Meet Artillia ‘AJ’ Walker, MBA | Event Planner and Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Artillia ‘AJ’ Walker, MBA and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Artillia ‘AJ’, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My work life balance has changed drastically. Being an entrepreneur and having a full-time corporate career is exhausting, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. I have learned to incorporate my family in my journey by providing them creative roles in the business. Running a small event business is taxing on the body. I must allocate weekends to myself and family and simply say “no” to some things. I have also learned that this is temporary, I am doing what I need to do to get where we all want to be. I focus on the end goal and priorities. Understanding that the work now will lead to the play later. I make sure the “play” is still tangible and near.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As an event planner and designer, I learned to turn my passion into my purpose. I have taken the time to learn my craft and continuously try to improve my skill set and learn something new. I am really excited about the future. This all started as a favor to a family member and now I am in the position to create memorable events for our clients. It has not been easy getting where I am today. I had to constantly take steps backwards, provide free services for promotional purposes, and even realize at times, I was capable but didn’t fully understand what it took to be an entrepreneur. It takes a lot of self-discipline and sacrifice. I was able to overcome my challenges by partnering with other event planning vendors and learning from them. I learned reinventing the wheel isn’t always necessary. You must use the tools provided before you by partnering with other vendors and not viewing them as competition. Also, humbling yourself enough to know you can always improve. This will create a space to better your skill set. I want the world to know that Southern Jubilee is not just a business, we are family. When working with clients on such intimate details for their special occasions, spending countless hours consulting, we become their “best friend”. Our priority is to offer professional advice and competence, while still taking the time to listen and pay attention to their specific needs. Our customer support is extremely special and we are so grateful for them.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love going to festivals. Here in Jacksonville, I like to go to the Brunch Festival, Taco Festival, and Seafood Festival. I also love a good concert at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. If my friends were in town for the weekend, I would take them to Blue Orchid for dinner on Friday night and then go to Biscottis for dessert. On Saturday, we would go to Brunch at St. Johns Town Center and enjoy some walking, eating, and shopping. For the rest of the afternoon, we would head over to River City Nails for pedicures. In the evening, we would go out to Riverside for dinner and some rooftop action at River and Post. Sunday I would cook for them and then drive to St Augustine and hangout.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give credit to my husband, children, parents, family, and friends. Without them, this would not be possible. The support I’ve received from them has been tremendous. My family has shown up as employees, childcare, and clients. They continue to push me daily to keep going.
I would also like to give credit to my business and event mentor, Jade Robinson. She is the owner of JR Events. I received a lot of event management training from her and have been able to partner with her on multiple events.

Website: https://www.southernjubevents.com/

Instagram: southern.jubilee

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Southern-Jubilee/100063707474371/

Image Credits
EmmiClaire Photography