LaJoy Plans

How do you measure your success for each event?

n this season in my career, I see the success of my events very clearly in a person ’ s eyes. I have watched people cry over the events we have designed or laughed at because they were so tickled, sometimes there are no words to measure the success but you just know when you ’ ve hit the mark. Now in terms of stats, I think it speaks volumes that at LaJoy Plans our client renewal rate is currently over 80%.

What would be some short-term goals and long-term goals for LaJoy Plans?

The short-term vision is to continue to deliver on our promise of managing joyinfused excellent events for our existing clients. In the future, I expect LaJoy Plans to have an expanded presence in other markets. Furthermore, since Covid, I have begun coaching and speaking work which I see growing in the years ahead. Yet, while we will expand in these ways, I do not envision us becoming a firm that does hundreds of events largely because I value quality over quantity and my team’s mental health and family work/life balance is always a priority.

What are some categories in which you plan for events?

The easiest way to understand our work is that we provide four core services: comprehensive events management, which is what we provide for most of our clients which includes conferences, galas, and receptions Second, virtual events management has not gone away since Covid Third, creative direction and production: many people do not know that we write, direct, and a video, partner produce commercials, and lastly our beloved social events including weddings, anniversaries, and other life occasions.

As an African American woman, what volumes does this speak for your platform?

You know I tend to think that platforms that showcase black women and particularly brownskinned, self-made black women are critical not necessarily for me but for my younger self who didn’t think she belonged and couldn’t manage my life as it is now as a possibility. The more we are on stages, places, and in spaces where we weren’t previously, the more the message is clear “That we have always belonged” and I love being a small part of that message.

What would you say to other African American entrepreneurs for success?

This weekend I turned down working with someone, someone wonderful and excellent because I didn’t see myself represented in the work. In sending the email to let them know why I couldn’t move forward, I said simply “I have to trust my instincts.” There are a lot of great books, coaches, and resources that will help anyone build a business but don’t ever think your instincts aren’t essential – let your inner knowing be your guide. I have not steered myself wrong when I was fully tapped into my truth

Share how the readers can connect with you. I want readers to be in the community and fellowship with me in two ways: First, Instagram on @belajoyful, and secondly, please look out on the LaJoy Plans YouTube channel as I will be releasing a free masterclass for Women’s History Month.