Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. LaKisha James. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Dr. LaKisha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
I have always been a risk taker. Not sure why but I think it was because life is full of risks. A person does not know if something works until they try it. In 2015 I had my last child. I was on maternity leave and I was thinking about not going back into the corporate world. So, I spoke it over with my then spouse. We both agreed we did not want our baby girl being raised in day care. We also agreed I would start my business and he would be the sole provider in the household. I know he was thinking, why now? We just had a baby and here I was talking about starting a business. The thing was I didn’t know what type of business I wanted. I had so many talents God had given me but how could a girl choose? I took some time to think about it. Finally, I decided on an event planning. Designer Events by LaKisha was started in 2017. We specialize in corporate event planning, event design and set design for films and plays.
It was a risk because I did not have money to start my business. My then spouse and I was working. Now it would be one. Not including a new born to take care of. That in itself was expensive. My oldest daughter was leaving for college and my stepson was still in high school. It was a decision I made, fully aware of the risk. It was not easy though but what is? If life was easy this world would be in a much different state. We all know how the world is…not good.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?
Dr. LaKisha James is the Founder of Designer Events by LaKisha and Talks with LaKisha aka the “LaKisha brand”. She holds a Interior Design degree and a Bachelor’s in Management with a concentration in Small Business and Entrepreneurship. She is Editor of Real Women Atlanta Magazine. Dr. James is the recipient of 2019 CEO on the Rise award and 2021 Global Leadership award.
Dr. James was inducted into Marquis Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who of Professional Women in 2021. She is the Event Planning Director for the Black Mastermind Group. She received her honorary doctorate in Philosophy in the specialized area of Humanitarianism and Conflict Response. Dr. James is also an international bestselling author, mentor, speaker and interior designer.
Along with being an Entrepreneur, she is a mother of 2 and lives by the statements, “Without God I am nothing and he has equipped me with everything I need to be successful”.
Event Planning is my passion. Designer Events by LaKisha specializing in corporate event planning, event design and set design for films and plays. We sell something that physically does not exist. The solution we provide is turning a blank canvas (space) into a masterpiece. Our clients hire us because they do not know how to plan or organize an event or they don’t have the time. Planning and organizing an event or creating a set design requires a supreme level of organization, time management, and communication skills.
Talks with LaKisha is not just any talk show. Topics discussed are event planning, book collaborations and mentorship. Our goal is to empower, educate, and inspire others.
Designer Events by LaKisha just had their 5th businessversary this past March . I am super blessed to still be in business. I love my clients and they love us. Designer Events by LaKisha comes highly referred by previous clients. Once I get my corporate clients, they become repeated clients.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
It starts with building respect and trust in the ones we lead. Leading is not about controlling. Leading is about influence, structure, inspiring, encouraging, and motivating. Leading is about achieving a certain goal or goals.
Through building a team, You should have a relationship with each one of your team members. Let them know you have an open door policy. They should be able to call, text, and/or email you . You want your team to know that you are there. The goal is to build a team that would trust and respect you as the leader you are as well as someone they look up to. Make sure you make an impact within your team. Once your team realize they can trust you, there is nothing you all could not build together. Be sure to lead your team with integrity, trust, transparency, encouragement and by exuding confidence. As leaders we must play the role. We must show up and be present. Leaders give trust first, they effectively communicate, and they authentically show up.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
We all know if you are new to the industry, you need to show up and be present. No one knows you and no one will know you unless you make yourself seen. I attended networking events. I surrounded myself with like minded individuals I could learn from. If I didn’t know, I acted like I knew. I have always been able to fit in a business crowd. Another thing that helped with my reputation is joining organizations. I am the former Atlanta Chapter Leader for the World Women Conference & Awards and the former Executive Director for Times of Expressing & Refreshing Ministries. Another way is to network and be seen. I have met some amazing individuals that has played an instrumental part in building my reputation. Marketing is another avenue that helped build my reputation. You have to put your business out there so your potential clients can find you. You don’t find them, they find you.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mydesignerevents.
com - Instagram: designereventsbylak
isha - Instagram: talkswithlakishashow
- Facebook: designereventsbylaki
sha - Facebook: talkswithlakisha
- YouTube: Talks with LaKisha
- Linkedin: Dr. LaKisha James
- Twitter: designplan4you