Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Glory Jefferson-Richard. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Glory, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience! Wow! I’ve overcome so many things throughout my life. Such as, being a survivor of foster care. Imagine being snatched away from your siblings in the home that you thought was normal. From group homes to group homes and finally being stable into one foster home not knowing that the care taker really didn’t like you. Shortly thereafter (3years later) being emancipated, at the early age of 17 and being on your own as an adult. Out in the world not knowing what to do or who to turn to, I decided it was a man that meant no good for me. I got pregnant twice and realized that my world just got bigger. So I decided to enrolled tech program to become a medical assistant. I chose that program because I knew it was a short program and I could immediately find a job. Well let’s just say it didn’t quite happen like that. I was hustling with one job after the other. I finally met the man of my dreams so I thought. Years went on abruptly that relationship ended do to he was married. I thought I was comfortable living my best life, raising my children and working a good job but that end it. I went into a massive depression state not wanting to do life anymore. I cried on the Lord and he heard me loud and clear. I join a church with an amazing support system that really helped me through that patch.
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?
I am the owner and operator of Opulence Events by Glory. I am also the lead designer for our team. Opulence Events have proudly been in business for three years. Previously we were under the name of Doxa Events and Catering prior to changing our name. Fun fact is that we changed our name simply because of pronunciation.
The most exciting part of being a designer, and or event planner is that we get to serve our clients. In most cases, the client relies on our team to effectively plan and design a wow factor event. In some cases the client has a vision, however, don’t have the time or patience to fully create their vision in mind.
The special part of being an event planner is the experience of the client trust. The client truly trust the team to plan their most special occasions, such as weddings, anniversaries, and milestones birthday parties. They’re presenting special moments to us and many of the times, these movements hasn’t been shared with others. They trust us!
There are two concepts of Opulence Events by Glory.
1. Event specialist are responsible for creating event concepts, selecting venues, budgeting, securing sponsorships, handling logistics, handling event marketing, negotiating with sub-contractors, preparing expenditure reports, and evaluating event effectiveness.
2. Event designers are responsible for creating the look and ambiance of the event. The designer focus on all the event details such at decor, lighting, mood, style and brand of the event.
Along with the two entities of our company, we have an annual ball that promotes the brand of Opulence Events.
This event is open to the public and cater to those who want to experience a luxury evening full of fun. Each year we present a different theme to our guests. It’s is an amazing time and we just love our supporters. We look forward to celebrating out 4th annual ball on New Years Eve.
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?
I can think of a ton of skills or qualities that will be impactful to someone new, entering into a business. The top three I would say, would be professionalism, consistency, and knowing your target market.
I’ve always known that I wanted a luxury brand but what I didn’t know is how to reach that clientele.
I quickly realized that I must be professional. I actually scope out certain restaurants and or networking events to study my desired audience. What professionalism actually look like.
Secondly, I noticed being consistent pays off. I may have not gotten it right the first try but I kept at it. I may have not booked that desired client but I didn’t give up. People are always watching and they see your potential but they want to know do you see your potential.
Lastly, knowing your target market is a huge factor of being successful in business. This also save you time and money. Do you know who’s purchasing your product? Are you marketing to those client and or customers? Are you providing the correct service and or product? I’ve struggle years knowing that the services I provided were exceptionally amazing but sales were always low.
I decided to sit down a speak with a business coach and she saved my love for the industry. Which brings me to this point, hire a business coach and or life coach. We need accountability! We need someone that’s going to critique us in a way that our love ones may not.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
The biggest improvement I see within myself is I don’t compare myself to others on the industry. I acknowledged that it was a problem and received counsel. Every now and again that comparison would creep up and I’ll elevate my surroundings and confront the issue and move on.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.opulenceeventsbyglory.com
- Instagram: Opulenceevents_by_glory
- Facebook: Opulence Events by Glory LLC
Image Credits
Jearly media: Judah Early
