Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with April Manigault of Downtown Summerville

We’re looking forward to introducing you to April Manigault. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning April, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I’ve recently stepped into the world of fresh florals, which is something I used to shy away from. For years, I felt completely confident designing with silks, but fresh flowers felt like a whole different arena. Even after taking several classes, I still hesitated to put myself out there. It wasn’t until a client encouraged me—reminding me not to be afraid, that I truly had the skill—that I finally took the leap. What started as fear has now blossomed into a new passion, and I’ve fallen in love with fresh floral design ever since.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is April Manigault, and I’m the owner of three event-focused brands here in Summerville, South Carolina—CC Events and Rentals, CC Event Center, and Lullaby Studios. Each of my businesses was built with one vision in mind: to provide elegant, memorable experiences that go far beyond décor.

CC Events and Rentals specializes in luxury décor, fresh and silk florals, balloon artistry, and premium event rentals. CC Event Center is our larger venue, designed for milestone celebrations, weddings, and corporate gatherings. And Lullaby Studios, our most intimate location, is tailored for baby showers, kids’ parties, and small celebrations that deserve a big impact.

What makes my work unique is that I don’t just focus on design—I focus on the experience. Every event tells a story, and I see it as my role to bring that story to life with elegance and intention.

Right now, I’m especially excited because after almost five wonderful years at our original Lullaby Studios, we’ve expanded into a new downtown Summerville location. It’s a fresh chapter, and I can’t wait for the community to experience everything we’re building across all three of our brands.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My clients saw me as a designer long before I fully recognized it myself. While I was focused on pushing past my own flaws and striving to do better, they already viewed my work as something special. With each event, their feedback—along with the support of fellow designers, family, and friends—reflected growth and talent that I hadn’t yet given myself credit for. They recognized the beauty of my craft before I did, and that gave me the confidence to truly own my gift.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I think every event designer has had that moment where they say, “That’s it, I quit!” There are always challenges—an event that doesn’t feel like your best, a client who tests your patience, or the simple reality of missing time with loved ones because you’re always on the go. But then there’s the other side: the clients who become like family, the heartfelt gratitude, and the joy of knowing you helped create memories that will last a lifetime. Those moments remind me why I started and keep me pushing forward, even on the hardest days.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I would say yes and no. Most people view me as kind and quiet—and I am kind, always willing to help and accommodate—but the “quiet” part isn’t the full picture. I love to laugh, joke, and have fun, but that side of me is reserved for those who know me best. I’m not outspoken by nature, so while the public sees my kindness, my playful personality shines more in close circles.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What light inside you have you been dimming?
For a long time, I dimmed the light of my own confidence. I poured so much energy into perfecting my craft that I focused more on what I needed to fix rather than celebrating what I was already capable of. I shied away from certain opportunities—like fresh florals at first—because I let fear take the lead. Over time, I’ve realized that my creativity and vision deserve to shine fully. Now, I’m embracing that light and allowing it to guide me into new chapters of growth.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Razer Photography, Myself not sure the other Photographers name

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