Meet Karina Gonzalez | Event Stylist & Real Estate Agent

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

Hi Karina, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
My favorite verse to live by daily is Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong & courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for your Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” I hold this verse engraved in my heart because it gives me the reminder that no good comes from fear & doubt. That it is Gods’ command for us to take on every day with strength and courage. He will never leave us or forsake us. He walks with us and if we allow him, he will guide us. His love cast out all fear and doubt. I love this verse a lot because many times I let my fear dictate my choices and potential. My thoughts were my very own worst discouragement, the “I can’t, what if it doesn’t work out, what if i mess up or fail, I’m not capable, how can i even do this, what will others think, etc. etc. This brought me comfort knowing that there is a heavenly father who loves us and not only encourages but tells us he’s called us to be strong and courageous. Fear and discouragement do not come from the Lord. I learned that fear only creates self-sabotage of what you really have to offer and all the blessings to come. It has help give me a different perspective at how to approach my day-to-day life and believe that I am destined to be all that God called me to be strong and courageous.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I started Lovely Settings it had two different names before. I honestly kind of fell into this industry thanks to my mom. I was helping her make a backdrop for her baptism and after, she encouraged me to post it on my Instagram and see what happens. I did just that and it took off to my surprise. I would say Lovely Settings is set apart simply because when i chose the name i wanted it to speak from God. The lovely part in the name is you the client and the settings are the type of event. I chose this during a time that i was learning more about who God is for me and who I am to God. God’s love never changes its same in every setting. I heard this from a song and its always stuck with me to remember that no matter the situation or time of day we deserve to be loved and cherished. I want people to know when they book with us that they are not just getting a service done but rather that they feel taken care of, cherished, and loved. We know that life never stops and there are many moments, milestones to be celebrated. Events can be overwhelming from planning, coordinating, styling, setting up and cleaning up We want to make sure whatever you book us for it gives you more time to enjoy the celebration with your loved ones. I also love that when I meet my clients, they always share a back story to who they are celebrating, what that person means to them, or what this day means to them. It’s an honor to be a part of a big moment for them, and I want to honor them back. I call my clients my Lovelys for that reason. I’m always excited when they book me and they tell me “You have free creativity, I trust you” to me it says a lot and it’s something I should be proud of myself and give a little more credit that my work is great. Professionally I’d say i learned a lot from others and also learned on my own along the way. I had the privilege to work with other balloon artist and vendors in the same industry. I also come from a resume of working with Drs doing admin work, so I learned many things there. It has not been easy but i always say nothing good comes easy. In the beginning I worked a full-time job as a single mom with three kids and I did my business on the side. Some days I was overwhelmed, burnt out and just didn’t see the fruit of it. The biggest challenge I’ve had to overcome was not to get discouraged or fear of the future. To take no with grace vs a hard rejection. I had to learn that my best is my best and I always work towards improvement. I want people to know that if your passionate about something go for it, don’t let fear hold you back, there’s always so many what ifs but always tell yourself what if it does work out. You are not alone and don’t be scared to ask for help. I want people to know that God is in everything and every detail of life and if you pray God will open opportunities. I remember when I started my business I was in a very dark time of my life. I had lost the joy of anything I was doing and just felt rinse repeat. I want people to know that with Lovely Settings you’re not alone and were here to be your village so you can enjoy and shine light to your guest.

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.
My best friend is a little bougie so she might say she wants to go play pickleball lol. As for me I always love catching a Braves game even if it’s to sit outside the stadium on grass area with the jumbotron. I love baseball games it makes me feel like I’m in another world and nothing in my real world exist it’s just me and the game. My friends are always surprised when I take them with me and see how into the game. I would say ponce city market is fun place to go to if you want to eat shop and hang out, there’s also piedmont park when they have festivals are fun. I love going to Korean bakeries or a good cafe place is always a chill place to catch up or have meetings. My two favorite cafe places have to be Tradewind in Dacula & Blue Cafe in Buford. Me personally I am not the type to go to places just for the aesthetic, I want to go where the food is good and fun to hang out. Any downtown areas are always nice like town center Suwanee, Duluth and Lawrenceville. I used to live in Woodstock and their downtown is a fun are to have a drink and eat even with your kids. I honestly don’t know too much of places to go to these days, my best friend would though she would most definitely be in charge of this itinerary. As I get older, I’ve become more of a home bod.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The list is endless, I have so many I could thank. First and foremost it would be God. God has paved the way and given me so many opportunities that have been a blessing. Next would be my Mom, she’s always given tough love and encourage me to push through to my ideas. She’s supported me in a time I needed most being alone with my kids all while trying to figure myself out in all I wanted to become. Every time I had an idea she never looked at me crazy but rather just said go for it. I have to give thanks to several of my friends they know who they are, they have become like family to me being that my actual family live in other states. They have seen my highs and lows and have always given me the grace to love me and encourage me. I don’t know what I do with out them. And last but not least my husband, he’s been heaven sent. When I tell you God hears you, God answers, we just have to pay close attention to the signs and miracles will happen. Since the very first day I met him he’s been my biggest support for my kids and I. Everyone in my life deserves recognition they have played a major part in my life. They are the reason I push to be a version of myself every day

Website: https://www.mylovelysettingevents.com

Instagram: _lovelysettings