We recently connected with Glory Jefferson and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Glory thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

Wow! In previous interviews, I’ve never been asked this question. My first unpaid client happened to be an ex-coworker while working for an organization. I was at my desk, and I overheard a gentleman speaking about planning his wedding and reception. I thought his comments were all over the place and he needed help. Shortly after that, I asked him if it was OK to give my opinion. He said yes, so I wondered if you have an event planner or coordinator. He stated that he didn’t and that his wife and himself were planning everything. So, I devised this bright idea to plan and design his wedding reception. I did not do the wedding because everything was done before this conversation. I had no formal experience doing weddings and, for that matter, events in general. Of course, he said he had everything under control and didn’t need any help. I thought I had one shot left and said I’d do the event design for the wedding reception for free. So I began to speak with him and his fiancé, and we planned, planned, and planned some more. Everything was spectacular to the point that the family tipped me an enormous amount of money. This began my journey as an event planner and designer.

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 back background and context?

I am a Cleveland, Ohio native and the eldest among eleven siblings, proud parents of Jasmine and Jayveon, and I’m a devoted wife to Brent.

My lifelong passion for planning and designing events emerged as a young adult, initially organizing celebrations for my family and friends, which eventually evolved into managing professional events.

Recognizing the need for a shift in my career trajectory after five years in the industry, I enrolled in the prestigious IWED Institute in Deer Park, Florida, specializing in event design. My training gave me valuable insights on building, growing, and sustaining a profitable company.

As Opulence Events clientele expanded, the challenges of juggling a full-time corporate job and operating a business became apparent. With unwavering support from family and friends and much prayer, I transitioned to a full-time entrepreneur, not realizing the challenges to come.

I quickly learned that having a full-time job and a business was OK because I relied on both incomes from my corporate position and the company to get us by on both spectrums.
Fast forwarding to now, relying solely on customers for financial support slightly differs from receiving financial support every two weeks from a company.

I realize not knowing your target market is a massive issue within this industry. I also noticed not having a mentor or business coach would be devastating to someone starting a business. Knowing these two essential things, I connected with a business coach through EPK Academy, where I gained the necessary knowledge to become a successful business owner. I also learned how to separate myself from a booming industry of talented people.

We’re a God-fearing company with a deep understanding of biblical teachings that strives to embody the heart of God for his people (this piece here is critical).
Reflecting God’s love in our interactions is the key to drawing people closer to Christ. Expressing gratitude to God for every accomplishment and triumphant moment is the “cherry on top,” as they say.

Operating with integrity, being rooted in faith, and a commitment to excellence during this entrepreneurial journey set us apart. The critical piece that I gave you earlier in the interview is that learning how to love God’s people is necessary because love is what has the clientele returning to the company for more products and services.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Can I share a story about resilience? I sure can! I have many, but I’ll start from the beginning and what I think has prepared me for this entrepreneurial journey.

In life, I’ve never been given an opportunity. I’ve never had the “normal life” with my mom, dad, and 11 of my siblings under one roof, enjoying this thing we call life.

At an early age, I became a mom to my siblings a mom to both my parents, and learning how to adapt to this thing called life. I’ve never experienced childhood. I’ve always had to think not only for myself but for others. I always had to gather people together and pretend to celebrate life amid the hell we were in.

Both of my parents were on drugs, and I just had to grow up sooner than I was supposed to.
Moms are supposed to teach and train their daughters how to carry themselves
and how to be loving and nurturing. I never experienced that!

The love, protection, provision, and discipline weren’t provided by my first love, my father.

Growing up with no foundation, lack of trust, lack of dependency, and no true revelation of what life is supposed to be as a child, teenager, and young adult led me to a path of destruction at an early age.

I’ve gone through trials, tribulations, heartaches, disappointments, and pain most people will never experience, but I didn’t stop for long or give up. It will
Something knocks me down, but I get back up. Disappointment happens. I cry and move on. This cycle was ongoing for years, but I decided that God created me to be better and do better.

I had to make some changes. I had to do something different. I had to love myself first!
So I decided to change! Through everything, I chose not just to exist but actually to LIVE!

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy we’ve used is consistency and operating with excellence. Our company does everything with passion and love. We’ve asked questions from our clients, vendors, and staff about the services provided.
With the answers provided, we’ve come up with a plan, strategy, and sometimes it takes rebranding to bring the company to the next level.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.opulenceeventsbyglory.org
• Instagram: Opulenceevents_by_glory
• Facebook: Opulence Events by Glory LLC