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

Hi WAVERLY, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always been creative. As a child, I helped my mom set the dinner table but it never felt like a chore. I enjoyed folding napkins and stacking the salad plate on top of the dinner plate. I loved selecting the finest flatware and then dressing the tables with candles. Did I know I would be an event and wedding planner? Absolutely not. Am I surprised that I am one? Absolutely not! I chose this career because I’m most passionate about it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Growing up, I knew that I was either going to be an entrepreneur or have an uncommon job. At seven, I wanted to be a medical researcher. Terrified of needles, I wanted to create a pill that would offer the same effects as a needle injection.

I was raised mostly by my mother, a social butterfly in Los Angeles. She’s literally one of the best cooks, and as a kid, she would host a lot of dinner parties at our home. I’d help her cook, set up the decor, and then go to bed. Party planning was fun for me and never felt like a chore.

Fast forward to 19-year-old Waverly: working at The Weinstein Company as a publicity assistant, coordinating junkets, setting up screenings, and producing our film premieres with the rest of the LA publicity team. I knew I didn’t want to be a publicist, but the events felt like home.

In 2013, I started my business, mainly focusing on event planning. In 2015, I was introduced to the wedding world and added that as a service I provide in 2017. Definitely has not been a smooth road. There were times where I wanted to apply for a “regular” job to have a steady income, or where I thought I was failing at everything and would cry. But God had a plan for me, and when I doubt myself, he wakes me up and gets me back on track.

I think I’ve been so successful because I listen, remain under budget and I’m calm. I have bright ideas and an all-around people person. I want to bring your vision to life because you matter to me before and after you sign a contract.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Favorite places to eat: Geoffrey’s in Malibu, Taverna Tony, BOSS Sushi, Alta, Roscoe’s (some hate it but I’ll forever order the Obama Special).

Favorite hotel: Petit Ermitage. A mini splurge but worth it!

Love to grab drinks at Margot, Broken Shaker, The DIME and Apotheke.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Rachel Topping, co- founder of NappyHead Club est. in 2017. Nappy Head Club is their way of creating a space for US (Black women) within fashion, telling OUR stories, putting OUR needs first, and using fashion as a way to initiate important dialogue within OUR community.

Website: waverlycoleman.com

Instagram: @eventsbywaverly

Image Credits
Porterhouse LA Sydney Brown The Yellow Wild

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