Meet Michelle Harrison | Owner / Creative Director

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

Hi Michelle, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I learned in high school and college that I enjoyed helping my friends and family with life’s milestone celebrations and that I had a natural talent for it. I have always been drawn to the creately involved in curating events. In 1996 I worked with the planning team at Eastman Kodak during the Centennial Olympic Games, hosted in Atlanta for 2 months. This experience introduced me to the BeHind The Scenes of event execution and production. This is where I truly caught the bug and I wanted to learn more, do more and learn how to start a business around solving problems and creating amazing events as a business owner. Before I made it official I spent years subcontracting with fortune 500 companies, seeking mentorship and volunteering to learn how to produce events from 5 to 5,000. Then finally I thought of legacy, how do I make my mark and leave my stamp in my community, tribe and family. As a result in 2004 My Dreamz Eventz, LLC event planning company was born. In the early 2000’s I was reading an article in a local Atlanta publication about a local entrepreneur who seemed to be doing exactly what I wanted to do professionally. After tracking her down and a year of reaching out to her she finally agreed to meet me for lunch and said yes to mentoring me professionally and has become my sister in spirit 22 years later.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
After many years of successfully operating in Atlanta and abroad, I began to notice a major shift in the event industry and a shift in the needs of my clients. I then acknowledged the many growing trends in the industry, four years ago I began steps to enhance and elevate the services I offer. After a conversation with a business associate who wasn’t aware of my professional story, I saw the opportunity to rebrand my company and celebrate my growth and international experiences which reflected my broader insight in serving the needs of the modern day clients. In the fall of 2018 I introduced Michelle Harrison Signature Events which is now an award-winning Atlanta based Wedding & Event planning company that is committed to creating a culture that reflects the diversity of our clients.

In 2020 in response to the pandemic and the impact Covid-19 had on the event planning community I decided to create a premer service focused on small intimate weddings and celebrations. Intimate Signature Events was launched as a subsidiary of Michelle Harrison Signature Events offering private collection services specially designed to meet the needs client inquiries. Covid-19 has shifted the way we celebrate and as a result we’ve created each of our ISE services for your small intimate celebrations as seamless as possible.

Both MHSE & ISE pride ourselves on taking time to develop trusted vendor relationships. We are intentional and  thoughtful when referring and sourcing vendor partnerships with clients. Weather it’s with venues, caterers, florists, musicians, photographers, and more. Our clients’ needs are our top priority.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day #1 Sunday Lunch at Marlow’s Tavern (Dunwoody) for truffled parmesan fries
Shopping at the Perimeter Mall and/or Phipps Plaza
Girls Night Paint, Sip Socialize (bring our own food) and chocolate chip cookies for Henri’s

Day #2 Monday
Light breakfast at home
Beltline Bike Rental Ride
Progressive art & lunch on the Beltline including Butter & Cream ice cream shop
Happy hour at Tavern Piedmont Park

Day #3 Tuesday
Breakfast at Gotcha’s Breakfast Bar for breakfast and their yummy Blood Orange Mimosa
The Martin Luther King Center, Apex Museum and The Center for Civil and Human Rights
Centennial Olympic Park – view my commemorative brick, take a skyline selfie of many of Atlanta’s landmarks
Dinner at Negril Restaurant Atlanta

Day #4 Wednesday
Light breakfast at home with pastries from The Loft Cafe’ located inside of the Riverside Epi Center
Iwi Fresh Garden Day Spa
Lunch at Cafe’ Social
Chill night at home

Day #5 Thursday
Zen Yoga Class at The Wellness Spot
Lunch at South City Kitchen Avalon
Day out at Avalon –
Happy Hour & Appetizers at Divan Restaurant

Day #6 Friday
Late lunch at Ponce City Market
Skyline Roof Top at Ponce City Market for vintage games, rides and extraordinary 180 degree views of Atlanta
Live Music at City Winery

Day #7 Saturday
Breakfast at Barney’s for their amazing shrimp and grits with fresh juice
Atlanta 2022 Jazz Festival iconic event is one of the largest FREE jazz

Day #8 Sunday
Breakfast at Breakfast Boy for chicken and pancakes
Drop off at AIHJ airport Delta Terminal

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?
There are many organizations and people who played an integral part in my growth and success over the years.

I have members of my family who have accomplished a lot in both their personal and professional lives. They have overcome racial and societal pressures and have been amazing examples of perseverance as corporate executives, entrepreneurs, professional athletes, entertainers and parents. They have all influenced me, covered me and allowed me the freedom to explore my authentic and spiritual self, travel and try new things…

Dr. Dennis Kimbro, my Clark Atlanta University Business School entrepreneurship course professor and New York Times Best Selling Author of Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice taught me the basics and value of entrepreneurship. He also helped me understand that fear is paralyzing. “Sometimes it is risky not to take risks”, D. Kimbro He encouraged me to take a chance on me and build a legacy.

I have subcontracted with a client since 1998 and as a result I’ve traveled to over 22 counties and have had amazing experiences all while operating all types of events. What I’ve learned and been exposed to over the years is absolutely invaluable and I thank Enterprise Events Group for their trust and loyalty, I can’t say enough.

Finally, I’d like to “Shout Out” many of the event industry creatives who inspire me daily to elevate my services and continue to grow professionally.

Website: www.michelleharrisonevents.com and www.intimatesignatureevents.com

Instagram: michelleharrisonevents and intimatesignatureevents

Facebook: michelleharrisonevents and intimatesignatureevents

Image Credits
Simone Renee Photography