Rising Stars: Meet Ijee’na Long-Burnett

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ijee’na Long-Burnett.

Hi Ijee’na, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
From a young age, I considered myself a “creative” person. I am artistic in many aspects and enjoy art in its many forms. In my youth, I played violin at Wayne State University, submitted paintings in local art events and enjoyed attending Art Festivals in Detroit, Michigan. Growing up, my mom, Mrs. T, hosted elaborate events and was an event coordinator for years. She influenced my artistic capabilities. My entrepreneur journey started when I was 15 years old. I was recruited by Troy Yopp to design for Dynastee Clothing company. I worked with them throughout high school. Upon graduation, I had been accepted into multiple schools including SCAD in Atlanta but decided to pursue a healthcare career for financial stability.

I continued to paint as a hobby and host private events with people I knew. I was always the friend people called to help plan an event or decorate for a special occasion. In 2017, I got engaged which started the blueprint for my XO Innovation Event Services. A year later, I organized and designed my wedding. After graduating from Kennesaw State and getting married, I took time off from my healthcare career and turned my favorite hobby into a small business. I asked my mom to join me as a partner because she has an abundance of professional experience.

Now we decorate and host intimate events together. XO Innovation Events offer intimate event services such as Special Occasion Room Decor, Birthday Dinner Set Up, Private Sip and Paint parties and other services. One of our newest services is Public Sip and Paints which has been a hit in Atlanta!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s not easy being an entrepreneur but it is easy doing what I love. I focus on the outcome and not the challenges. I know remaining positive, resilient and consistent will lead help propel our success.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am not only the host of XO Sip and Paints, I am the artist. I pre sketch the canvases and go live on IG exhibiting different paintings. Along with Mrs. T’s expertise, I help bring the creative design element into our event services regardless of the client’s budget.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Many lives and loved ones have been lost since Covid-19 Crisis began. Being in healthcare and watching the world shift throughout the pandemic has helped me focus on everyday, not just the future. It has also help verify my business. When people weren’t throwing events, we had to brainstorm about how we could still incorporate our services when people weren’t gathering as often. We began offering virtual sip and paint sessions and selling pre-sketched canvas packs which customers absolutely love!

Pricing:

• Private Sip and Paint Parties start at $200
• Special occasion Room Decor start at $150
• Kids Paint Parties start at $150
• General Sip and Paint tickets range $35-$50
• Birthday Dinner Services start at $200

Contact Info:

• Email: Xoinnovationevents@gmail.com
• Website: https://linktr.ee/Xoinnovationevents
• Instagram: Xo Innovation Events
• Other: https://xoinnovationevents.eventbrite.com/