Meet Alishia Winters

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

Hi Alishia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting Events by Winnie was inspired by my mother and the legacy she left with me. Growing up, I watched her and my Aunt Shirley turn every family gathering and community event into something special, showing me the power of planning with purpose and love.

With my mother’s influence and a natural passion for organization and creativity, I felt called to build a business that carried forward her values. I wanted to create a service that not only removed the stress of planning but also celebrated each couple’s unique story in a way that was deeply personal and unforgettable.

Events by Winnie is my way of honoring her legacy – ensuring every event reflects genuine care, attention to detail, and a commitment to celebrating love in all its forms.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career as a wedding planner has been a journey fueled by passion, resilience, and a commitment to creating meaningful experiences. Events by Winnie is built on the values I learned from my mother, Valerie, and my father, Donald. Losing them was heartbreaking, but their legacy of hospitality, resilience, and love lives on in every event I plan. I approach each wedding as a chance to celebrate life, love, and those cherished connections – the same values that meant everything to them.

What sets Events by Winnie apart is my dedication to truly understanding each couple’s vision. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Every couple is unique, and so is every wedding I design. From embracing inclusivity to focusing on every last detail, I strive to make each wedding experience deeply personal and unforgettable.

The journey hasn’t always been easy, especially with the emotional challenges of loss and the pressures of building a business from the ground up. But I’ve learned that resilience is built in those tough moments. I overcame challenges by staying grounded, adapting, and finding strength in the support of my clients and loved ones. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that success is about more than achieving goals – it’s about creating lasting memories and connections that go beyond the day itself.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about Events by Winnie, it’s that this business is a labor of love, inspired by family, and focused on making each client’s vision a reality. From the first consultation to the final farewell, my goal is to make every couple feel valued, understood, and celebrated in a way that’s truly theirs.

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?
Since moving to Atlanta from Memphis in May 2022, I’ve been on an exciting journey discovering all this vibrant city has to offer. When my best friend visits, I love giving them a true taste of Atlanta’s highlights with a mix of classic attractions, great shopping, and iconic spots. Here’s what a perfect week would look like:

Day 1: We’d start with the essentials: a trip to the World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium. It’s such a fun way to dive into the city’s culture and see these major landmarks.

Day 2: For shopping and people-watching, we’d spend the afternoon at Atlantic Station – it’s always the first spot I take visitors! With its mix of shops, cafes, and entertainment, it’s the ideal place to hang out and catch up.

Day 3: We’d head out to the Mall of Georgia for some retail therapy and a change of pace, exploring new stores and grabbing lunch.

Day 4: I’d show them some of the city’s unique neighborhoods. We might wander around Little Five Points for its eclectic vibe or go to the BeltLine, where we could walk, bike, and enjoy the art installations along the way.

Day 5: Finally, we’d wrap up with a relaxing day at Piedmont Park, maybe even packing a picnic or catching a concert if one’s happening. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy Atlanta’s natural beauty and end the visit on a memorable note.

Atlanta’s endless activities keep me excited to keep exploring, and I love sharing the experience with those who visit!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to dedicate my shoutout to my parents, Valerie and Donald, whose love, guidance, and influence are at the heart of my journey. In November 2020, I lost them both to COVID, a devastating moment that continues to shape my life and my work. My mother, Valerie, left an incredible legacy of love, hospitality, and resilience. She taught me the importance of time management and turning every gathering into a memorable experience, and her values are woven into every event I plan. My father, Donald, shared her dedication and gave me a strong foundation in perseverance and hard work. Their legacy lives on through Events by Winnie and in every celebration of love I help create.

I also want to recognize my aunt Shirley, who inspired my creative side and taught me the beauty of adding personal, meaningful touches to each event. I’m immensely grateful for my clients, whose trust allows me to bring their dreams to life, and for the friends, mentors, and community who have supported me. Each of them has been instrumental in making Events by Winnie what it is today.

Website: www.eventsbywinnie.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/events.by.winnie/profilecard/?igsh=ejlsbzl2eWFlcTY2

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553606698309&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
Clover Mobile Media