Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to A’rel Boies. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

A’rel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We believe kindness is contagious and so we’d love for you to share with us and our audience about the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

To date, the kindest thing a client has ever done for me was gifting me personalized items at the end of catering their girls’ trip. It was already an incredible honor that they asked me to cater for their second trip in a row, especially since they were my very first booking when I started my business.

In the beginning, I was extremely nervous about how they felt after our first experience together. Even though they left a positive review, I still wrestled with self-doubt during that first year. Building a business came with its highs and lows, and I often questioned whether I was truly called to do this work.

Knowing these ladies believed in me so much—not just to rehire me but also to invest in encouraging me—was deeply humbling. During their brunch presentation, they surprised me with their thoughtful gift, and I couldn’t hold back the tears. Their gesture reminded me why I started and inspired me to keep pushing forward. It was one of those affirming moments that I’ll carry with me forever.

A’rel, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is A’rel, and I’m the heart and hands behind Elevated Xperiences, a creative brand dedicated to making life’s moments more memorable. I started this journey with a passion for bringing people together through beautiful and thoughtful designs, whether it’s with food, decor, or custom-crafted gifts. Growing up in a military family and traveling the world shaped my love for diverse cultures, flavors, and aesthetics, which now influences everything I create.

At Elevated Xperiences, I specialize in mobile bakery and snack cart services, as well as custom handcrafted gifts like resin art, candles, and baked goods. My goal is to take ordinary celebrations and transform them into extraordinary moments by providing elevated, yet approachable solutions for clients who may not have the resources or time for full-scale event planning. Whether it’s a personalized charcuterie tray for a cozy gathering or a set of meaningful handcrafted gifts, I focus on delivering thoughtful, one-of-a-kind creations.

What sets me apart is my deep commitment to each project. I’m a one-woman operation most of the time, which means every product and service is infused with my personal care and creativity. I prioritize making clients feel valued, ensuring every detail reflects their unique vision and needs. My work is not just about products or services; it’s about creating connections, memories, and experiences that people treasure long after the event is over.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the trust and relationships I’ve built with my clients. I’ve had the privilege of seeing repeat clients grow into champions for my brand, sharing my work with their loved ones and communities. Knowing that my efforts have brought joy, comfort, or a touch of elegance to someone’s life is what fuels me to keep going.

For potential clients and followers, I want you to know that Elevated Xperiences is more than a business—it’s a reflection of my belief in celebrating the little moments, the big milestones, and everything in between. Whether it’s through a handcrafted treat, a mobile grazing board, or a custom gift, my mission is to help you create something special and memorable.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the earliest challenges I faced in my business was during my first catering event, which taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, self-worth, and standing my ground. A client hired me to cater a two-day birthday celebration for her elderly mother, expecting meals for 17 to 24 guests each day. Eager to secure the job, I offered a heavily discounted rate and an extravagant menu, not fully realizing the toll it would take on me.

The challenges began before I even got started. The person who had agreed to assist me with transportation and prep completely ghosted me at the last minute. With no backup plan, I scrambled to rent my sister’s car for $50 and enlisted her to help with some of the behind-the-scenes work. I drove over an hour to the event location on both days, handling the cooking, delivery, and setup all on my own. It was exhausting, but I was determined to deliver.

By the end of the event, the client and her family were thrilled. They even gave me a generous $100 tip, which felt like a reward for pushing through such an intense experience. But a week later, I received an email from the client requesting a partial refund, citing dissatisfaction because the second day’s service was behind schedule and they had food waste.

I had to take a deep breath and reflect on everything I’d overcome to deliver that event. Despite the massive discount I had already given, I realized her complaints weren’t about the quality of the food or service—they were rooted in buyer’s remorse. I sent her a kind but firm email explaining that no refund would be issued. I reminded her that I had delivered exactly what we agreed upon, going above and beyond under challenging circumstances.

This experience taught me two key lessons. First, I learned to never undervalue my work or discount my services just to secure a job. Second, I realized the importance of setting boundaries and standing up for myself professionally. From that moment on, I committed to pricing my services appropriately and ensuring that every job reflected the value and effort I bring.

It was a tough situation, but it solidified my confidence in my abilities and my belief that with faith and determination, I can overcome any challenge.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the hardest lessons I had to unlearn was allowing people take advantage of my time for the sake of “good service”. In the early days of my business, I often found myself spending hours—or even days—going back and forth with potential clients. I’d offer detailed ideas, have multiple meetings, and even outline blueprints for their events or services, all without charging a dime.

Time and time again, these clients would take my ideas and either decide to go with someone else or attempt to do it themselves to save money. It was disheartening, and I quickly realized I was undervaluing not only my time but also the expertise and creativity I brought to the table.

After being burned repeatedly, I made the decision to change how I operate. I stopped offering so much free information upfront and started to focus on making my services valuable from the very first conversation. Now, I secure a deposit before diving into detailed designs or ideas. Clients are welcome to share their inspirations with me, but the bespoke creations I craft are reserved for those who invest in the process.

This shift not only protects my time and energy but also reinforces the value of what I do. It’s a boundary that allows me to work more confidently and maintain my peace while ensuring my brand is respected. Ultimately, it was a necessary change that has helped me build a more sustainable and fulfilling business.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: elevatedxperiencesllc