Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shanina McCregg. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Shanina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
Starting my event and floral design business was a journey fueled by passion, persistence, and a willingness to learn at every step. The idea had been in my heart for a long time—I was always drawn to the beauty of flowers, the artistry of event design, and the way a well-curated space could make people feel. But having a passion and turning it into a business are two very different things.
In order to move out of the idea phase, I thought it best to make myself more knowledgeable and most importantly, stay prayerful. At first, I immersed myself in education. I took floral design workshops, studied industry trends, and learned about the business side of event planning. I received my certification from Lovegevity Wedding Planning Institute to become a Certified Wedding and Event Planner. Beyond formal education, I volunteered for established designers and event planners, gaining hands-on experience and insight into the fast-paced world of weddings and events. Watching seasoned professionals work, understanding the logistics, and seeing how they handled challenges was invaluable.
Once I had a foundation, I started practicing—constantly. I created floral arrangements at home, experimented with different styles, and even staged small-scale events for friends and family. This practice allowed me to refine my craft and develop my unique design aesthetic. I also documented everything, building a portfolio that showcased my work.
Next came the business setup. I researched licensingand business structures, ensuring I was legally ready to operate. Branding was another huge step—I wanted my business to feel intentional and reflect my style. I worked on my website, social media presence, and marketing materials to establish credibility.
The transition from idea to execution was not overnight. It took months of learning, networking, and refining my skills before I landed my first client. But because I had invested in education, gained real-world experience through volunteering, and dedicated time to practice, I was confident when that first opportunity arrived.
Looking back, the key to launching my business wasn’t just having a vision—it was the willingness to learn, adapt, and put in the work to turn that vision into reality.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Born and raised in Chicago’s inner city, my surroundings were not always aesthetically pleasing. However, I had an imagination bigger than myself and used it to fuel my creativity. I was raised by my grandmother, whose warmth and hospitality were the heart of our family. Her gift for bringing people together turned every gathering into a memorable experience. As her little assistant, I took my jobs as cleaner, sous chef, and greeter very seriously.
It was soon that I realized it wasn’t just about the events but the joy on people’s faces, the connections strengthened, and memories created that drew me in and led to the excitement I felt after every gathering. Watching my grandmother’s pride as she fostered happiness taught me the power of meaningful experiences and ultimately planted the seeds for my passion in event planning and floristry. My passion deepened after planning my own wedding. Starting my event and wedding planning business felt like a natural extension of those cherished memories.
We are a premier design company that creates tailored style experiences in wedding and event production and other celebratory occasions. We assist our clients with curating unique and customized event designs with a focus on luxury floral and immersive experiences. Whether a personal affair or corporate gathering, we are qualified and ready to execute the vision.
I’m most proud of how our work makes our clients feel on some of the most important days of their lives. I don’t take it lightly that they allow us to be a part of their big day, and we strive to offer excellent service and top-notch designs.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn in my business was the idea that I needed to invest heavily in inventory right away to be successful. In the beginning, I felt like I had to have every vase, backdrop, and specialty piece to create the “perfect” look for my clients. I was constantly purchasing new inventory, thinking it would elevate my designs and attract more bookings. But in reality, it tied up my money and space, and I realized that creativity is far more valuable than having an overflowing inventory. Over time, I learned to start small, focus on rentals and repurposing what I had, and invest strategically rather than impulsively.
Another major lesson was learning to charge my worth and not fall for the “this will be great exposure” trap. Early on, I would take on projects at deep discounts or even free, hoping they’d lead to bigger opportunities. But exposure doesn’t pay for flowers, labor, or time. I had to shift my mindset and recognize that my expertise, vision, and execution had real value—and that the right clients would see and respect that. Once I confidently set my prices, I attracted clients who valued my work, and my business became more sustainable.
These lessons taught me that smart, intentional growth is far better than overextending, and that confidence in my craft is just as important as creativity.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Resilience has been a defining factor in my journey as a wedding and event designer. One moment that truly tested my perseverance happened early in my career when I was tasked with designing a high-profile wedding. Everything was meticulously planned, and I had ordered fresh orchids through a supplier that was not in my state. I received the order two days before the event and instead of orange, the orchids were purple! Needless to say they did not go with the color scheme of the design.
Instead of panicking, I immediately pivoted, reaching out to local florists and wholesalers, even driving across the city at dawn to handpick fresh blooms. With the help of my team, we reimagined the arrangements, ensuring that the couple’s vision remained intact. The wedding turned out to be stunning, and no one ever knew about the behind-the-scenes chaos.
That experience reinforced my belief that resilience isn’t just about overcoming obstacles—it’s about adapting with grace, thinking creatively under pressure, and delivering excellence no matter the circumstances. In the world of events, unexpected challenges are inevitable, but how we respond to them defines our success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.smstylelounge.com
- Instagram: @smstylelounge
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smstyleloungellc
- Linkedin: Shanina McCregg
Image Credits
Jermaine Horton Photography
Chante Burt Photography