Today we’d like to introduce you to Tirrell Johnson.
Hi Tirrell, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory
I’ve had an eye for creativity since I was a young boy. My parents raised five boys, and I am the middle son. As one would imagine, our home was very competitive, with each of us fighting for parental attention. All of my brothers excelled in athletics, but me, not so much. I thrived in academics, leadership, and all things creative. I won countess art contests, oratorical contests, was drum major in high school, prom king, and senior class president. I said all that to say I was a ‘jack of all trades, but a master of none.’ I struggled a little when I left home for college. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do professionally but I knew I had a desire to be successful. I majored in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing Management at Lander University in South Carolina.
I excelled in college and led one of the top groups on campus; pledged a Greek-lettered fraternity – Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated; served as a Presidential Ambassador and Homecoming King; earned Dean’s List honors; and was selected as Greek Man of the Year. Yet, with this laundry list of accomplishments, I still had no clue what I wanted to do with my life. I only knew I wanted to succeed. Upon completing my undergraduate degree, I had no leads on a job and didn’t have my next move lined up. The next month, I landed a job with Bank of America as a bank teller. I quickly learned the job and, within six months, I was promoted to a Sales and Service Specialist. I wouldn’t say I particularly enjoyed the work, I just knew I needed to do well and excel. The following year, I applied to Jacksonville State University and was accepted into their MBA program, so I packed my bags and moved to Georgia. Now, Jacksonville State University is in Jacksonville, Alabama, so why did I move to Georgia? There were no Bank of America branches in Alabama close to the university, so I commuted an hour, two to three times a week to school.
A year into grad school, I accepted a promotion with Bank of America that would force me to relocate into the city of Atlanta. I transferred to the Troy University to complete my MBA program. As a personal banker, I was making better money, but I was unfulfilled. I asked myself pretty often, “what am I doing with my life?” and “how am I contributing to the greater good?” That fall, I attended my grandmother’s 80th Birthday party, where I was pretty hands-on with the decorating. My aunt said to me, “you should go into event planning and decorating; you are excellent at it.” She planted the seed, and I have never looked back. In 2015, I chose the name Lael Events for my event planning business. My name is Tirrell Lael Johnson. My middle name, Lael, means “of God.” I began planning small dinners for friends; I assisted with and coordinated a wedding; I even planned and decorated for several birthday parties. The ‘jack of all trades’ found a passion with purpose. There is a feeling of euphoria when you are operating in your element! Man, it felt so good to have found what I love.
In 2019, I completed the Event & Meeting Planning Certificate Program at Clayton State University. The program expanded my knowledge base and sharpened my skillset. There is something beautiful about digging deeper into your craft. When there is passion for what you do, creativity just flows freely. I simply love event planning! The business focuses on three key areas of Events: 1) Planning, 2) Coordinating, and 3) Management. In a nutshell, this company provides you with every service needed to make your celebration a huge success. I’m fortunate to do what I love and serving people energizes me. I am enthused by the many possibilities that await Lael Events in the future. As God continues to lead me, I plan to broaden my business services to offer another key area of Events, Event Planner Consulting. 2020 has been trying on many fronts. Life as we all once knew it has changed so much. Lael Events has flourished despite the pandemic. Business has been great! I planned, coordinated, and decorated for a beautiful and heartwarming September wedding.
I have also planned and decorated for a hand full of birthday parties. I am currently planning a royal-themed March wedding for a young and deserving couple, which will be held in Knoxville, Tennessee. Simultaneously, I am actively planning a 50th Birthday Celebration for a fabulous young lady, which will be held in Montego Bay, Jamaica in July of 2021. I’ve build Lael Events with the client/partner in mind. My business is non-discriminatory and inclusive. We celebrate people – period. I was so honored this year to plan my very first same-sex wedding. I look forward to hosting my first quinceanera, conference, book launch, gender reveal party and wedding engagement parties. I have set aggressive goals to grow the business and, one day soon, I will hire contractors from all backgrounds and walks of life to advance my vision. I have the greatest support system in my family and friends. I’m grateful to have met some of the world’s most amazing people right here in Atlanta. I love being an entrepreneur, and I am thrilled to be among the long list of ‘go-getters’ who only wish to succeed and contribute to this thriving city. I push hard because I have a strong vision, and I’m super motivated to see Lael Events prosper. I have an eye for creativity. This ‘jack of all trades’ endeavors to never master event planning but to always be open to growing, changing, identifying with, and making an imprint in this industry. I pray only to continue to be fortunate enough to share my gifts with the world through my very special company, Lael Events.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think that the biggest struggle I faced was fear. It is natural to fear failure. I took my time to learn the event planning industry. I started very small and grew my craft and skillset. I took the necessary courses to gain a certificate in event planning. I studied others in the industry who have flourished. I put the time and effort in so that I would ensure my success. Another thing that hit pretty hard was the reality that everyone will not support your efforts and dreams. Stepping into entrepreneurship for me required a thickening of skin and a realization that even those closest to me are not privy to the vision that God placed in my heart and spirit for me.
So, I’m tasked with making them believers in my dream and sharing with those with unbelief that what I’m building can’t fail because it came from God. I’m an optimist, so I choose to believe that many people do not support, because they may not know how to or they may not have the means to support you. I’d like to let those people know now, support is pretty simple when it comes to Lael Events. Tell a friend about my business, share pieces of my character with others, and let them know you have an acquaintance who is an outstanding event planner. There are no costs associated with spreading the good word and, more importantly, spreading the truth.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As an event planner, I specialize in décor, styling, staging, and everything that catches the eye. All of my clients will tell you that I repeat the slogan, “It’s in the details.” It certainly is all about the details and that’s what sets Lael Events apart. Furthermore, my specialty is providing the highest level of professionalism and customer service to my clients. I’m so proud to be a creative! I don’t take the gift lightly. As a creative, my mind really never rests. It took me some time to hone in on the gift and tame all that God gave me. I once viewed my multiple gifts as a negative because I could never decide what I wanted to concentrate on and master. Now, I see the blessing in the blessing of being gifted in so many areas. These gifts I offer to my clients, my family, my friends, my church, and strangers. This internal understanding sets me apart. I do what I do because I love it. Being an event planner allows me to serve others, give back, and spread joy and love to those I encounter.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Stick-to-itiveness, Stick-to-itiveness, Stick-to-itiveness! The real prize is in not giving up and believing in your abilities. Conquering fear over and over again is a quality that I possess. It’s difficult to follow your heart and pursue your dreams. It’s difficult not to give up when it is tough. But, I am reminded that I am the master of my fate and the captain of my soul. I stick to it and I will not give up. My success will only last if I remain authentic and stick to it!
Contact Info:
- Email: laelevents@yahoo.com
- Website: www.thelaelevents.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lael.events/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaelEvents/
Image Credits
Carlos Jones Photography Veronica Jackson Photography Bridney Green Photography
