Today we’d like to introduce you to Latria Ingram and Glenda Whitfield.
Hi Latria and Glenda, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have always had a passion for planning and executing events, which began in high school. After rival football and basketball games, my friends and I would host a large party with over 300 people. I was in charge of securing the venue, making the flyers, booking the DJ, etc. We charged an entry fee at the door and split the profit at the conclusion of the event. This was the beginning of my life as an entrepreneur. I owned and managed an upscale Aveda Concept Salon for ten years, where I hosted several client appreciation events. One of my favorite events was my Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting, where we served food catered from a five-star restaurant, and I, along with my staff, wore over one million dollars worth of diamonds for the evening! After selling my salon, I continued to help plan and execute events.
I designed and decorated my sister Glenda’s epic USAF Retirement Party which included a surprise performance by her son and artist, Jamal J2Tiimes, and a speech from an Obama impersonator! The lavish red carpet black-tie affair had several elements and layers that made the night spectacular! The guests received an individual champagne bottle that paired as an escort card and her guests enjoyed a surf and turf meal. Shortly after hosting the retirement party, I began playing around with the idea of opening my own event venue. I knew that my sister, who enjoys event planning as well, would make the perfect business partner. For two years, we looked for the perfect location to open our dream venue and chose Milledgeville after realizing there were limited options in the area. In February of 2019, our goal was realized! Parker’s Wedding + Event Venue debuted! The venue is named after our mother, Ruby Parker Holloway, drawing inspiration from the Parkers’ love of family gatherings. We are proud to be the only minority female and veteran-owned venue in Milledgeville. – Latria Ingram
Next to the word celebrate should be a picture of me! I absolutely LOVE to celebrate life, living and will find a way to turn the most unremarkable moment in time into a reason to bring joy to someone. My cheerleader spirit has planned many over-the-top memorable events, including birthday parties for my children with Teletubbies, magicians, and entertainers present; my daughter’s amazing gender reveal baby shower; chairing my sister service’s Navy Nurse Corps Birthday Ball in Germany; spearheading Malcolm Grow Medical Center’s Preceptor’s Appreciation Day, and planning the first-ever African American History Month Celebration at Mountain Home Air Force Base’s Medical Group. My favorite events planned to date are my sister’s Great Gatsby Birthday Celebration equipped with casino tables, a cigar roller, a massive balloon drop, and the ultimate guest arrival ever in a vintage Bentley; my son’s Rodeo themed High School graduation party featuring a band, a mechanical bull, and an antique car show, and our Disney World Mardi Gras 30th Annual Family Reunion attended by 100 family members who were entertained by stilt walkers, flamingo dancers, and a 40’s Swing Band! I literally am loving this second act of my life as an entrepreneur post serving 27 years in the Air Force and retiring as a Major. Being a co-owner of Parker’s with my sister and friend is a dream come true! YOLO! – Glenda Whitfield
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being self-employed comes with many challenges. There are only two of us, and we wear many hats. We handle all of our bookings, set up and clean up marketing, renovations, and funding. All of these seem minor in retrospect now that we face owning a business during the pandemic. The stay-at-home order forced us to close and several booked events to be canceled. The restrictions placed on large venues have made it impossible for some clients to move forward with the wedding or event of their dreams.
The coronavirus has caused us to reevaluate how to survive and advance as a business. We decided that it was a priority to continue to be a customer-focused business and provide exceptional service to our clients who were forced to cancel their events. We believed that even though we lost a substantial amount of money and faced financial challenges like the rest of the world, we could not turn our backs on our community. We owe a debt of gratitude to our parents, our spouses, and to Milledgeville for their support from the inception of our business until now.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Parker’s Wedding + Event Venue is undoubtedly one of the most chic venues in Milledgeville. Best of all, if DIY is your thing, we have an open-vendor policy that welcomes you to bring in your favorite caterer, florists, entertainment and/or event planner. We are located at 571 Hammock Rd. Suite 130 Milledgeville GA. 31061. Our venue boasts 6500 sq ft with a 20 ft spoked draped ceiling ballroom; four large chandeliers; gold Chiavari chairs; a built-in bar; a prep kitchen; a stage; a projector and screen; internet, and a state of the art sound system with wireless microphones.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memories revolve around our family gatherings in my birthplace – Barnesville, GA. I loved being around my grandmother, aunts, uncles, and cousins so much! I’m thankful that my cousin Hillard Parker started our annual family reunions as a way for us to reconnect after living around the world as a military brat. Interestingly, the first party that I remember hosting was a small baby shower for my mother, who was pregnant with my now business partner, LaTria! I’ve continued with my love to celebrate special events by participating in and chairing recognition committees throughout my military career and currently at my civilian employ, as well as many family events. Together LaTria and I hosted a military themed send-off party for our neice, Chanel, which featured elements from several of the places that our Dad was stationed. That was another epic LaTria & Glenda event! -Glenda
My parents have always made holidays and birthdays a big deal. One of my favorite memories is a block party-style birthday that I had full of pomp and circumstance. My sister Latonya came riding down the street in a clown suit to present me with my new bicycle. That was hilarious and very special to me! – Latria
Contact Info:
- Email: parkerseventvenue@gmail.com
- Instagram: parkerseventvenue
- Facebook: @parkerseventvenue
Image Credits
Sean Cason Photography Cason Ogletree
