Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Clemons.
Hi Mary, 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?
A Leap of Faith: The Story Behind Jamilla’s Events
My sister, Deborah Jones, and I, Mary Clemons, both worked in IT—steady 9-to-5s with a shared desire to build something of our own. Like many siblings with entrepreneurial dreams, we talked about going into business together, even considered starting an IT firm. It made sense. But purpose has a way of redirecting you.
A few days later, I found myself repeatedly passing a building for sale near our old high school. Each time, I felt the pull—but hesitated. Unsure if anyone would take me seriously, unsure if anyone would even answer the phone. One day, I finally stopped, called the number, and the agent answered immediately, scheduling a tour.
Though we didn’t move forward with that space, the idea of creating an event venue stayed with us.
Not long after, while taking my daughter to a playhouse in a nearby plaza south of Atlanta in McDonough, Georgia, I noticed a for lease sign. I called my sister to meet me, and we were shown the space that same day. It needed work—but it was larger, more affordable, and only ten minutes from our home. We both knew this was it.
As Muslim women deeply rooted in a large and active community, there were always gatherings—celebrations, milestones, and meaningful moments—often encouraging one another to support Muslim-owned businesses. Yet we realized there were very few Muslim-owned venues in the area, and even fewer that were intentional about accommodating our needs. That realization gave the vision deeper meaning.
This wasn’t just a business opportunity—it was a community need.
Even before opening, we received our first booking. After noticing a woman in the plaza searching for a venue, we invited her to see ours—unfinished, unpolished, but full of possibility. As we walked through the space, she paused and asked if we were Muslim. When we said yes, she shared that she felt drawn to us and the vision in a way she couldn’t quite explain. She believed in what we were building and trusted us with her event. Her excitement was contagious.
That moment was confirmation.
Her event took place on November 2, 2024, followed by our ribbon cutting with the Henry County Chamber of Commerce on November 5.
We named Jamilla’s Events after our mother—Jamilla, meaning beautiful in Arabic. It felt fitting. I love hosting. My mother loves creating beauty through décor and design. Together, we’ve created a space that is intentional, welcoming, and inclusive—one that thoughtfully accommodates prayer and honors the communities it serves.
Jamilla’s Events was built on faith, family, and purpose—a hidden gem south of Atlanta created to celebrate connection, culture, and community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It wasn’t a smooth road. When our general contractor suddenly stopped showing up with the project nearly complete, we were in disbelief. We were calling and texting nonstop, trying to understand what was happening, hoping there was some explanation. There wasn’t.
To get the space operational, we had to quickly pivot—working through several contractors and completing the remaining work in pieces rather than all at once. As the funds ran out, the pressure intensified, especially with an early booking already on the calendar and a firm deadline approaching.
By the grace of God, we were able to finish the space in a way that was satisfactory and host our very first event on time. We leaned on faith and family, showing up every day and doing what needed to be done. That experience stretched us in ways we didn’t expect, but it ultimately strengthened our resilience and shaped how we approach challenges as business owners today.
We’ve been impressed with Jamilla’s Events, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Jamilla’s Events is an intentionally designed event venue created to host meaningful milestone celebrations with care, beauty, and flexibility at the forefront. We specialize in milestone events and corporate gatherings, offering a warm, elegant space that can be transformed to reflect each client’s unique style and needs.
At the core of our brand is a simple philosophy: “Our space, your vision.” We believe every celebration should feel personal, thoughtful, and reflective of the people being honored—not a one-size-fits-all experience.
What sets us apart is our approach. We are a family-led, faith-grounded business that understands the importance of hosting with intention. As Muslim women, we were mindful in creating a venue that is conscious of diverse needs, including a dedicated prayer space, while remaining welcoming and inclusive to all communities.
We are known for our hospitality and attention to detail. Hosting comes naturally to me, while my mother brings the space to life through décor, drapery, and custom design elements. Together, we ensure that each event feels seamless, elevated, and cared for—more than just a venue, but an experience.
What we are most proud of, brand-wise, is building a space rooted in faith, family, and service—one that reflects who we are and how we show up for others. Jamilla’s Events exists to celebrate life’s moments with purpose, beauty, and heart.
We are located at 1601 McDonough Pl Suite E McDonough GA 30253
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Most people are surprised to learn how personally I take hosting. While my personality type is ESTJ—structured, organized, and detail-oriented—I experience a deep sense of responsibility when people enter our space. I truly see the venue as an extension of my home.
Before every event, I pause to make a quiet prayer—asking God to guide me, to allow the event to meet or exceed the client’s expectations, and for every guest to feel comfortable and joyful. I thank those who enter our space for blessing it with their presence and for trusting us with moments that are often once-in-a-lifetime.
While many have shared that hosting comes naturally to me, what’s beneath that ease is care, intention, and deep gratitude. Hosting, for me, is not just coordination—it’s stewardship.
Pricing:
- Weekday bookings (Monday–Thursday): Starting at $75 per hour for workshops, classes, meetings, and intimate gatherings
- Friday Half-Day Package – Starting at $1,900 6-hour venue rental Tables and chairs included for up to 100 guests Outdoor patio access Stage included for presentations, performances, or special moments
- Saturday Half-Day Package – Starting at $2,500 6-hour venue rental Tables and chairs included for up to 100 guests Outdoor patio access Stage included for presentations, performances, or special moments
- Sunday Half-Day Package – Starting at $2,200 6-hour venue rental Tables and chairs included for up to 100 guests Outdoor patio access Stage included for presentations, performances, or special moments
- Weekend Full Day Package – Starts at $3,600
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jamillasevents.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamillasevents/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamillasevents
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JamillasEvents
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamillasevents
Image Credits
Ribbon Cutting Photo – Barbara Ingram
Red Rose Wedding – Alttr Photography
