Meet Ashley Matthews | Event Stylist I Event Planner

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

Hi Ashley, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
I think outsiders are unaware of the amount time that actually goes into event planning. Most clients seem to assume that the day of their event is the only time we planners put any effort towards their party, which couldn’t be further from the truth! When I book an event, I write down all of the ideas and requests that my clients may have. I then think of ways to enhance the look and overall feel of the event, and write those ideas down as well. from there I contact various vendors in an effort to exceed the client’s own expectations. I then do a mock-setup prior to event day. These are just some examples of what goes on behind the scenes. With that being said, I try to educate my clients on how certain fees are necessary in order to compensate everyone involved with planning their perfect event!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets Crazy Over Parties apart from the rest is my creativity and my effort to individualize every event I touch. I want my clients to feel my passion for my craft through visualization if that makes sense. I want to leave a lasting impression on every one that attends my clients event not just the client. My goal deliver an experience one would not soon forget by providing the client with a personal attachment to their event that could not be duplicated.

It took a lot of practice to get to this point. I would go buy balloons and sit at home and practice. I had to learn how to work social media, because I never had it prior to starting my business. It was depressing initially, because I was not booking clients. I saw so much nice work online, but just could not figure out how to make my designs better. Once I started practicing and spending time on my craft my work got better. I started booking clients, and I was just happy.

The biggest lesson I have learned along the way is that I have to be confident in my work. Investing in myself and my business is not an option. To succeed I must have a good team as well as vendors. I used to try to do everything myself, but I quickly learned that its almost impossible.

I want the world to know that every party/ client is truly a dream come true for me! I get ecstatic for every inquiry/ booking. Crazy Over Parties is Atlanta based but we will travel based on the needs of our clients.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a very shy person! So for me, I like quiet subtle places, but I also love doing activities! First we would go to the Beltline and walk around for awhile. Ponce City Market would definitely be a stop. I love their rooftop activities. We’d walk over Taco and Tequila’s to eat. Deju Spa would be a day long trip! When it comes to food, I love “regular food” my favorite places are Shanes, Gusto’s, and Five Guys.

You can’t come to Atlanta and not visit M.L.K’s home so I would have to take them to the Auburn Ave area. Lenox Mall would be a must for window shopping.

Golden Glide skating would be our last stop to skate the night away!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mom, Lynette Davis, has always supported me and tried to push me to follow my dreams! I just never believed in myself and did not think I had what it took to be successful in the event planning industry. I was scared and lacked confidence! When I did build my confidence to pursue my dreams, my mom went to every single event with me! No matter how late the party ended she would stay by my side.

My husband, Dominique Matthews, the most honest person I know! If my work did not look up to par, no one had to tell me. He would set me straight! I can appreciate that honesty!

Lastly, my two friends, Sheyanne Dodson and Latoya Francis! Sheyanne always told me to believe in myself and go create! She’s one of the reasons I got on social media and started posting my work. Latoya bought me tablecloths and linen napkins before I even had clients! So when she started Payton’s Mane haircare I had to give the same support.

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