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Elaina Whitley - Party Planner Role Model
"I am DEDICATED. I am DRIVEN. I am FOCUSED. I am HUNGRY. I am a TEACHER. I am my own BOSS (other than God). I am doing exactly what I want to do! I am BLESSED!"
These are the words the Elaina Whitley lives by and has wholeheartedly built a Rock Solid Reputation on.
Elaina Whitley is the CEO and head Party Planner of Enjoy Yourself Events LLC. E.Y.E was started in Atlanta, GA after the Bronx, NY native took off for a different local and seeking a change of scenery.
Even Elaina would have never expected that Event planning became her career by 'accident.”As a teenager, she was always designated by family & friends to assist with coordinating their social functions, and later, their travel arrangements. As she states, “I would get such satisfaction from seeing people get together for Backyard BBQs, Birthday Parties, New Years Eve and any other reasons to Celebrate.”
A woman of Faith, Elaina is the first to testify that God watched over her as she perused in various walks of life. She has studied and mastered the area of Tap Dancing, Ballet and Jazz Dancing. The former model also danced and sang at Lincoln Center with the Ujamaa Black Theater.
This talented woman of God furthered her studies in the area of Psychology. Elaina is the first to inform you that she was a bit “Scattered” but she credits God for focusing her eyes on the prize. She has partied and lived in various locals such as: New York City, Miami and France to name a Few.
“Traveling has also been one of my favorite things to do ever since I can remember. Even today, my family calls upon me to arrange their travel, “exclaims Elaina.
A few years back, friends suggested that she start her own event planning company as well as embracing the idea of party planning. “At the time, it had never occurred to me that people were being paid to plan parties for others,” she declares.
Currently residing in Georgia, the up and coming Party Planning Guru has taken Event Management courses at George Washington University and the Wedding Planning Institute. Her past & current events include: Sweet Auburn Festival-V.I.P./Media Events, Godzgirl Networks' 'Holy'wood Retreat and Celebrity Events.
Her Greatest Project to Date is the Upcoming: “Restoration Flood Benefit Concert” which is designated to benefit those Victims of the Mass Flood in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas. It’s poised to be a groundbreaking Event and set a High Standard in Party Planning.
Recently, Legends, Icons and Role Models had the Honor of interviewing her and we were Impressed. Let’s take a look at the Conversation:
Lets me say,It is an Honor to Interview a great Role Model such as yourself.
Thank You So Much Darian. It is Certainly an Honor to be considered for your blog.
Being an African American Woman in your Industry. Have u experienced any challenges and If so? How did you remain focused on your goal?
Well actually, I am Latina and the funny thing is, potential clients will call to say that they went to my website, saw that I was a “sista” and want to patronize 'Enjoy Yourself Events' because of that.
It's safe to say that as an entrepreneur, I have experienced more challenges just being a woman as opposed to being a 'minority' woman. I do my best to remain focused at all times because I know that every decision I make whether it is business or personal, can ultimately affect my business. After all of the blood, sweat and tears I have put into establishing my event management firm, I do all that I can to maintain an impeccable reputation.
Fantastic!! Now, Being that you are VERY Driven. How do you find time to relax and unwind thru the challenging times?
I have been accused of being a 'workaholic' by friends and family. (Laughter) I'm also guilty of leaving my phone on 24/7. Although I know it is important to take time out for Elaina, at the same time, I know how important my relevancy is in the event/entertainment industry.
It is a jungle out there and everyday that I wake up, I roll with the punches. When I do take 'me-time', I enjoy traveling to any place warm with a beach. If I am unable to get away, a spa day is the next best thing to a vacation.
Lets me say,It is an Honor to Interview a great Role Model such as yourself.
Thank You So Much Darian. It is Certainly an Honor to be considered for your blog.
Being an African American Woman in your Industry. Have u experienced any challenges and If so? How did you remain focused on your goal?
Well actually, I am Latina and the funny thing is, potential clients will call to say that they went to my website, saw that I was a “sista” and want to patronize 'Enjoy Yourself Events' because of that.
It's safe to say that as an entrepreneur, I have experienced more challenges just being a woman as opposed to being a 'minority' woman. I do my best to remain focused at all times because I know that every decision I make whether it is business or personal, can ultimately affect my business. After all of the blood, sweat and tears I have put into establishing my event management firm, I do all that I can to maintain an impeccable reputation.
