We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Star Maxwell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Star, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I was born into a legacy of hard working and devoted individuals. My grandfather was a successful entrepreneur. As an adolescent, I thoroughly enjoyed spending “take your child to work day” at his establishment. My dad will always be a legend in my eyes. Not, because he was some supernatural being with powers but because of his relentless devotion to taking care of the needs of his family! I have six siblings and my parents often took on additional responsibilities of helping to rear other neighborhood children as well.
My dad worked multiple jobs throughout my childhood to ensure me and my siblings had everything any other middle class family had to offer. He showed me you can have anything you want in life if you are willing to work for it. I’ve had a thing for saving money well before I was even old enough to get an official job. My dad owns a lawn care service and from ages 11-15 I helped with his business. Don’t be fooled by the “pretty face”, I am not afraid of getting my hands dirty. I cut grass, trimmed hedges, mowed leaves, etc. I got my first checking account at age 15 and started saving to buy my own car. Small victory for some but it was huge for me. It was confirmation that I can do anything I set my mind to.
My mom is also a phenomenal being who has had a major impact on my work ethic. After becoming a mom myself, I realized just how much of a “SHERO” she is. She made being a primary caretaker of so many look effortless. In addition, she always maintained a side hustle to help keep the family afloat. She had a grind that wouldn’t stop…a hustle that can’t quit and a magical way of making something out of nothing. I definitely inherited my tenacity from her.
All in all, where does my work ethic come from? Who made me who I am today? God!! His grace, mercy and favor over my life. My family! The two combined are the roots that keep me grounded…the encouragement when I’m weak…the propeller that pushes me forward…and for them I am forever grateful.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Star-Studded Productions offers high quality event rentals, event styling and balloon styling for all of Metro-Atlanta. We strive to provide optimal customer service, along with distinctive rentals, all at an affordable price point. We offer a great selection of chairs, table linens, napkins, table décor and embellishments, backdrops/walls, throne chairs, pedestals, lighting, and various other rental items. Memories matter and experiences define us. Whether planning an engagement party, wedding, birthday party, corporate event, or any other special occasion, let us make your event Star-Studded!
My goal for 2023 is to continue growing my rental business as well as increase wedding clientele. I enjoy designing all kinds of events but it is something about the glamor in weddings that I absolutely love! I am researching the commercial market and looking forward to finding a venue by year end.
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 have a God-given talent that I am ever so grateful for. He planted the seed-it is up to me to water it and allow room for growth. My resilience, diligence, and ambition are the gardening kit tools that allow for continued growth. I started my business just 5 months prior to a global pandemic and national shut down. I was beyond discouraged inside even though I held strong outwardly to others. Were there times when I cried? Yes! Did I want to give up? Absolutely! However, I understand there is purpose in the task that has been placed upon me. My mission is bigger than me! I am a creator of smiles, an inspiration of hope. Even in your darkest moment, shine bright because without notice many are watching you, looking up to you and inspired by your beacon of light. Events are far more than just “social gatherings”, they are opportunities that create everlasting memories, glowing smiles and bonds that make the heart grow fonder. I take great joy in knowing that I help create memories that will live on with people for a lifetime.
My advice to any entrepreneur whether in my field or not is to be your own competition! Do not get consumed with people watching. Remember that social media is a “highlight reel” of one’s greatest moments. Seldomly do you see people post their tears, fears or failures. Does that mean they don’t have rough days? Heck no!! Does this mean they are successful at everything? Highly doubt it!! We all have failed attempts-even your biggest idols. It’s important to learn from those failures, adjust and try again. Each day focus on how to be a better version of yourself than the day before. Set goals and write them down. Create an action plan to attain those goals. When you reach victories, celebrate them!! Lastly, along your journey remember to bring people up with you. This does not mean if you make $1,000 you give away $500. That’s not business minded at all. There are many ways to pour into others just remember to do your part. No one gets from the valley to the mountain peak alone…
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
My biggest challenge in entrepreneurship is finding work/life balance. It can be extremely difficult at times to find balance while trying to wear so many hats. I currently still work a full-time job in Corporate America managing a warehouse staff in the field of logistics. I am also a wife and mother. Owning a business is the cherry on top. Entrepreneurship is very demanding. There are no sick days or PTO- you just have to force this time. My ambitions push me into overdrive to reach the goals I set for myself. I have to stop and remember, my friends and family also need me.
In 2023, I have vowed to myself to continue working tirelessly towards my goals BUT I will definitely make sure I stop to take a breath and enjoy the fruits of my labor. You can’t spend money or time when you’re dead so I intend to smell my flowers while I am amongst the living with people I love. Work hard…play harder is my 2023 motto.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.star-studdedproductions.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starstuddedproductions/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarStuddedEventRentals
