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

Alright, Marcia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.

I got my first client from social media. I started advertising on Instagram when I started my business. I had no idea what I was doing or if I would get a client from being on social media. All I knew is that I needed to show up, promote and connect with my ideal client. My family and friends were also helpful in reposting my work. When the inquiry came in, I realized that they found me on Instagram, and to say that I was surprised and excited is an understatement. During the consultation with my clients, the bride shared that she started following me after one of her friends on Instagram shared my work. After a couple of months, she decided to reach out to me to design her wedding. Not only were they happy that I was able to bring their design vision to life, but we made such a connection that a beautiful friendship was created.

Marcia , 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?

Hi there, I am Marcia, I was born in Guyana and migrated to the US in 1983. I lived in Brooklyn, NY, and graduated from Brooklyn College with a degree in Management and Finance. I am married to my loving husband and have a blended family of five amazing children. In 2005, my family and I relocated to Maryland.
As far back as I can remember I have been designing events for my family and friends. I look for any opportunity to host a gathering so that I can set and create a beautiful tablescape. I’ve also been the go-to person for decorating and designing events at every job I’ve had. After many years of designing for friends and family, (including planning and designing my wedding), I discovered that designing events was not only my passion it was my purpose. I invested in design and floral courses and launched Imagine It Event Decor and Design at the end of 2019. I enjoy being creative, transforming spaces, and love the satisfaction of a client walking into a room and seeing their design vision come to life.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In June of 2020, in the heart of the pandemic, a few months after I launched my business, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a devastating time. I was not only starting a business, but I was also working full time. I had to travel back and forth to New York to undergo my treatment. It would have been easy to just quit, but I never once thought of giving up.

Through it all, surgeries, radiation, injections tears, and everything else that came with it, I have never been more grateful for the lessons that cancer has taught me.

Having cancer changed my perspective of life and made me a better person. It gave me gratitude for my health, life, and everything around me. It taught me to never give up and to do what I love because life is precious. It reminded me to live with intention, meaning, and purpose and not focus on unimportant things.

What I’ve learned is that horrible things are going to happen in life. When it does, we have to look for the blessings and lessons that come with it. It won’t be easy but if you believe that there is good in every bad situation you will find them.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I am by no means a social media expert I am still learning. But, I have to say that my followers have grown since I started showing up consistently and doing reels on Instagram. If I could give any advice, it would be to consistently post, share stories, engage and create reels. However you define consistency.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://marciaalphonsodesign.com
• Instagram: @MarciaAlphonsodesign
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imagineiteventsanddesign/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcia-alphonso-4955481a/