Saturday, April 6, 2013

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?

EBLBSSimply 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?

EBLBSWhew 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

Monday, January 21, 2013

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.