Alana of Tampa, FL on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Alana and have shared our conversation below.

Alana, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I am 100% walking a path by faith and not by sight. It is scary at times, but it has been fulfilling and successful so far, especially when I stopped wandering.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Alana Nelson, and I’m the founder and creative director of Nyxsteria Events, a global event planning and event design company based in Tampa Bay, Florida. Our mission is simple but powerful, to connect people and brands through elevated, meaningful events.

Nyxsteria Events specializes in weddings, corporate events, galas, and fashion shows that blend intentional design, seamless logistics, and an unforgettable guest experience. What makes us unique is our ability to merge creativity with strategy. We believe that every event tells a story that reflects the heart of our clients while leaving a lasting impression on their guests.

My journey began in fashion design and runway production, which gave me an eye for visual storytelling and detail. Over time, I found that my greatest passion lies in transforming spaces and moments into experiences that feel personal, inspiring, and effortless for my clients.

Currently, Nyxsteria Events is expanding its corporate and international portfolio while continuing to craft one-of-a-kind celebrations across the U.S. and abroad. Each event we take on is a reflection of artistry, precision, and heart, and that’s what truly sets us apart.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Other than my parents, I would say Mrs. Loretta Mitchell and Mrs. Mary Whitmore.

Mrs. Loretta helped raise my brothers and I. She was a kindergarten teacher with a powerful yet gentle way of inspiring others. Her calm strength became my anchor when I didn’t have any of my own. She believed in me before I believed in myself, always telling me to keep going, so I did.

Mrs. Mary Whitmore was my first sewing teacher. I met her toward the end of her life, but her impact has lasted far beyond it. Her gift of foresight was uncanny; she predicted the exact industry I would build my career in and the passions that would define me. Even now, more than fifteen years after her passing, I still find myself asking, “What would Mary do?”, whether I’m designing, creating, or planning an event.

Both women saw the best version of me long before I could see it for myself, and I carry their lessons with me every day.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to save money, be kinder to yourself, and to celebrate every win, big or small. You’re doing better than you think you are. I’d also remind you to stand up for yourself more, in every way. Your voice, your boundaries, and your dreams deserve to be respected. Everything you’re working toward now will come together, so give yourself grace and keep going.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
I’ve learned that everything happens in divine timing, even when it doesn’t make sense in the moment. I believe that kindness, consistency, and authenticity will always open doors that force alone can’t. I also hold tight to the truth that what’s meant for me will always find me, as long as I keep showing up and doing the work.

Another quiet truth I live by is that peace is worth more than popularity, and that staying true to who I am, no matter the setting, is my greatest strength. I don’t always say these things out loud, but they guide every decision I make, both personally and professionally.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If immortality were real, what would you build?
If immortality were real, I would build a legacy of creation, connection, and education. I’d create spaces, both physical and experiential, where people could come together to learn, dream, and celebrate life through art, fashion, and community.

I’d build an empire of purpose-driven creativity: event venues that tell stories, programs that mentor young designers and planners, and global experiences that remind people how powerful human connection truly is and how it has shaped our civilization over the centuries.

More than anything, I’d build something that outlives even immortality itself, a lasting movement that continues to inspire, teach, and bring people together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nyxsteriaevents.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyxsteriaeventplanning
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nyxsteriaeventplanning

Image Credits
Branding Photos: Kristin Rose Photos

(Spark photo:) The Rebucks
Venue: Crystal Ballroom Lake Mary
Planner: Nyxsteria Events @nyxsteriaeventplanning
DJ: Jay Love @jaylovesvoice
Photo: Gina Vergera
Video: Jose Vergera
Video Edit: GLDN Creative @gldn_creatives_weddings

(Black outline of couple holding hands in the air)
Couple: The Moyer Wedding
Planner: Nyxsteria Events @NyxsteriaEvents
Hair & Mua: Quanda Yvette Artistry Quanda Yvette
Florist: Events by Miss Daisy Events by Miss Daisy & mr_party_planner
Photo: Wild Three Photography Wild Three Photography @wildthreephoto
DJ: DJ Jay Love @Jlovesvoice
Catering/Bar: C2 Catered Events by Confectionately Confections @ConfectionatelyConfections
Officiant: Tara Cadman
@tdoe01 on Instagram or Tara Cadman Real Estate on fb
Baker: Smallcakes Jacksonville
Smallcakes Cupcakery & Creamery
Rentals: Eventworks Jax
EventWorks
Restrooms: Jones Luxury Restrooms
Jones Luxury Restrooms

(Couple dancing- bride twirling)
Couple: The Torres
Day of Coordinator: Nyxsteria Events
Venue: The Regent
Rentals: On The Move Wedding & Event Rentals
Florals: Jennie’s Flowers
/Video: Real Life Fairytales Photos + Films
Linens: @Fancythatlinens Fancy That Specialty Linens / Ms. Gabbie
Violinist: @sebagabo
DJ: Victor DjEk Torres
Officiant: Rose Ponce
Catering: @Caribbeantwist
Photobooth: @thepartyphotoboothco
Bar: Spunky Spirits Bartending Services
Hair & Makeup: @makeupbyjadie – Jadira
& @Carlapatricia90 – Carla
Baker: Basilandrosemarybakery
Transport: Affari Transportation

(Couple Kissing at the end of the ceremony)
Couple: The Herreras!
Photo/Video by: Tyandtoriana @tyandtoriana
Venue: @bankstannex
Coordinator: Nyxsteria Events
Hair and Makeup: @msalishanycole

(Group photo – Halloween Styled Shoot)
Photoshoot Coordinator: Nyxsteria Events
FB: @nyxsteriaeventplanning
Insta: @nyxsteriaeventplanning
Venue & Event Rentals: Orlando Wedding & Party Rentals
FB: @orlandoweddingandpartyrentals
Photographer: Sam Goodwin
Insta:@stg.photo
Gowns & Tuxedo: All Brides 2 Be Tuxedo Formalwear & Fashion Styling
FB: @allbrides2beandformalwear
Insta: @allbrides2be
Florist Wholesaler: Floristcentric
Fb: @floristcentric Insta: @floristcentric_orl
Cake Decorator/Baker: Any Occasions Cakes and Pastries by Ashlee
FB: @pastrymkr07
Mobile Bar: Bubble Buggi
FB: @thebubblebuggi Insta:@thebubblebuggi
Hair & Makeup Assistance: Aubrianna Miller
COUPLES/MODELS:
Couple: The Salas
Couple Model: Matt Weingard & Leah Macri
Male Model Management: Unspoken Model Management
FB: @unspokenmodels
Male Models: Toby Mbadugha & Jerome Russel
Female Models:
Thandiwe Ogbonna – FB:@thandiweogbonna
Lin’Zay Stevenson : Insta : @ __whoisrebel
Aubrianna Miller