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

Hi Shun, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I wanted to have something I could call my own, something that would make my family proud. I wanted to have my own independence, my own freedom. Owning your own business means being your own boss, deciding when you work, how you work, and what you work on. Accomplishing tough things gives me a sense of achievement. I stepped into this business because I wanted to learn new skills. It’s a dynamic way to grow your know-how. When learning new skills, the sky is the limit. My overall drive is my passion for event planning and baking. It thrills me. Most people would love to have work that centers on something they care deeply about and it was time for me to break out my passion. When I planned my son’s birthday parties, I knew this was my hidden talent, that I never knew I had. I just needed to discover it. My grandmother tells me all the time, “Who would’ve thought that I had this hidden talent all along.” Once I took everything serious, there was no turning back.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work is event planning and baking. I try to be the jack of all trades. A one-stop shop. Whatever my clients envision, it’s my job to make it happen. I will do whatever it takes to bring their vision to life. My imagination and vision are endless, but I will always keep my clients or customers best interest in mind. Event planning and baking is my therapy. They are my passion. Everyday is a new opportunity to grow, to reach my goal. Success doesn’t happen overnight. Being in this business has its challenges, especially with me having anxiety. Sometimes my designs are not looking a certain way. Sometimes my desserts are an epic fail. But I take a deep breath, count to 10, and tackle it all over again. Nothing is ever perfect on the first try, not even the second. It takes constant practice and commitment. I pray over my business. I cry over my business. Somedays I can barely continue to stand. Nobody said this business will be easy and I will continue to put my blood, sweat, and tears into this. I am very proud of myself. I am proud of all the good, the bad, and the ugly. They are my motivators. I am a very transparent person. My transparency builds trust, which is a great foundation of teamwork. This trust extends to my customers and anyone who interacts with me and my business on any level. I am also very open to feedback and constructive criticism. As I stated, no business is perfect. We all have room to grow.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
This question isn’t easy because my best friends are all born and raised here. They have probably experienced this city better than I have, lol. You can’t go wrong with the city of Atlanta and the Buckhead area. The food is delicious. The shopping stores are endless. You may even catch a celebrity if you’re at the right place at the right time. I also thrive on adrenaline and I love to bring my inner kid out whenever I can. I love a good adventure. We would probably have to drive a couple of hours from the city but I would enjoy horseback riding, ziplining, four-wheelers, paint balling, even water rafting. Yes, I am that girl.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to shotout all my family and friends, but there are some select few who has gone above and beyond with their support. I want to first thank my husband, Brent. No matter how big or small my baking orders or designs are, he comes in after a long day of work and steps right in. He instantly asks, what can he do to help. If I am staying up until 2:00 in the morning, he stays up with me. If I run out of something in the middle of working, he runs to the store for me and get whatever I need. He takes care of our boys so I am able to be alone with my work. He’s even my balloon man, lol. Whenever there is a big event coming up, he tries to take off from his job, so he can be there to help me set up. We are a team, and I don’t know where I would be without him. Thanks babe. My second thank you goes to my aunt, Shone. This woman will find a way to always help keep me in business and help keep my name out there. She brags about me so much at her job, to the point they call me “The Cupcake Lady,’ lol. No matter what event she’s planning, she always has me in mind. Not that the money matters, but she always support me financially as well. She knows at the end of the day, I may be her niece, but this is also a business, that’s not free, and I thank her for that. My third thank you goes to my cousin Gabby, who is like a sister to me. Whenever there are big events, she is always there to help me setup. No matter what. All I have to do is send a text. Even if she has something originally planned, she will still find a way to be there for me. Thank you. I want to thank my best friends, Sheterria, Jemmerria, and Matthew. Thank you for all the love and encouragement. They are my promoters, my sister Tori as well. They will help promote whatever posts I make on social media, without me even asking. Thank you. Last but not least, I would love to thank my mom, Keta, as well as my mother in law, Theresa, with their key contributions. Whenever I need tools and materials to make this business as successful as possible, they never hesitate to step in. Thank you.

Instagram: @eventfullyyours_byshunb
Facebook: @Eventfully Yours by ShunB
Other: eventfullyyoursbyshunb@gmail.com