on sleep, having lack of confidence, lack of creative juices, they ride for me! They will stop what they’re doing to help me with my events. They will travel three hours to help me with a set up, these are the people who seriously support MBD. They have even invested their own money into my business. I could not have asked for a better set of friends.