We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marquette James a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Marquette with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My generosity stems from the strong work ethic instilled in me by my mother. She has always been a role model for me, demonstrating the importance of hard work, compassion, and giving back to others. Growing up, I witnessed her selflessness and willingness to help those in need, which left a lasting impression on me. Her God fearing values and teachings have shaped my perspective on generosity, motivating me to be empathetic and supportive towards others. I know that her influence has played a significant role in shaping my character and inspiring me t be generous in both my actions and mindset.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a child of God, I find immense joy and purpose in my roles as a wife, mother, and grandmother. These relationships have shaped my life and continue to bring me fulfillment and love. In my free time, I indulge in my passions for traveling, exploring new places, and immersing myself in different cultures. Reading is another cherished pastime of mine, as it allows me to escape into different worlds and gain new perspectives. Additionally, I have a genuine enthusiasm for football, finding excitement in cheering for my favorite team, The Dallas Cowboys. And, if I’m being honest, I have a guilty pleasure of indulging in reality TV shows, finding entertainment and relaxation in their captivating narratives. Overall, these aspects of my life contribute to my sense of identity and bring me happiness in various ways.
I am a Certified Wedding and Event Planner, dedicated to helping customers bring their visions to life. It brings me immense joy to work closely with clients, ensuring that every detail of their special day or corporate event is meticulously planned and executed.
In addition to my event planning expertise, I am also a passionate balloon artist. This creative outlet allows me to express my artistic side and bring joy to others through the whimsical and colorful world of balloons. I find great satisfaction in creating intricate balloon designs and seeing the delight on people’s faces when they see my creations.
To further enhance my skills and stay up-to-date with the latest trends, I actively participate in industry events such as Float & The Big Build, two renowned balloon conventions that provide hands-on experiences and and opportunities to learn next-level balloon techniques. These conventions fuel my passion for balloons and inspire me to continually push the boundaries of my creativity.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Throughout my journey, I have discovered that the most impactful skills, qualities and areas of knowledge are rooted in my passion for what I do. This unwavering enthusiasm fuels my drive to continuously learn and grow in my field. Equally important is the ability to listen attentively, as it allows me to truly understand the needs and desires of those I work with. By actively listening, I am able to tailor my approach and provide the best possible solutions. Creativity is another vital aspect that has greatly influenced my journey. It enables me to think outside the box, find innovative solutions, and brink fresh ideas to the table. Lastly, my drive to succeed has been instrumental in overcoming challenges and pushing myself t achieve new heights. This combination of passion, listening, creativity and drive has been the cornerstone of my growth and success, propelling me forward on my journey.
For individuals who are early in their journey and seeking to develop or improve skills such as passion, listening, creativity, and drive, here are some pieces of advice:
1. Explore and Discover: Take the time to explore different areas of interest and discover what truly ignites your passion. Engage in activities, hobbies, or projects that excite you and align with your values. This exploration will help you identify your true passions and allow you to focus your efforts on areas that genuinely inspire you.
2. Embrace Continuous Learning: Commit to a mindset of lifelong learning. Seek out opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills in your chosen field. Attend workshops, seminars, or courses that can enhance your understanding and expertise. Stay updated with industry trends and developments to remain relevant and adaptable.
3. Practice Active Listening: Cultivate the habit of active listening. This involves not only hearing what others say but also understanding their perspectives, emotions, and needs. Practice empathy and strive to create an environment where people feel heard and valued. This skill will not only improve your relationships but also enhance your ability to provide effective solutions.
4. Foster Creativity: Nurture your creativity by engaging in activities that stimulate your imagination. Explore different forms of art, read diverse literature, or engage in brainstorming sessions with others. Allow yourself to think freely and embrace unconventional ideas. Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge your creativity.
5. Cultivate Determination and Resilience: Developing drive and determination requires perseverance and resilience. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Set goals for yourself and work towards them with dedication and discipline. When faced with setbacks, view them as learning experiences and use them to fuel your motivation to keep pushing forward.
6. Seek Mentorship and Guidance: Find mentors or role models who have excelled in the areas you wish to develop. Their guidance and insights can provide valuable advice and support as you navigate your journey. Learn from their experiences and seek their feedback to help you improve and grow.
Remember, personal growth is a continuous process. Embrace the journey, be patient with yourself, and celebrate small victories along the way. With dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to self-improvement, you can develop and enhance these skills, ultimately shaping a successful and fulfilling journey.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am actively seeking collaboration opportunities with fellow event planners, balloon artists, and various vendors including event halls, caterers, dj’s, photographers, and videographers. I firmly believe that events are a full production, requiring the coordination of many moving parts to bring them to life successfully. If you are interested in working together or have any inquiries, please feel free to reach out to me at info@mcpevent.com. I am excited to connect and explore potential collaborations that will contribute to creating memorable and exceptional experiences for our clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: marquettesevents.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marquettesevents
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marquettesevents/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marquette-james-cwep-438627128
Image Credits
Marquette James
