We recently connected with Melva LaJoy Legrand and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Melva LaJoy , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I think purpose is an ongoing and lifelong journey but what I will say is that there are moments throughout my life that I never thought I would or could survive. A few examples, is coming out of an abusive relationship, healing from past sexual trauma, accepting infertility, learning how to set boundaries in a work environment or the day-to-day struggle of why am I here? what is my place? How can someone like me matter and have impact?
There were many dark days, many years in therapy to actively manage my depression but then it occurs to me often that I am still here, I am still breathing, I am still learning, and by the very fact that I am healthy in my mind, my body functions, I am meant to do something, I am meant to contribute, I am meant to live in purpose daily.
What I have come to believe is that a part of my purpose is to be a reminder (not an example because I am not perfect) that you can have a life worth living on your terms, post trauma, post the negative self-talk, and post whatever age, race or gender we tell ourselves is more deserving.
I am on a campaign to let the world know, particularly people who have my gender and racial identity that purpose is in your birthright.
As for the rest of it, I really have no idea but wow, I am excited to discover the rest of what I am meant to do.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As the CEO and Founder of LaJoy Plans, an award-winning and globally recognized boutique events management firm, I have the high honor of curating event experiences for mission-focused organizations across the globe with an amazing team that has been with me for years. The LaJoy team is really the bedrock of why this company exists and continues to thrive and I love them deeply.
At this very moment, where there is a clear equity-debate within our country, I feel very grateful that our work allows organizations who are working on justice reform, global warming, educational equity, LGTBQA++ advocacy and more to be seen.
What I am looking forward too is exploring my executive consulting, a service that I am providing right now for select clients because as I’ve grown, I understand how important culture building is within events but organizations overall.
What I know for sure is that as LaJoy Plans continues to grow, we will always remain true to this simple truth: We design for excellence not ego and we service the servants (meaning the people that are doing really impressive work to help all of us) globally.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I think there are three things I would share at this time.
1. Learn from the fall – Some of my hardest and most humbling times have proven to be my greatest teacher, they have sharpened my skills. My point? I don’t think people should be afraid to make mistake, fail multiple times or receive constructive criticism. Be teachable.
2. Find a mentor – In the spirit of being teachable, it is critical to find a mentor who may or may not be within your industry. My mentors are a huge part of the reason why I have a business especially after relaunching in 2019 and I was at a low point. It was mentor who I hadn’t seen in close to 20 years, who I ran into, took me to lunch and assured me that I would be ok. She did not ask me for anything in return but she will never know what that conversation meant to me. Thank you Mrs. Banks. She knows who she is.
3. Find your niche – However, in order to find your niche, this means you need to work alot in the beginning. I did everything try to find my event identity. I worked at a radio station, I was an assistant, stage manager, exhibit hall load-in supervisor. The benefit of this journey, if you really dive into it all the way is you learn quickly what you want, what you don’t want and what you love. Once you know what you love, you nourish and deepen that skill but I do believe you have to start from the beginning and there is beauty in being a beginner.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents gave me so much. Most people know that this business is named after my middle name which means love and joy because this career is the love and joy of my professional life. But beyond that, I am so glad that my parents showed me two things: the power of service and the importance of doing a job, no matter what that job was. I have vivid memories of hearing my Dad talking about walking to school in a segregated state, driving trucks and being a janitor. Now, for some people these circumstances would not have been ideal but my Dad had alot of joy in his work, he took hardly any days off and he showed up when it was hard and more importantly, even if people did not show up for him. I get my work ethic from him.
My mother was politically active as a young person and through being surrounded by her, the Honorable C. Delores Tucker and the iconic Shirley Chisholm, I saw women who could have taken a break and yet, each, was called to serve. I knew that serving would be a cornerstone of my life and I think that’s why the companies my business works with have direct ties to service and equity.
Lastly, I must say that both of my parents, in their own way, showed me repeatedly that there was space for their daughter and to never be afraid if I was the only. Mom would always tell me “It does not matter if you are only, the only real question is are you ready? are you prepared?”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lajoyplans.com
- Instagram: @belajoyful
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lajoy/
Image Credits
Photo credits: Kelli Finch Photography Ana Isabel Photography
