We recently connected with Kia Alexander-Canty and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

I must say that as an event decorator, I have had many kind gestures from client’s and families. There are certain cultures who are adamant about tipping, there are certain clients who are sure to refer you to close family and friends, and I’ve also had certain clients who have become friends. However, the kindest act a client has ever done for me was to stand up for me.

In December 2020, I was contacted by a bride who needed a wedding decorator in 30 days. Thirty days is a very short period of time to plan decor for a 200 person guest wedding reception. You must consider that ample time is needed for shopping at the stores, online ordering, creating, and seeing the venue where the decor is going. However, 2020 was the year of the pandemic. All of my weddings were canceled earlier that year so I was really desperate to get back to decorating. Being confident in my craft, I took the job!

The bride selected me but her mother was paying for everything. When the bride showed her Mom pictures of my work, I was told she was very pleased. Everything came to a screeching halt when her mother indicated that the bride needed to find another vendor with the same religious background as them and the rest of the vendors. I must make it clear that the bride’s mother was very nice to me and she was not indicating that she did not want to hire me because I was an African American vendor. She just really believed in working with all individuals within their religion.

The kindest thing that the bride did for me was to advocate for me to be a part of her wedding as the decorator/ florist. I was told that there were strong arguments and a lot of back and forth that continued for one week. Because my bride stood up for me and believed in my work, I was able to not only decorate her wedding but one of her family members the following year. I am truly grateful for this experience. It was a great lesson and a happy ending for me.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Kia Alexander-Canty. I am an event decorator specializing in floral services. I provide amazing decor for weddings, parties, and special events. I take the stress and worry out of everyone’s day. I want everyone to know that I use a creative process to give them unbelievable and unforgettable decor. I am most proud of my creativity and my willingness to never give up. This job is not always easy!

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

I’ve found that you must adequately pay your team. The event industry calls for long hours and lots of time being on your feet. To keep a high morale, you have to point out the things they are doing well. Let’s face it, who wants to hear about what they are doing wrong all day! And lastly, you have got to have a team around you that actually wants to be a part of what you are doing. When someone takes a job out of obligation, you can see it in their work. You want to get the best out of your team, so always make sure you have a team that wants to be there.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson that I had to unfortunately unlearn is that not everyone is going to support you. When you start a business, your automatic thought is that the individuals closest to you will be the main people to support you. Nothing can further from the truth for most people. It was a hard lesson and a harsh reality. But these days I just try to focus on the individuals that ARE supporting me. My supporters mean the world to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thedecoratingqueenllc.com
• Instagram: the_decorating__queen
• Facebook: KIA ALEXANDER- Canty