

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Ann Marie Howell.
Hi Ann, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Certainly! My journey to becoming an entrepreneur has been long and winding but truly rewarding. My story began like everyone else on the day of my birth. The good news for me, it was the “who” I was born to that created my path to success. The most influential person in my lifetime, was my mother, Joyce. Not only because she gave me the opportunity to exist, but she created an environment that would allow me to thrive.
I had the pleasure of watching her create events and spaces that were safe for people of all walks of life to feel, see, hear, and celebrate. She took pride in everything she did and passed that trait on to me. How you do anything, is how you do everything. This experience exposed me to the intricacies of hospitality, from understanding client needs and preferences to coordinating logistics and ensuring smooth execution.
Over the years, I gained valuable skills in negotiation, problem-solving, project management, and multitasking throughout my career. But it was in 2019, that I decided to stop working on building other organizations and start to invest in my own. I decided to have a full-circle moment and name my business after the one who led me down this path. My name is Ann Marie and her name was Joyce. Hence, the birth of AnnJoy Design Studio and Annjoyable Moments. Although my mother is no longer here, I am so proud to say I am a carrier of JOY and her legacy lives on.
Today, I am honored to say that I have established myself as a successful event planner and interior designer, known for my creativity, professionalism, and commitment to exceeding client expectations. Whether I’m conceptualizing a themed event or transforming a space into a captivating oasis, I approach each project with passion and dedication, ensuring that every detail is thoughtfully considered and executed to perfection.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
While my journey in event planning and interior design has been fulfilling, it hasn’t been without its challenges. Here are some struggles I encountered along the way:
Building a Client Base: At the beginning of my career, one of the biggest challenges was establishing a client base. It took time and effort to market myself effectively and build a reputation in both industries. Networking, word-of-mouth referrals, and showcasing my work were crucial in overcoming this hurdle.
Balancing Creativity with Budgets: Meeting clients’ creative expectations while staying within their budget constraints can be challenging. Finding innovative solutions and creative alternatives without compromising quality became a balancing act, requiring careful negotiation and resourcefulness.
Managing Time and Resources: Juggling multiple projects simultaneously, each with its own timeline and requirements, demanded effective time management and resource allocation. Prioritizing tasks, delegating when necessary, and staying organized were essential skills to master.
Handling Unexpected Issues: Events and design projects are often susceptible to unexpected challenges, such as last-minute changes, vendor issues, or logistical hiccups. Developing problem-solving skills and the ability to think quickly on my feet became essential in navigating these situations and ensuring successful outcomes.
Staying Updated on Trends and Technologies: The industries of event planning and interior design are constantly evolving, with new trends, technologies, and techniques emerging regularly. Keeping up with these changes and continuously updating my skills and knowledge required dedication and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Maintaining Work-Life Balance: Balancing a demanding career with a personal life can be challenging, especially during busy periods with tight deadlines. Prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and delegating tasks, when possible, helped me maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Despite these challenges, each hurdle I faced served as an opportunity for growth and learning, ultimately contributing to my development as a skilled and resilient professional in both event planning and interior design.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As the founder and owner of AJM and ADS, I take great pride in offering comprehensive services that seamlessly blend creativity, innovation, and attention to detail. Here’s what you should know about my business:
Comprehensive Services: My firm specializes in both event planning and interior design, offering clients a one-stop shop for all their needs. Whether they’re hosting a special event or looking to transform their space, we provide end-to-end solutions tailored to their vision and budget.
Personalized Approach: We believe in the power of personalized service, taking the time to understand each client’s unique style, preferences, and objectives. From concept development to execution, we work closely with clients every step of the way, ensuring that their vision is brought to life with precision and excellence.
Attention to Detail: We are known for our meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of a project is carefully considered and executed to perfection. Whether it’s selecting the perfect color palette for a room or coordinating intricate event logistics, we leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of excellence.
Creative Innovation: Innovation lies at the heart of everything we do. We pride ourselves on staying ahead of the curve, continuously exploring new trends, technologies, and design techniques to deliver fresh, innovative solutions that captivate and inspire.
Exceptional Client Experience: At the core of our business is a commitment to delivering exceptional client experiences. We go above and beyond to exceed expectations, providing unparalleled service, reliability, and professionalism at every touchpoint.
Brand Integrity: Our brand is built on integrity, authenticity, and a passion for our craft. We approach every project with integrity and honesty, ensuring transparency and clear communication throughout the process.
Pride in our Work: What sets us apart is our unwavering pride in our work. We are deeply passionate about what we do, and this passion shines through in the quality and creativity of our designs and events.
Overall, we want our clients and readers to know that when they choose our company, they’re not just getting a service – they’re embarking on a journey of creativity, collaboration, and unparalleled excellence.
Whether it’s designing a breathtaking event or transforming a space into a stunning masterpiece, we are dedicated to making their vision a reality, and we look forward to exceeding their expectations every step of the way. But most importantly, the AnnJoyable way should be one that is to be truly annjoyed for years to come.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Coming 2024; “The Wedding Bible: A Comprehensive Guide to Happily Down the Aisle” and the accompanying workbook. Additionally, we are starting open enrollment to the exclusive 4-part masterclass for luxury DIY brides. This class will help bring couples’ dreams into reality!
Whether couples are just beginning their wedding planning journey or seeking to add a touch of luxury to their DIY wedding, “The Wedding Bible” and the Luxury DIY Bride Masterclass are your essential guides to crafting the wedding of your dreams. Get ready to say “I do” to a lifetime of happiness, starting with the perfect wedding day envisioned and executed with love, style, and expertise.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.annjoyablemoments.com and www.annjoydesignstudio.com
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgedW_bSjJ0Owl9GrsJxOeQ
Image Credits
A Pure Gem Photography