Inspired Events!!

It was 2009 when LaKeshia Buckner Smith found herself in the same boat as many other Americans...laid off and wondering what's next. However, unlike so many unemployed Americans today LaKeshia knew she needed to think outside the box in order to continue providing for her family. LaKeshia along with her husband sat down and began brainstorming the many possibilities "and then he (my husband) said it..."Events By LB Smith." With inspiration from award winning event designers such as Preston Bailey LaKeshia began to study and discover what earned them their top spots in the industry of event planning. With training and education LaKeshia went from "novice to a professional" Event Planner, entrepreneur, and Aspiration Claimer. 

Based in Chicago, Illinois, Events By LB Smith (EBLBS), as LaKeshia puts it, "offers planning and design services for social, corporate events, weddings" and bring to the table "a diverse and one of a kind experience." Pages of Vision (P.O.V) had the pleasure of getting to know more about this Entrepreneur, Wife, Mother, and Aspiration Claimer, and is proud to welcome the Pages Of Vision audience into our conversation and to get to know more about Events by LB Smith and woman behind the business.

P.O.V - Keshia let's jump right in here (smile) how long have you been an Event Planner?

EBLBS - I've dabbled in event planning through my teens and young adult years. For my family and      friends I was that go to person to help with their celebrations and milestones (smile). In total I have 15 years of experience. 

P.O.V - Why is Events by LB Smith the company to hire?

EBLBS - Simply because we are the best! I can’t reveal our playbook (smile). But honestly our service will not appeal to someone who seeks to hire a planner who is considered a hobbyist. We have taken our vision to the top. We understand that the stronger our relationship with our partners, vendors and employees the better we are. This is paramount. We have built relationships with the heavy hitters in the industry and thus how we can produce an amazing outcome.

P.O.V - I looked at the pictures of some of your creations and they are so classy, clean and beautiful. Where does that creative inspiration come from? How do u channel that creative spirit in order to make original creations for each job? *

EBLBS - Aw Thank You...Our inspiration comes in many different packages such as the story, background, and/or mission of our clients, our internal think tank, and from industry trends and conferences. We also work parallel with top notch vendors who help us finish the total look of the event.

P.O.V -  I know you're a mom and wife. How does the business affect your personal life and how does the family feel about you being an entrepreneur?

EBLBS - Whew this question is understated (smile). I consider myself a master multi- tasker, I’m a planner by nature, and life surely doesn’t stop because you have a business to run or a meeting to attend. Its long hours and impeccable organization that gets you over the top. It has been times that the business as seemed to engulf us, but we eventually found balance I’m grateful that my family is 100% behind me and the brand of Events By LB Smith.

P.O.V - Was there ever a time when you just wanted to step away from event planning?

EBLBS - As far as walking away from event planning...no that's never an option this is what I was born to do. When something in your spirit won't allow you to abandon a thought or an idea you should respect it.  It is by my own volition that I started this journey, therefore, I believe it to be honorable to enhance the dream from this point forward. 

P.O.V - Oh I love that!! LaKeshia I'm really so thankful that we had a chance to sit down and chit chat for a bit. Now tell us what should we be on the lookout for when it comes to Events by LB Smith?

EBLBS - Thank you for reaching out. There's so much to come for Events by LB Smith. We are committed to marriage equality here in the United States and pledge to give back by being partners with agencies such as ’Wish Upon a Wedding’, they bring wedding professionals and couples who wish to become married before they’re battle with terminal illness or other hardships become too much to overcome together.

P.O.V - Wow that is very commendable (smile). Again Keshia thanks so much for gracing our pages (smile).

EBLBS - Anytime!!

A company on the definite rise, Events by LB Smith, can be found on Facebook, and at their website "Events by LB Smith." For more quotes, insights, and inspiration from Events by LB Smith be sure to stop by Pages Of Vision. As always comment, share, like, and subscribe!!

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*If you'd like to see some creations by Events by LB Smith check out the Events by LB Smith on Facebook

Unique Boutique

The day was beautiful. Unlike most winters in the Midwest at the beginning of January this day was full of sunshine and the breeze that hit me when I got out of my car in front of the Shana Marie Boutique was refreshing and pleasant.

Nestled on a small side street in downtown Lafayette, Indiana Shana's boutique is not like other's in the area. Passers by wore short jackets and smiles as they looked at the different designs in the small store front window where unique clothing and handmade jewelry are sold. With her artistic background owner, Shana Scoggins, hand picks each article of clothing she displays in her boutique and also uses the boutique as and headquarters for BMe fashions (a line of clothing started by Shana's two adoptive son's ages 8 and 9). "I believe in wearing a modest apparel...since that's my personal conviction I try not to bring anything in the store that I wouldn't feel comfortable wearing" Shana explains as she proudly looks around the boutique at the different displays. 

