We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamahl King and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jamahl, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After graduating from Morehouse College, I had a number of options in my field of study – Mass Communication. But I didn’t foresee remaining passionate on that path, and frankly, I wanted to do something I loved and still be able to sustain myself. I tried Corporate Sales for a time and the money was good, but what I ended up doing was assisting with executive events. Just a pastime at first, but I was great at what I did. Event planning, as its own entity, was still new but there was a lot of money being made and I wanted to chase a goal that challenged me.
Atlanta’s 90s music scene was booming at that time and everyone needed to produce an event that was bigger than the last. I was able to make some unbelievable connections based solely on my eye for detail and hustle. Keith Sweat, world-renowned entertainer, ended up being a huge help to me as far as introducing me to others in that arena, and being in the right place at the right time made all the difference.
So my thought process, regarding starting my business, would have to have simply been: find a need, focus your internal passion and then work as hard as you can. Talent and timing go a long way toward positioning you for success.
What should our readers know about your business?
S.T.E.P.S. Event Planning Firm, Inc. is a full service event planning & marketing firm aiding your process from conception to completion. We’ve successfully served clients with style & class since 1996. The biggest lesson we’ve learned is the ultimate customer service experience and the importance of building genuine relationships for long-lasting partnerships.
We want the world to know that we are Striving Toward Excellence with Perfection in Sight. STEPS has everything you need as a boutique firm with the feel of a small, family owned business but the reach of a national management entity.
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?
Having a good time in Atlanta is quite easy if you know where to go. For general fun with the locals, a brisk morning walk on The Beltline is a great way to start the day followed by a meal at the Atlanta Breakfast Club. If I’m looking to personalize the experience though I hit up my friend, Chef Shawn Osbey, for a catered brunch because he always provides a menu that’s the talk of the town. And then if there’s a game on, there’s the unforgettable experience of hosting a private suite to give your friends an up close and personal taste of Atlanta’s dream teams.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Definitely DJ Cheech Beats. Not only is he a great DJ, he also trains other young up & coming entertainers by mentoring them.
Website: STEPSEVENTS.COM
Instagram: @STEPSEVENTS
Twitter: S.T.E.P.S. EVENT PLANNING FIRM, INC.
Facebook: @STEPSEventPlanningFirm