We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shaquilla Williams-Shannon a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shaquilla, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
I’ve navigated challenges — personally and professionally — that most people would find overwhelming. Every setback you’ve survived has been a kind of “training” that strengthened your endurance. The ability to build a thriving brand, run major events, and stay creative while balancing personal struggles points to a deep internal toughness.
2. Purpose and Vision
I draw a lot of energy from purpose. Building Larger Than Life and mentoring others through The Art of Business, Floral & Event/Wedding Design isn’t just work — it’s part of how you heal, express yourself, and inspire others. Purpose gives resilience direction.
3. Faith and Self-Belief
Even when shaken, I seem to have a quiet conviction that you’ll figure it out. That inner belief — whether spiritual, intuitive, or born from experience — is a major protective factor against giving up.
4. Creativity as Coping
Creative people often process pain through design, storytelling, or vision-building. I transform stress into artistry — turning events, décor, and ideas into beauty — which is a subtle but powerful form of emotional resilience.
5. Community and Responsibility
You don’t just endure for yourself; you do it for your family, clients, and students. When people depend on you, it forges discipline and persistence.
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?
Shaquilla Williams Shannon — Celebrity Floral Designer | Educator | Mentor | Speaker| Navy Veteran| Minority Business Owner|
Shaquilla Williams is a powerhouse in the world of luxury event design. A devoted wife and mother of three, she’s also a sought-after celebrity floral and event designer, global educator, and dynamic business coach. Known for her signature “Magic Touch,” Shaquilla teaches immersive wedding and floral design workshops across the world, inspiring creatives to elevate their craft and build profitable businesses.
She is the visionary founder of Larger Than Life Event Planning and the driving force behind Wedding Bells & Whistles—Polk County’s first and only premier bridal magazine—and is also launching the region’s first wedding expo in years, debuting 2026 in downtown Lakeland.
Beyond design, Shaquilla is a mentor and strategist who empowers entrepreneurs to grow and monetize their niche. She teaches numerous business workshop symposiums and host, networking events throughout the year, teaching other business owners how to create multiple streams of income from one business she teaches Google marketing and advertising workshops as well. Here’s a list of her expertise
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You can now book consultations for the following services
How To Get Monetized On Social Media
How To Get Into INTERIOR DESIGN,
How To Get Your Business On Groupon, DoorDash , Sezzle!
Business Mentorship
Turo Turnkey
Airbnb Turnkey
Business Credit
How To Get Monetized On Social Media
Business Credit Funding
Built Business Tradelines (easy bank loan)
Built Shelf Corporations(Easy Bank Loan)
Business Credit Cards
More tutorials to add revenue
Google Business Marketing
Marketing
Advertising
Branding
Contracts 32 bundle
Business Strategies
Business Consulting
Get more visibility to your
business page !
Starting the business
Hashtags
Vverbiage / content to post for your specific business!
Social media algorithm posting times !
Getting more business
Attracting your target audience more clients
Business cards
Flyers
Business Templates
Help with business name etc
How to build business credit
How to get business funding
How to get Corporate/Business Sponsorship
How to put on your own event and so much more !
calendly.com/largerthanlifeevents03
She leads two youth summer camps focused on entrepreneurship and gives back to her community through annual back-to-school giveaways, college kids are packages
business networking events, and holiday celebrations. Her work extends into venue consulting—partnering with venue owners to curate events that boost visibility, revenue, and long-term growth.
A nationally recognized speaker for over 7 years, Shaquilla has graced stages at women’s retreats, empowerment events, and industry panels. She’s been honored as a five time Floral Designer & Event Planner of the Year in Polk County , Business Woman of the Year nominee. Her features span Voyager, Rolling Out, The Ledger, Bridal Magazines Spectrum News 9, Channel 10 News, National Podcast and more.
Why Learn & BOOK Shaquilla?
• Best of Lakeland: 5 Consecutive Years (2021–2025)
• Business Hall of Fame Inductee
• 2025 Award Winner – Top 3 Wedding Planners in Central Florida
• Featured In: Voyager, Rolling Out, Wedding Rule 2024, The Ledger, Spectrum News 9, Channel 10 News Multiple magazine s, podcast etc
• Guest Honoree – LeadHERship Women’s Summit 2025
With over 25 industry certifications taught through her workshops and a global mentorship program under her belt, Shaquilla’s mission is clear: to inspire, equip, and lead the next generation of event professionals. Her favorite quote?
“There’s always another level up. There’s always another ascension. More grace, more light, more generosity, more compassion, more to shed, more to grow.” – Elizabeth Gilbert
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Visionary Creative Leadership
I have the rare ability to see something before it exists — a ballroom, a brand, a student’s potential — and then bring it to life with precision and flair.
This isn’t just design; it’s leadership through imagination. You combine artistic instinct with strategic execution, guiding teams and clients to believe in — and contribute to — your vision.
That balance between creativity and command is your superpower.
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2. Business Strategy & Brand Building
I understand not only how to create beauty, but how to package, price, and position it.
Your knowledge spans marketing, luxury branding, pricing psychology, and experiential design. You think like a CEO: you spot opportunity, create multiple income streams, and turn your name into a brand ecosystem (Larger Than Life, Nova Sinclair, The Art of Business).
That mix of entrepreneurial sharpness and creative artistry is what keeps your work sustainable.
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3. Emotional Intelligence & Mentorship
People are drawn to your energy because you make them feel seen, capable, and inspired. I connect deeply — whether mentoring students, managing staff, or comforting brides on their big day. Your empathy, communication skills, and emotional steadiness make you a natural teacher, coach, and leader.
This quality gives your brand its soul and your workshops their impact.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes — Im absolutely open to collaboration. You’re seeking partnerships that align with your brand values: luxury, creativity, purpose, and empowerment. You’re not just looking for people to “work with,” but for those who bring something unique — fresh ideas, aligned audiences, or complementary expertise — to help elevate The Larger Than Life Experience and Nova Sinclair brand family.
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Ideal Collaborators
I’m most aligned with:
• Luxury wedding & event vendors — florists, decorators, venues, photographers, fashion stylists, and makeup artists who share a passion for high-end aesthetics.
• Brand sponsors & lifestyle companies — especially those in décor, travel, fashion, beauty, and business education who want authentic partnerships and product placement within your workshops or events.
• Educators & entrepreneurs — those with expertise in finance, marketing, or creative business who can co-host masterclasses or provide value to your audience.
• Media & content creators — magazine editors, podcast hosts, influencers, and videographers who spotlight entrepreneurship, artistry, or women in business.
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Ways to Collaborate
• Event & workshop sponsorships (product or financial partnerships)
• Creative brand collaborations (joint campaigns, styled shoots, luxury pop-ups)
• Speaking engagements & mentorship programs (panels, summits, educational experiences)
• Media features & interviews to amplify visibility and storytelling
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How to Connect
The easiest way to collaborate is to reach out directly via:
📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 Instagram: largerthanlifeeventplanningfl or @largerthanlifeeventplanning
💻 Website: www.largerthanlifeeventplanning.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.largerthanlifeeventplanning.com
- Instagram: Largerthanlifeeventplanningfl
- Facebook: Larger than life, Event Planning, custom design, designs, and Treats
- Linkedin: Shaquilla Shannon
