We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Qiana Turner a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Qiana, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
This is a phenomenal question. There have been many instances where I have been the only one in the room that looks like me. I used to shy away from being in those rooms. I would get nervous and wonder what others were thinking of me. However, I’ve learned to see that as my superpower. Once I learned that not everyone gets invited to be in certain rooms, it gave me confidence, strength and helped me see that if I’m in that room, I’m supposed to be there. I walk in with my head held high, my confidence on 100 and I let who I am shine.
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’m Qiana Turner, founder and owner of Madison Elyse Events, a boutique wedding and event planning firm, and M.E. Events Venue, an intimate event space located in Shorewood, Illinois. I’ve been in the event industry for over 14 years, and what began as a passion for creating beautiful, memorable moments has blossomed into a full-service brand. The planning firm was established in 2018, whereas my event venue opened in November 2024.
What excites me most about what I do is seeing people happy and when are people the happiest? When they’re celebrating! I have such a heart for people, and it make me happy to see other happy. For me, it’s not just about planning the event, it’s about evoking emotion and happiness.
Beyond planning, I sit on the Board of Directors for the African Descendants Military and Historical Museum in Joliet, IL – The first African American Military Historical Museum in Illinois. I support organizations like SparkLife International – a non-profit organization based in the United States and Ghana. Using my business as a platform to give back, empower individuals, and celebrate culture. For me, it’s about more than events; it’s about legacy, representation, and purpose.
This season is especially exciting because M.E. Events Venue will celebrate its first anniversary on November 3rd! We’ve grown so much in a year and have hosted everything from bridal showers to corporate mixers and birthday parties. I’m now focused on expanding our reach, hosting more weekday events, and possibly expanding into a bigger location!
Every event is a story, and I feel blessed to help people celebrate life’s most meaningful moments — beautifully and intentionally.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities, skills or areas of knowledge that have been most impactful in my journey is my background is HR, being a mother is a BIG one and being educated about my craft.
I worked in HR for 10 years and there was a load of transferrable skills I use in my business:
– Relationship Building: Earning trust and fostering collaboration.
– Active Listening: Capturing not just what’s said, but what’s meant.
– Problem-Solving: Navigating last-minute changes without disrupting the experience.
– Organization & Detail Management: Coordinating countless moving parts seamlessly.
Being a mother and developing patience…the level of patience you have to have raising four children is so important! lol. I use this same level of patience when it comes to my clients. They don’t know what they don’t know during the planning process so it’s my job to educate them and guide them. Having a high level of patience is truly a gift!
Lastly, being educated about my craft. I spent years learning how to effectively plan successful event. I secured internships and worked for industry experts for years before starting my business and to this day. I attend conferences and educational seminars in the United States and Internationally, so I stay informed about changes in the industry, new trends, where the industry is headed, all of the things. I never stop learning!
The advice I would give to someone early in their journey are these key things:
– Education is a key to your success. If event planning is truly your craft, take the time to educate yourself. This benefits you and your clients.
– Get a mentor! Multiple if you can! This was critical for me. There was a time that I wanted to hang up the towel and give up my business, but I found a good mentor who picked me up off the ground, wiped me off and pushed me into this level of success and helping me see the potential within. I have several mentors in different areas that I attribute my success to.
– You cannot do this alone! Find a tribe of individuals that you can grow with. Those that will cheer you on, steer you when you’re going in the wrong direction and give you good, sound advice!
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
There are three powerhouse women in my life have been instrumental in the journey, my mentor – Tawanda Sims, Founder and CEO of Elite Events by Tawanda in Ft. Lauderdale, FL., Kathy Romero, Global Event Planner and Brand Strategist and Coach of Kathy Romero Weddings and Events and Akeshi Akinseye, Global Event Planner + Designer, Author and Coach of Kesh Events in Chicago.
Each of these women has poured into me in ways that continue to shape who I am as a businesswoman and creative. From invaluable advice and business acumen to lessons in branding, luxury experiences, and styled shoots — they’ve each left a lasting imprint on my journey. I carry their wisdom with me daily and attribute a lot of my success because of these women.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.madisonelyseevents.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/madisonelyseevents
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madisonelyseeventsllc
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/madisonelyseevents
Image Credits
Alana Lindenfeld Photography, Jermaine Horton Photography, Mack Julion/Summerset Weddings, Miracle Maddox Photography
