Meet Laquita Kelley: Event Planner & Designer

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

Hi Laquita, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I had my first experience planning events in undergrad. I planned homecoming events for the entire college. It was during this time I truly found a passion that I had never had before. Things would interest me but this was exhilarating . Also the ability solve problems put me to a mental test

I took a break for a few year due to personal reasons but started searching for something new that I could call my own.

When I started my business I was looking for an outlet where I could express my creativity but most of all give people an experience that would have for a lifetime. I realized that memories are one of the best gifts we have in life. During bad times, we can go back to happy places and times in our past to get us through the rough times.

Therefore I went back to my happy place and created LK Chic Events & Design. At first we started off only planning events and as I continued to learn new things I decided to diversify my business by adding on the design aspect. Now along with planning we provide design that includes: linen rental, floral arrangements, backdrops, and balloons

What should our readers know about your business?
Although I may offer the same services as other planners, what sets me apart is my efficiency, commitment and personalization of events.

I am most proud of working with a non profit organization that offers a STEM program to High School students where they are exposed to numerous careers they weren’t aware existed. Every year we host a Gala where we honor the kids for all their work in the program

In order to build your business, networking is the best tool to use. Once you start to attend these event, it gets easier to meet people and faces start to become familiar.

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?
I would pick them up from the airport and we would start with food and shopping at Ponce City Market. And of course visit the the skyline view.

Leaving Ponce City Mark we would stop to walk through Botanical Gardens to see all the live exhibits

The next day we would travel Chateau Elan for tour of the winery, food, and massages and before they left we would stop at Suntrust Park to grab a bite to eat and shopping

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?
The Bridal Society has been an instrumental organization where I learned everything I know about wedding planning

Notable planners such as Preston Bailey inspired me to push my skill set and learn advance techniques for clients. He was the first person of color who had books about event design that I still have right now.

Being in Atlanta, there is a whole network of event planners and designers of color where I have met so many wonderful people that help, encourage, and receive mentoring.

Website: www.lkchicevents.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/lkchicevents

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lkchicevents

Image Credits
Ruth Terrero Photography Kimberly Krush (no longer in business)