We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jillian Ford a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jillian, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
I attribute my optimism to experiencing first hand during life’s toughest challenges, there’s always a way to make it out on top. Due to my short comings in high school, I never thought attending college was in the cards for me. So when I graduated college on the Deans list, I felt like I was on top of the world. Soon after, I drove across country with my best friend (Keondrea Richards) and we moved into a falsely advertised 1 bedroom house. That following month, my father unexpectedly passed away. Experiencing three major life changes in such a short amount of time could understandably get anyone’s spirits down. It was during that time where I told myself I could either allow these things to defeat me or come out of this knowing better things are ahead. It was in that year Keondrea and I decided in order to get out of our “funky mood” we needed to change our environment, (the catfish house). We spent months creating diy house decor pieces so the tent of a house we lived in felt more like home. That was the very thing that led to us discovering our passion for decorating and from that Rich Auntie Eventz was born.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’ve always been told I do the most but when it comes to my nephew Jaylen, I do the MOST! I received the nickname “Rich Auntie” one day when the small cake & ice cream birthday celebration I threw for Jaylen turned into transforming my loft into a movie theater room included with projector, popcorn machine, cotton candy machine, candy bar, and mini fridge stocked with all of his favorite sodas. I knew for my business I wanted to apply the same amount of love and over the top kind of atmosphere for my clients. It’s those very things that transforms a regular celebration into a lasting memory. At Rich Auntie Eventz we promise to turn your event into an experience. In regards to the future, I have a whole CVS receipt list of things I want to do! I’m certain this will not be the last anyone’s heard of me or Rich Auntie Eventz.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three most impactful qualities I possess is ambition, fearlessness and confidence. Transitioning from a 6 year long career in sales to pursuing a career in events, I started to feel like I had imposter syndrome. In those moments is where have to “gas” myself up. A little confidence pep talk here and there always keeps me on track. My advice to anyone wanting pursue their passion is to start it! Take that leap of faith, make the risks and take a chance on you.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents did an amazing job at just raising me in general but the most impactful thing they’ve ever done is speak life into me and support all of my dreams and aspirations. They’ve always reassured me that when it came to my passions, I had their full support. Not only because I’m their daughter but because they saw my talent and knew I was capable of great things. From their support is where I get my fearlessness, ambition and confidence to be a Rich Auntie.
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