We were lucky to catch up with Ticina Williams recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Ticina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

A few years ago, I decided to take a few crafting classes on a whim. Taking these classes totally unlocked my creative side and I became obsessed with using my creative ideas to host amazing personalized events. Inspired by the personalities, ideas and interests of my 3 (now 4) sons, I begin to host themed birthday celebrations and playdates for my boys. After being asked to plan countless events for friends and family, I decided to start Creativiti Custom Designs and Events, a full service event planning. consulting and party supply company.

As demand and my skill set grew, I began to digitally design products that highlighted and celebrated African American children, especially boys ages 2-14. I realized that most of the party supplies and gifts currently available on the market are not unique, inclusive or diverse, so I decided to create my own party supplies to represent children of color, particularly boys ages 2-14. We help our clients save time, money and reduce stress by taking care of all the details of the event, and by providing high-quality, and unique party supplies. My professional experience in customer services and business school education ensures that I work with clients to listen to their vision, and expectations, to execute successful events with unique, but realistic ideas.

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

I’m Ticina L. Williams, a paper crafter, and event planner. I am also an author, consultant, and party supply designer, with nearly a decade of experience in planning personalized events, developing custom themes, and handmaking personalized paper party supplies.

A few years ago, I took some paper crafting classes on a whim and totally unlocked my creative side. After learning these new skills, I was inspired to design original and custom themes for my sons. As they grew older, I began to curate personalized gifts and experiences for them inspired by their interests, ideas, and personalities. From there my business took off and I officially launched my business in 2015. Creativiti Custom Designs and Events is a full service event planning, consulting and party supply company.

My creative and meticulous approach to event planning ensures that each occasion is unique, memorable, and tailored to the specific needs and preferences of each client. I have been interviewed on several podcasts, been a guest blogger for a local party place Epic Air, and featured as Party of the Month on the “Catch My Party” blog. I have also had my idea pins for customized events and party favors have been repinned hundreds of times on Pinterest. Creativiti Custom Designs and Events also won the YWCA’s Pitch with A Gift competition in 2021.

I earned my Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Business Administration and Management from Chicago State University. Recognizing the importance of continuous growth and professional development, I am currently pursuing an MBA and Graduate Certificate in Project Management from Keller Graduate School of Management.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

In late 2019, I resigned from my career in the healthcare industry, to care for my newborn son and to provide extra support for my older children. However, 2020 arrived, and with it came the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, so I was very uncertain about the future of my business. Initially, a few of my events were cancelled, but then demand for my customized party supplies increased as curbside celebrations grew in popularity.

I also saw an opportunity to grow my business by offering consulting services to my event clients. During the pandemic almost everything went virtual, and I also noticed that many of my clients struggled with using digital tools to increase productivity, host events or lacked the ability to create digital content to engage their audience. To accommodate this need, I decided to pivot my company to offer project management consulting services. As a result of adding this service, my business has grown!

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Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

When I became interested in planning uniquely themed events for my sons, it was hard to find themes that represented them. In fact most original themes were not available in store and needed to be ordered online but even then the options were limited. Many of the party supply stores only offered licensed or trending themes, but the products did not represent the identity, interests or personalities of my boys. After learning how to paper craft I decided to design and handmake my own party supply products and use those items to style personalized. I believe that everyone should be able to celebrate in a way that represents their unique identity. We empower our clients to host personalized experiences providing high-quality original and diverse party supplies.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shopcreativiticustomdesign.com
• Instagram: Www.instagram.com/creativiti_custom_designs/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creativiticustomdesignsandevents?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/creativiti-custom-designs-events/
• Other: www.shopcreativiticustomdesign.com