Fantastic!! Now, Being that you are VERY Driven. How do you find time to relax and unwind thru the challenging times?
I have been accused of being a 'workaholic' by friends and family. (Laughter) I'm also guilty of leaving my phone on 24/7. Although I know it is important to take time out for Elaina, at the same time, I know how important my relevancy is in the event/entertainment industry.
It is a jungle out there and everyday that I wake up, I roll with the punches. When I do take 'me-time', I enjoy traveling to any place warm with a beach. If I am unable to get away, a spa day is the next best thing to a vacation.
What would you say to that certain college student? Male or Female who is somewhat “Scattered”. What kind of advice would u give them?
In my opinion education is extremely important. My best advice would be to figure out what it is that you are passionate about. If you can see yourself doing it (your passion) free of charge, then you have your answer. It is still not that cut and dry though, you have to be motivated and focused in order to reach your goals. While you are searching, volunteer and intern for different companies and Always keep your eyes on the prize.
Are there any Role Models who you look up to and somewhat glean from?
My 'abuela', who is my paternal grandmother, is someone who I have always admired. She was driven to the point that she completed her education all the way up to a Masters Degree while being a single parent and raising two children. Other women I admire include: Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Lopez, Kimora Lee Simmons and Tyra Banks.
Having served so many people with different personalities. What is one secret that you could share with our readers on how you caused them to TRUST your brand?
Consistency is the key. When a client is comfortable with me, they know that they can trust me and I know that their mind is at ease. Once the trust and comfortability are there, then we can do what we have to do in order to create a fabulous event.
What would you say to that Party/Event Planner who has been burnt by the industry but who still has the zeal to continue on? Trust me, I have had my days where some things did not go as planned and it seemed to have been just as easy to throw in the towel. If you give up, then you are allowing others to win and for me, quitting and failure are NOT options. When you fall off of a bike, you get up, dust yourself off and get right back on and continue to ride. My bike ride is going to be an infinite one.
Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
I see 'Enjoy Yourself Events' still standing strong as a bull. My goal is to have a full-time staff on the payroll, from event and wedding planners, public relations professionals, marketing assistants, etc. As the president of the company, I do not see myself going anywhere. I will always retain control of my business. This is what I love to do and until God says otherwise, I am here to stay.
It’s a Clear and Precise statement that Elaina Whitley and E.Y.E. Inc are here to stay. In a time where Role Models are rare, we Salute her and publically hail her a Bonafide Role Model who is well on her way to Iconic Status.
In my opinion education is extremely important. My best advice would be to figure out what it is that you are passionate about. If you can see yourself doing it (your passion) free of charge, then you have your answer. It is still not that cut and dry though, you have to be motivated and focused in order to reach your goals. While you are searching, volunteer and intern for different companies and Always keep your eyes on the prize.
Are there any Role Models who you look up to and somewhat glean from?
My 'abuela', who is my paternal grandmother, is someone who I have always admired. She was driven to the point that she completed her education all the way up to a Masters Degree while being a single parent and raising two children. Other women I admire include: Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Lopez, Kimora Lee Simmons and Tyra Banks.
Having served so many people with different personalities. What is one secret that you could share with our readers on how you caused them to TRUST your brand?
Consistency is the key. When a client is comfortable with me, they know that they can trust me and I know that their mind is at ease. Once the trust and comfortability are there, then we can do what we have to do in order to create a fabulous event.
What would you say to that Party/Event Planner who has been burnt by the industry but who still has the zeal to continue on? Trust me, I have had my days where some things did not go as planned and it seemed to have been just as easy to throw in the towel. If you give up, then you are allowing others to win and for me, quitting and failure are NOT options. When you fall off of a bike, you get up, dust yourself off and get right back on and continue to ride. My bike ride is going to be an infinite one.
Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
I see 'Enjoy Yourself Events' still standing strong as a bull. My goal is to have a full-time staff on the payroll, from event and wedding planners, public relations professionals, marketing assistants, etc. As the president of the company, I do not see myself going anywhere. I will always retain control of my business. This is what I love to do and until God says otherwise, I am here to stay.
It’s a Clear and Precise statement that Elaina Whitley and E.Y.E. Inc are here to stay. In a time where Role Models are rare, we Salute her and publically hail her a Bonafide Role Model who is well on her way to Iconic Status.
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