Today we’d like to introduce you to Quinton Johnson.
Quinton, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am the 7th child of 8. I am originally from Chicago, IL, but my family later moved to Arkansas due to my Father receiving a new job. My journey started with me just making floral arrangements. In 2005, my family lost three little angels that were near and dear to our hearts, I wanted to do something to cheer everyone up. So, I started doing little floral arrangements around the house with flowers from outside, ones I brought with my allowance, and even with the flowers people brought to us. By the age of 15, I was doing small floral arrangements for family and friends to put around their house and eventually to use for prom and their weddings. Before I knew it, the church I attended was asking me for arrangements. I started feeling like I could and wanted to do more.
So, in 2009, my oldest sister was getting married. She allowed me to assist her in planning and decorating her wedding. I was involved in the picking of flowers, dresses, invitations, centerpieces, and everything else involving her big day. I did all bouquets and florals for the centerpieces as well as assisted in decorating the church and reception hall. All of this while being a part of the wedding party. I felt so empowered after assisting with the wedding, I started joining different committees at school such as the prom committee. I wanted to get a chance to experience decorating other events as well and prom was the perfect start. I even helped my baby sister pick out her prom dresses for the three years she attended.
Following this, I started decorating for baby showers and birthday parties in my family. I still remember doing my very first wedding full planning start to finish. I was freshly out of high school and my parents wanted to renew their vows in 2012. Yes, I had help making everything, everyone needs help. When the day came to an end, I felt so amazing like I could do anything. I knew in that moment this was my calling. To help bring someone’s big day, birthday party, life-changing event, or any event to life and create a memory that they will all ways cherish for life made me feel like exceptional. After people received word of this talent of mine, I was always busy planning something for somebody. I watched all the TLC shows from “Say Yes to the Dress” to “David Tutera” as inspiration. In 2014, I knew it was time to grow my talents even more. So, I took a leap of faith, packed my things and moved to Atlanta to attend the Art Institute of Atlanta for Fashion Design. I felt like it was a great addition to my steady growing talents.
While in school, I got the greatest opportunity to volunteer at one of the world’s greatest event planner, David Tutera’s Bridal Expo. Being backstage with him brought so much joy and getting the chance to officially meet and take a picture with him was everything I could ever dream of. He is still the biggest inspiration until this day. A little time after this the school closed, and I was unable to finish. I just decided to focus solely on event planning and maybe one day revisiting the idea of adding fashion design to my resume. So, to keep that fire inside I got involved with helping do events at my church such as the church anniversary, church gala, etc. Doing this really helped keep me going. Then when my baby sister got engaged, she came to me for help. I was her Man of Honor, so I had to get help for myself. That is when I came across one of Atlanta’s greatest event planner Tori Williams of TW Events. She helped me beyond helping my sister. She gave me the opportunity to work with her and her company. She helped and groomed me even more to be a great event planner, all while becoming like a big sister to me. I still carry her teaching until this day and ever so thankful for everything.
Last year, 2019, I lost another piece of my heart, my grandmother. When I went to see her before she left this earth, she said, “You got this. Put it in God’s hands and watch him work.” I applied and still apply that every day. I work hard every day and I am excited for what God has in store for me. I give all thanks and praises to him because, if it was not for him; I would not be where I am today. All of these events and opportunities led me to this point in my life to take the most enormous leap of faith and venture out to start my own company. I am 27 and I am proud to say I am the founder and owner of QJJohnson’s Events. One of my favorite quotes is from Michelle Obama, “Choose people who lift you up.” And I apply that with everyone I come in to contact with each and every day.
Has it been a smooth road?
To be completely honest, No! This road has not been smooth. Then again no one said everything will be smooth. There have been struggles I have come across and there will still be some I will face. The main one will be gaining client’s trust with me being a fresh young face in Atlanta as an event planner. So, with every trial that comes my way, I take it and apply it to my work. This makes me work harder to show to everyone that this young, black, intelligent man has what it takes and will not let you down! I might be young, but I have been doing this for a while. I am passionate about my work and I am here to “Create a Lasting Memory to Cherish.”
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the QJJohnson’s Events story. Tell us more about the business.
My company is an event company that does full planning and décor. We specialize in planning from weddings, birthday parties to baby showers and everything in between. We also do custom items from centerpieces, stages to backdrops. I am known for putting the biggest smile on my client’s face and just being different with my floral arrangements and designs. I am most proud of as a company is getting to the point I am at in my company to get clients and to have past clients still reach out for upcoming events meaning I did something right. What sets me apart from others is me being a young energetic event planner that will create your vision and dream and still have fun within the process to leading up to your event. Another thing that sets me apart from others is the fact I offer the choice of getting custom attire. This is where I work with different designers to create that dream wedding gown, dream suit, or party dress.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I see my industry growing and branching off to offer more. Over the next five years, I hope to obtain my own event hall, an assistant planner, and maybe an in-house designer. In 10 years, another base company where I decide to lay roots with a family of my own. Also, making my company a one-stop-shop and offering a custom line of dresses and suits with my name for my clients.
Contact Info:
- Phone: (404)617-4358
- Email: qjjohnsonsevents@gmail.com
- Instagram: @designerqjjohnson
- Facebook: Quinton J. Johnson
Image Credit:
Some Photos by: Lyriqal Blyss
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