Sonya Haywood - Dream It, Rent It, Enjoy It.

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Sonya

Sonya Haywood of Huntsville, AL, was born and raised in Dallas, TX. The true southern girl is also a veteran of the United States Army, and in 2012, she transitioned to the “Rocket City” to pursue a career in the field of Logistics. Sonya graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Troy University. She also has a Masters in Logistics Management from Florida Institute of Technology. Her partner in life and husband, Theory, she says, motivates and encourages her every day. Sonya is a mother of three and has five bonus children that she loves unconditionally with Theory.

As an entrepreneur, Sonya is the owner of JD Inspired Event Rentals, a veteran and female-owned business. JD Inspired Event Rentals is an affordable event decor rental company that offers services for special occasions like birthday parties, company gala’s, weddings, baby showers, and more. Some of their inventory includes 3ft and 4ft Marquee light-up letters and numbers, multiple styles of Chiavari banquet chairs, Neon backdrop signs and Neon props, Unique Arches, Up-Lightning, Pipe and Drape stands, Cold Spark Machines, low cloud fog machines, Throne Chairs, centerpieces, tablecloth and more.

JD Inspired was born in January 2023 after Sonya volunteered to head a group of women who were creating the decor for a youth football team banquet. There were some bumps along the way, but Sonya says they came together as a team and created something beautiful for the kids, and it felt great! The icing on the cake, Sonya says, was the reaction from the parents and the children.

Quality is important to JD Inspired, and Sonya says her company takes pride in not only selecting quality products but also investing in maintenance to maintain a certain level of quality. “If you can dream it, rent it with JD Inspired and enjoy!” That is the company’s slogan.

Sonya is committed to being a pillar in her community and enjoys giving back via volunteer work. “My passion is helping others. If we can contribute to making someone’s day special, that would be the highlight of our day,” she says.

Sonya’s degree is in business and logistics, which involves moving equipment from one place to another. “It was my skill set when I served in the military and I carried that same skill set over into my civilian career and now my business,” she explains. Having such skills that are paired with an exemplary work ethic helps to set JD Inspired apart from other event planning companies.

Sonya says she finds inspiration in her children and husband. “JD are my children’s first and middle initials. As parents, our goal is to be an example to our children of what a successful business owner looks like and how to build for your legacy. It’s all about leaving a legacy they can be proud of and thrive from.”

Providing excellent customer service is very important to Sonya, and she will do what is needed to ensure her client’s expectations are exceeded. She recalls an experience when a couple wanted to spell out their last name in Marquee letters. Their name was very long but after multiple quotes, they were only able to budget for initials. “I created the multiple marquee light discount plan. It’s been a huge success, a win-win on both sides, and it warms my heart that clients don’t have to settle for initials.

www.jdinspiredeventrentals.com