Meet Jenena Ferguson | | Mother, Pharmacist & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Jenena, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Originally, I was planning and decorating events for my family and friends, while I was in college, for free. I quickly realized that I was really good at it, and I started charging for my services. Post-graduation, I worked full time as a pharmacist, and planned events on the side. I loved it, but my days were long, and I knew that workload was not sustainable long term. I found out I was going to be a mommy soon, and the motivation to create more of a work-life balance for me and my new baby became more urgent. Then came the bright idea and the pivot in my business model that landed me where I am today.

The thought process behind Thrones of Atlanta was simple. If I combined just a little bit of what I love with a little bit of business sense, then I could have the best of both worlds. My business idea was ignited by my passion for event designing and planning, but my experience in the industry and major life changes, shifted my focus to event rentals. As much as I loved spending hours planning weddings and parties, switching over to throne chair and event rentals has afforded me better profit margins and, most importantly, personal freedom. Thrones of Atlanta was birthed out of passion and molded to fit my larger purpose in life, motherhood.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Thrones of Atlanta offers luxury throne chair and event rentals for parties and events in the Atlanta Metro area. Our baroque style chairs have fully tufted seats, and exquisite hand carved wooden framework. We service all types of occasions, from birthday parties to photoshoots, but our most popular rental is our Sweetheart Table Package for weddings and anniversaries. We customize the “lovers table” at wedding receptions to meet each clients’ decor style. We are also very intentional about being an inclusive business, with accessory selections for all marrier designations and non-binary individuals. Most importantly, our customer service is our brand. We will always be outstanding for how me make our clients feel, because no one ever forgets the moment they felt like royalty.

Challenges

Business-wise, the event industry as a whole, took a big hit during COVID. Fortunately for us, we cater to large and small events in big venue spaces or in the client’s home. When group celebrations just were not happening, we focused on drive-by baby showers, backyard weddings, and in-home functions for just close family and friends. Events and large gatherings are slowly starting to feel more comfortable as the world opens back up. Weddings are being rescheduled, and rentals are starting to increase. One thing is for sure, people in Atlanta are going to turn up, and Thrones of Atlanta will be ready to add a little lux to the party when they do.

Lessons I’ve learned

The biggest challenge for me is to make sure I’m always learning and growing my business, but also being comfortable with growing slowly so that I do not overwhelm myself. As a fairly new small minority business owner, the business world can seem so big. Atlanta, in particular, is known for their celebrity events and parties and has a lot of well established event rental companies. The experts in the industry aren’t volunteering to be mentors, and the overpriced webinars that teach you how to win often turn out to be a waste of time. My dilemma is so complex, yet so simple at the same time. How do I compete without overworking myself? How do I have the success I want, and still have time for my family? That has been my biggest challenge. When everyone around you appears to be winning, especially on social media, it can make your humble beginnings feel even smaller than they already are. Nonetheless, I’ve decided to take it one day, one task, and one client at a time and so far it appears to be working.

About The Brand

Atlanta can be very fast paced and impersonal, so we are heavy on the customer service and southern hospitality. That’s what sets Thrones of Atlanta apart from everyone else. I try to make genuine connections with my customers, and imagine that I’m helping one of my family members bring their special moment to life. I want my business reputation to precede me, so I strive for excellence with every single customer. I believe that word of mouth, in the event industry, is one of the strongest drivers of success, and I’m literally willing to bet my business on it.

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.
Well, I’ve been in Atlanta for less than a year, so my list is short. However, I stand strongly behind the places I’ve been thus far.

The interlock- Fun spot with a variety of entertainments
– Putt Shack is a cool indoor golfing date night activity
– Pour taproom has self serve taps
– LOA rooftop pool/bar/restaurant

St James Room

-Live entertainment

Restaurant Recommendations

Bar Taco- The duck birria, the duck taco and the street corn! (ask for it off the cob)

Velvet Taco- the chicken and waffle taco, the salmon taco, and the shrimp and grits taco

Eight Sushi- Award winning ramen is sooo good and they have the best dumplings

Oku – Mt. Fuji roll is so good

Rock Steady- Great food and dope Caribbean vibe. Highly recommend the veggie pasta and add shrimp

Egg Harbor – All of the breakfast is good, but the chicken salad sandwich is amazing

The Real Milk and Honey in College Park- Has amazing fried salmon and grits

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shoutout my partner in life, business, and parenthood, Ian Steele. Thank you for simply allowing me to rest when I needed it the most and providing the opportunity for me to become the mother and business woman that I desired to be. I would be remiss not to acknowledge that I am who I am today, because of you. Thank you, and I love you.Secondly, I would like to acknowledge the wonders that therapy has done for my personal growth and success. Growing up, talking about mental health was not a thing. As an adult black woman in America, mental health is definitely a thing and we should all be talking about it.

Website: www.thronesofatlanta.com

Instagram: thronesofatlanta_official

Facebook: thronesofatlanta

Yelp: Thrones of Atlanta