Seated behind her counter with the spiritual sounds of gospel music lightly playing in the background Shana gave me a warm welcome as soon as I walked in. I was very nervous and if Shana was feeling the same way she definitely didn't show it. There was something there behind her smile that eased my nerves and seemed to connect us in a spiritual way almost immediately. 

After some brief chit chatting we eased right into the interview. The dialogue that followed can only be described as blessed and inspiring. 

Born a Pastor's daughter and growing up in South Central, LA Shana's mom saw her artistic abilities and at the age of 13 and put Shana in charge of the praise ministry behind her dad. Year's later Shana is still using that artistic gift, that she says is "God given," to motivate and inspire others. "I believe people have helped me out and I'm a firm believer in helping others. The knowledge I have I want to give it away. Why would I keep that to myself? That's being stingy" (smile). 

More than just a boutique owner Shana is also a well known photographer in the area who got her start at the age of 12 "I believe God gave me a gift in the artistic ability with all kinds of things and I just had a passion for it (photography)." It wasn't long before family and friends encouraged Shana to turn her hobby into a career and Shana answered the calling on her life when she began Shana Marie Photography which she also incorporates into the services offered in her boutique and at outside events. 

When asked about her faith and the role it plays in what she does and who she is Shana throws her head to the side, closes her eyes, and invites you into her praise with her smile. In a low but excited tone Shana explains "it's everything...I knew what He was telling me to do but I want to display him through what He's given me." With different jewelry pieces and accessories, that can only be described as one of a kind, Shana says that they are "must haves" for both men and women. 

You can visit Shana at the Shana Marie Boutique Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and for those of you who can't visit her, at 322 Ferry Street in Lafayette, Indiana, Shana will come to you via her online shopping option.

Wrapped up in God's spirit and grace Shana delivers elegant and striking jewelry and will take you on a journey with her subtleties and artistic eye through her photography. Shana Scoggins...Lafayette local and entrepreneur on the rise.   

WELCOME!!

Ten years ago I decided to write a book. I didn't know exactly what I would call the book or what the characters looked like but I knew I wanted to write a book and decided to just go for it. Early one morning I made me a hot cup of lemon zinger tea (with lemon and honey...to die for!!) and sat in my home office at my computer and began to type. Before I knew it my tea cup was empty and I had written 5 chapters. It was like my fingers had a mind of their own.

One year later I had completed my book and I was very proud of the product I had produced. But what now? I had no clue. As I did my research I found that I would have to get an editor, then a artist for my book cover and then try and get published or self publish and don't even get me started on all the DIY tutorials I found that confused me even more. The biggest obstacle for me was the money. I was a single mother of 4 boys receiving no child support and working a low paying job. How was going to fit an editor and artist andddd printing costs into such a tight budget that was bulging already? Besides who would want to read my story anyway.

For as long as I can remember I have enjoyed writing so I was blessed when a friend asked me to write for her site and I was introduced to the sites editor. Before I knew it one thing had led to another and she was offering to edit my book and was willing to take small payments. So I literally "nickled and dimed" my editor until the project was done. In that instance I begin to think how much sooner I could have gotten through this process if only I knew what to do and had to confidence to do it.

In the middle of this project I expressed my concerns to my editor via text message when she said "Amy if you want it CLAIM it" the words seemed to jump out of my phone and slap me into reality. I started thinking about all the people that had encouraged me, worked with me and my tight budget, and just overall offered support, help, and advice. How great would it be to let others, with dreams and aspirations of their own, know about the services available to them for little money or just offer an encouraging word. Thus Pages Of Vision was born.

Pages of Vision is all about motivating and inspiring others to go after and CLAIM their spot in their respective fields so that they can live their best lives. We all have aspirations to be or have something and some of us never hear "you can do it" so we get in our own way and we talk ourselves out of it before we even get started. However, Pages of Vision is here to let you know that YOU CAN DO IT!!

Everything that you need to accomplish your dreams is inside you already and NOW is your time to tap into that power and get what is already yours. Pages of Vision not only offers motivation but through videos, blog entries, and positive quotes we hope to help you go after the things that you want in life.

The Pages Of Vision blog is just another extension of what we do to motivate and inspire others. Other services include motivational speaking, bio and synopsis writing, and promoting your event, book, or next business venture. Pages of Vision is here to help you via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Tumblr!!!