We recently connected with Gianna Ward and have shared our conversation below.
Gianna, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Creativity, to me, is a precious gift. It begins with a single thought, which I then develop using the endless inspiration the world offers. Colors, nature, objects, textures—everything around me serves as a piece of the puzzle that brings my ideas to life.
In my role as a wedding and event planner, nurturing that creative spark is essential, as my primary goal is to transform visions into reality. It’s a continuous journey of learning, exploration, and experimentation, where I practice and refine my ideas to align with the original vision.
This passion fuels me; it’s my love for what I do and my unwavering desire to create every day that keeps my creativity vibrant and alive!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Gianna Ward, and I’m the proud owner of Exquisite Events, one of Philadelphia’s premier wedding and event planning companies. We offer a range of services, including event planning consultations, décor, floral arrangements, balloon design, linen rentals, and so much more!
Exquisite Events began during my junior year of high school when I won a business competition held by the Entrepreneurship Center in West Philadelphia, thanks to my teacher, Ms. Sankofa. This opportunity provided me with invaluable tools and resources to kickstart my business and gain essential exposure to entrepreneurship. At that time, I had zero customers—no one knew who I was, and I hadn’t yet completed any events. I simply knew this was my passion.
After some time away from the idea, my spark reignited when I planned my daughter’s first birthday party. I shared photos on Facebook, which led to bookings from coworkers for birthday parties and baby showers. From there, I began to build momentum. My clientele grew, word of mouth spread, and it became a continuous journey of growth.
Currently, I wear many hats in the business, juggling roles from florist to balloon artist, financial and marketing teams, and more. However, I also have a dedicated team that I’m training to help us reach the next level.
Our business is thriving! We’ve established a strong social media presence and built a solid client base in Philadelphia. Exquisite Events aims to merge both wedding and event planning under one roof, making us the ultimate one-stop shop. We’re in the process of establishing our headquarters, where clients can come and plan their perfect events.
Recently, we wrapped up a grand opening for Le Cache Dulcet, Richmond, VA’s newest coffee shop. Having clients reach out from outside Philadelphia and book our services feels like a dream come true. It’s proof that perseverance pays off. I can see, taste, and feel the vision I’ve always dreamed of, and I know I’m getting closer.
There have been many challenging moments, filled with frustration and self-reflection, but with the support of my husband and parents, I keep pushing forward. Yes, I do this full-time, but I also work a full-time job. My family has been instrumental in ensuring everything runs smoothly; there have been many late nights prepping floral arrangements, blowing up balloons, and pressing tablecloths for rental orders after work.
I truly believe that sometimes you have to do what it takes to reach your goals. As a girl from West Philadelphia, I’m living my dream and building something greater than I ever imagined. With God, all things are possible!
We are busy with numerous events and weddings this year, and we are incredibly grateful to our clients and new customers who trust us to bring their visions to life. For the first time ever, we will be part of the 2025 Wedding Expo in November, where we’ll host classes and giveaways, and showcase some beautiful wedding and event arrangements and décor—you won’t want to miss it!
Stay connected with us through our website: www.exquisiteeventsphila.com and on social media: Instagram/Facebook @exquisiteeventsphl.
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?
Self-motivation, creativity, and time management are essential in this field. Without them, success is hard to achieve. Some days can feel slow, but it’s crucial to inspire yourself to keep going and generate new ideas to maintain momentum. Staying relevant means giving customers compelling reasons to choose you.
Creativity doesn’t always mean following the latest trends; it’s about letting your unique vision shine through and creating work that is undeniably beautiful.
As for time management, it wasn’t always my strong suit, but I’ve made significant improvements. In this industry, it’s vital. Every wedding and event operates within a specific timeframe, and each setup has a deadline where everything must be picture-perfect and ready. You must plan, be punctual, and execute flawlessly.
So, do you! Be yourself, and thrive in your own creative world!
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents have always been my biggest supporters. Their incredible support means the world to me. Whether stepping in to help whenever needed or simply being there to keep me company, they provide everything I need to succeed. Knowing that they believe in me and wholeheartedly support my journey is incredibly meaningful. It truly touches my heart to see them sharing my posts and spreading the word about my business. I feel so grateful to have such a wonderful support system.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Exquisiteeventsphila.com
- Instagram: Exquisiteeventsphl
- Facebook: Exquisiteeventsphl
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