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Check Out Adesola Oshikanlu’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Adesola Oshikanlu.

Hi Adesola, 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?
As a little child, I was close to an uncle of mine, who at the time planned and decorated some of the most beautiful and elaborate events in the 90s.

Even though, I was very young, I was intrigued and used to watch and listen in as the team worked on the strategies and design of event venues with the requested theme colours, etc and being particular on even minute details such as type of napkins or even trimmings on table linens. His ideas for decorating and planning used to leave me in awe. They were simple, practical and classy and he was highly sought after but unfortunately had to retire from it due to other family obligations.

From that point on, I became really interested in the event management, planning and decoration profession and when the time came, my uncle was one of the first I consulted in helping out and he still helps to advice on how best to navigate through some of the challenges we face in the course of this work. Event management needs a lot of experience and I can boldly say we have the best team on ground.

I truly value change and the chance to learn new things, so what could be better than getting to combine those things with event planning and decorating?

Going forward, I always feel a particular sense of satisfaction when I make someone else’s event enjoyable and unforgettable.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — but every challenge has been an opportunity for growth. When I first started Unique Events by Shollah, the event industry was quite different from what it is today. There were fewer resources, limited access to reliable vendors, and not as much digital exposure as we have now. Establishing credibility, especially in new markets like the U.S. after years of working in the U.K., Africa, and other parts of the world, required immense effort, consistency, and trust-building.
One of the biggest struggles has been managing client expectations while ensuring everything stays within budget. Many clients come with big dreams but limited resources, so finding creative and cost-effective ways to make those dreams a reality has been a balancing act. Another challenge has been staying ahead of ever-evolving trends and technologies in the event industry — from design aesthetics to the use of digital tools for planning and coordination.
Staffing and logistics can also be quite demanding. Every event is unique, so we often have to coordinate multiple vendors, locations, and even time zones. It takes a lot of organization, communication, and patience to make sure everything runs smoothly.
But through it all, I’ve learned that challenges are part of the process. They build resilience and innovation. Each obstacle has strengthened my commitment to excellence and pushed me to improve our systems, grow our network of trusted partners, and continue delivering exceptional experiences for our clients.
So while the road hasn’t been smooth, it’s been incredibly rewarding. Seeing the smiles, gratitude, and satisfaction on our clients’ faces at the end of each event makes every struggle worth it.

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?
At Unique Events by Shollah, we specialize in creating unforgettable experiences that reflect our clients’ stories, personalities, and visions. We’re an innovative, detail-oriented event management company with a passion for transforming ideas into seamless, stunning realities. Our work spans across weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, corporate galas, and other milestone celebrations, both in the U.S. and internationally.

What truly defines us is our commitment to personalization and excellence. We don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” events. Every detail, from the choice of venue and color palette to the flow of the day, is carefully designed to capture our client’s individuality and make the event feel effortlessly elegant.

Our specialty lies in wedding consultation and full-scale planning, but we also offer partial planning, vendor and venue sourcing, creative design, and day-of coordination. Over the years, we’ve become known for our ability to make complex events feel stress-free, ensuring our clients can truly enjoy their day as guests at their own celebration.

I am most proud of our longevity and global experience. With over 32 years in the industry and 17 years as a company, we’ve planned and executed events in cities like London, Lagos, Dubai, and across the Caribbean and Europe. Each experience has shaped our creativity and cultural sensitivity, allowing us to bring a global touch to every event we produce.

What sets us apart is our unwavering attention to detail, our commitment to value, and our deep understanding of logistics and safety, often overlooked but vital parts of any successful event. We are flexible, insured, budget-conscious, and most importantly, client-focused.

Our clients often tell us that we make them feel heard, understood, and confident, and that’s exactly what we aim for. For us, it’s not just about managing an event; it’s about creating memories that will last a lifetime.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The event industry is evolving rapidly, and the next 5–10 years will be all about innovation, personalization, and experience-driven design. People are no longer satisfied with just beautiful events, they want meaningful, immersive experiences that reflect their values, culture, and lifestyle.

I see technology continuing to play a major role. Virtual and hybrid events, which became popular during the pandemic, are here to stay in some form. Even for in-person celebrations, we’ll see more tech integration, from digital invitations and guest management apps to augmented reality design previews and AI-assisted planning tools that help clients visualize their events long before the big day.

Another big shift is the growing emphasis on sustainability and conscious celebrations. More clients are becoming aware of the environmental impact of large events and are asking for eco-friendly décor, locally sourced catering, reusable materials, and community-conscious vendors. This is a trend I’m personally excited about because it challenges planners to be creative while doing good.

In terms of aesthetics, I think we’ll continue to see a blend of cultural fusion and modern minimalism, events that celebrate tradition but in a contemporary and elegant way. Clients are also moving toward intimate luxury, preferring smaller gatherings that are deeply personalized rather than large-scale productions.

For planners, this means our roles will expand beyond coordination into experience curation, brand storytelling, and even lifestyle consulting. Event management will be less about logistics alone and more about crafting a cohesive emotional journey for our clients and their guests.

At Unique Events by Shollah, we’re already embracing these changes, leveraging technology, nurturing global vendor relationships, and focusing on creative storytelling to ensure that our clients’ events don’t just look beautiful but feel unforgettable.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Photographer
Capture Studios
404-931-4515
capturestudiosusa@gmail.com

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