We were lucky to catch up with Iliana Ramirez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Iliana, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

I appreciate your interest in Meaningful Occasions and our dedication to serving underserved communities. We’re proud to share our story through our four signature initiatives, each designed to make a positive impact on different age groups in Boston.

Our commitment begins with the Family Gala, where we focus on families with children aged 4-12. This event provides an opportunity for families who may face financial constraints or limited access to experience a memorable and joyous occasion together.

Moving forward, our Nubian Square Youth Ball targets teens aged 13-17. Beyond the celebration, we incorporate an etiquette workshop, preparing teens for formal settings and empowering them with essential life skills. This initiative aims to bridge gaps and offer experiences that might be otherwise inaccessible to these teens.

Our Senior Initiative is a testament to our holistic approach. Last year, we organized a tech workshop, a fashion show, and a Senior Ball. By tailoring our events to the needs and interests of seniors, we create meaningful experiences that go beyond traditional gatherings. This initiative ensures that our seniors feel valued and engaged.

Finally, our Block Party is an inclusive event for all ages, wrapping up our initiatives. We strive to eliminate barriers for attendees by providing access to formal clothing, arranging event transportation, and offering additional resources as needed. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone, regardless of financial constraints or access limitations, can participate and enjoy these enriching experiences.

Iliana, 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?

Allow me to share a bit more about myself and the journey that led to the creation of Meaningful Occasions.

My foray into the events industry was a natural progression rooted in a deep-seated appreciation for the transformative power of gatherings. Growing up, my mother’s talent for event decoration not only made spaces visually appealing but also fostered connections and created lasting memories. Witnessing the joy, laughter, and genuine happiness that these events brought to people sparked my passion for community-building.

Despite earning a Master’s in Human Services and working in emergency assistance, I often found myself reflecting on the impact of her events. I encountered countless families facing hardships, struggling to find a sense of home and community. The idea of creating spaces where individuals, regardless of financial constraints, could experience joy and connection became my driving force.

Teaming up with my mother, we founded Occasions by Criselda, with a primary focus on hosting inclusive events open to the community. Our aim was to eliminate barriers – providing access to formal clothing, transportation, and other resources to ensure everyone could participate in these enriching experiences.

The onset of COVID-19 forced us to pivot our plans, leading to the creation of virtual programs for children affected by quarantine. These programs, featuring workshops and collaborations with local entrepreneurs, aimed to provide entertainment, education, and exposure during challenging times.

Our journey took a significant turn when we joined the EFORALL program, learning essential entrepreneurial skills that transformed our hobby into a viable service. With newfound knowledge and determination, we rebranded as Meaningful Occasions, incorporating various party supplies and equipment to fund our community events.

What sets us apart as event planners is our commitment to hosting events for families who often miss out on such experiences. We believe in breaking down barriers and ensuring everyone feels included. Our events not only provide entertainment but also serve as platforms for community engagement, networking, and exposure to various opportunities.

I take immense pride in witnessing the positive impact Meaningful Occasions has on youth and the broader community. It’s heartening to see the behavior modeled by those we’ve touched spreading to others. Collaborating with community-driven agencies strengthens our mission, and I am dedicated to continuing this journey of creating stronger, more connected communities.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

Embarking on the journey to fund Meaningful Occasions was no small feat; however, our commitment to making a positive impact drove us forward. Here’s a glimpse into our funding journey:

We kickstarted our efforts by participating in a Pitch contest within our community. This platform not only allowed us to showcase our vision but also garnered support from investors who generously donated funds for our cause. This initial success fueled our belief in the potential of Meaningful Occasions.

The next milestone came with our first grant, secured from the Boston Public Health Commission. These funds played a crucial role in acquiring essential supplies and materials, including a Photobooth. At our first event, this Photobooth became a DIY venture, adding an element of fun for our guests and leaving them with tangible memories.

Owning our Photobooth opened new possibilities. We strategically used it to generate income, working weekends when our signature events weren’t in session to rent out our services. This not only contributed to our financial sustainability but also provided exposure for our community events.

Simultaneously, as we generated income, we actively built relationships with agencies across the city. These connections were instrumental in furthering our mission, as collaborations with these agencies not only expanded our reach but also enriched the experiences we could offer to the community.

In essence, our funding journey has been a dynamic and evolving process, fueled by community support, grants, and strategic initiatives to sustain and grow Meaningful Occasions.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

What contributed significantly to establishing our reputation in the market is the unique combination of our skill set and approach. Our professionalism and ability to craft aesthetically pleasing events certainly play a role, but what truly sets us apart is our background in human services.

Being more than just event planners, our team brings a depth of understanding and empathy to our work. We create events that go beyond surface-level enjoyment; we strive for a meaningful impact on the community. By collaborating with agencies across the city, we not only enhance the quality of our events but also provide valuable opportunities for community engagement.

Our active presence within the community has been pivotal in building our reputation. Attendees often remember their experiences with Meaningful Occasions because we prioritize treating them like family. The genuine connections we foster, coupled with our commitment to creating events with a purpose, have been key factors in establishing a positive and lasting reputation within our market.

Contact Info:

• Website: Meaningfuloccasions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meaningfuloccasions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meaningfulocassions
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/86748625/admin/feed/posts/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCujEDPTRgQ5ZrevLudA4FuQ

Image Credits
Picture One: Iliana Ramirez, Gianalys Murrell, and Aniyah Murrell are posing in front of our photobooth ring light. Picture two: Iliana Ramirez, representing Aruba at the Caribbean Rum and Food Festival in Roxbury, Ma Picture three: Iliana Ramirez during a break while filming an episode of Family Matters in Roxbury, Ma Picture four: Iliana Ramirez and Criselda Ramirez at the Senior Fashion Show in Roxbury, Ma Picture five: Iliana Ramirez MC at Community Bad Bougie Bingo event in Roxbury, Ma Picture Six: Iliana Ramirez at Fox 25