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

Alright, Paige thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I believe living in the Blair County area and starting to do diverse events, let alone an African American Heritage Festival in the downtown of Altoona was a big risk for me. My father, godfather, and a lot of other amazing people in our community started this festival many years ago. Due to a lack of support and funding, they couldn’t continue to have the festival each year. I feel bringing it back, especially in the political climate we are in, it was a risk, but an important risk we needed to take for our community. This is our third year and I feel it has been an amazing risk that has really brought unity and our community together.

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

My name is Paige Lightner and I was born and raised in Altoona, Pa. I am 32 years old, and graduated from Altoona Area High School. I always had a love of planning and bringing people together, especially after watching my father plan community events throughout my life.

I also have a CBD-infused beverage business called Pa’je’s Potions. I started this business about 6 years ago and the love I receive by helping people is amazing. I was diagnosed with Stage 4 endometriosis when I was 20, so I decided to find more holistic ways to deal with pain and my health. Starting this business not only helped me, but others too and I am blessed to have it still striving.

I started my event planning business, Pa’je’s Productions after I started planning our revival of the festival and an adult prom we have as a fundraiser. I realized I can also help my community by having diverse events for all ages and ethnicities by bringing us all together,

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal is for our community to learn from one another. I want us to all learn each other’s cultures, traditions, and more so we can understand each other on a deeper level. I also want to give the younger generation the motivation to keep these traditions alive and to show anyone they can follow their dreams, no matter how small the community is.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect to me is seeing the formation of unity in our community. We have so many people from different ages, walks of life, ethnicities, cultures and more, all coming out to have a good time TOGETHER, It’s rewarding, powerful, and it brings unity, I can’t ask for anything else more.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://facebook.com/pajesproductions
• Instagram: keepingupwitpaje
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pajekardash

Image Credits

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555533112503