Today we’d like to introduce you to Valenche (Che’) Cartledge.
Hi Valenche (Che’), so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Valenche’ Cartledge. I go by Che’ for short (pronounced “Shay”). I was raised in Thomson, Georgia, a small town where community and creativity quietly shaped my early years. After graduating from Thomson High School, I moved to Albany, GA to attend the Unsinkable Albany State University — a place that gave me both educational and cultural experiences, and where I earned my degree in Marketing. That foundation in strategy, branding, and communication would later become the backbone of my business, even before I knew exactly what I was building.
My journey into the world of events began humbly around 2014–2015. I started by stuffing gift bags at events and helping with registration, simply eager to learn and be a part of something bigger. That small entry point opened doors. Over time, I found myself navigating the space of stage production, eventually growing into roles as a stage manager for significant events such as the Super Bowl in 2019 (NFL Legends event). I’ve worked with agencies representing clients like L’Oréal, United Masters, Chase, the CIAA, and Honda (Battle of the Bands). My earliest exposure to high-profile productions dates back to 2011, when I supported the National Black MBA Association’s Annual Conference. This pivotal experience gave me a glimpse into the scale and energy of professional event work.
In 2018, while volunteering at an event , I was introduced to floral design — a moment that shifted everything. An event planner noticed my detail and encouraged me to start my own business. In 2019, I launched Le Beau Designz, initially freelancing in floral arrangements and installations for other creatives. That work opened doors to the world of television, where I worked with celebrity event designers on productions like The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Married to Medicine, My Celebrity Dream Wedding and Love & Hip Hop Atlanta just to name a few.
As my business evolved, so did the scope of my work. Around 2021-2022, I collaborated with social media influencers and podcasters — a dynamic and fast-growing space that allowed me to push creative boundaries even further. I started with a stage design and decor for Ms. Candace Junee 6-figure event (and 7-Figure event), which gained the interest in doing a stage designs for the CockTales Podcast tour and even creating the studio design for Pour Minds, setting the vibe for their guests and taping environment. These projects merged my love for aesthetics, storytelling, and production, and gave me a deeper appreciation for how design can shape audience experience, both in physically and digital spaces.
Today, my company specializes in event décor, stage design, and florals. Whether it’s a live event, a branded activation, or an intimate moment, I bring a deep sense of purpose, passion, and precision to everything I touch.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As a creative entrepreneur, I’ve learned that work doesn’t always go smoothly, and some of my most defining moments came from the toughest days.
One of those days involved a poolside floral installation and a large-scale arrangement for a memorable holiday event. I had no other hands to help, but the vision had to come to life. I pushed through the project— over 12 hours straight of designing, lifting, adjusting, and making it all work. The final result was beautiful, but I was completely drained, with a massive mess left behind and no energy to clean it up. That experience taught me the importance of having a team, preparation, and boundaries — not just for the sake of the work, but for my own wellbeing as a small business owner.
Another tough lesson came when I couldn’t complete the full number of floral arrangements a client had requested. It wasn’t a lack of effort — it was a miscalculation in time and support. To make matters worse, some of the installed florals fell from the wall right before the event, because they had not been properly secured. I was embarrassed, not just because of how it looked, but because I knew I could do better. And I have, ever since.
Those moments shook my confidence, but they also shaped me. They taught me how to plan better, communicate clearly, ask for help, and lead with integrity. They reminded me that I’m not just an artist — I’m a business owner, a problem solver, and someone who’s constantly learning and evolving.
No matter how far I’ve come — from working on major productions to designing florals for television shows and live podcast stages — I carry those experiences with me. They keep me grounded and humble. But most importantly, they’ve made me a better creative.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Le Beau Designz, LLC is an event design and floral company based in Atlanta, GA, however I welcome traveling. I specialize in florals, stage design, and social event décor, and from time to time a wedding. I am a one-woman team that focuses on the details of my clients to bring their vision to life. I love to customize each event, from stage backdrops, floral centerpieces and installations, branding pieces, and much more to create the aesthetic & vibe. The other side of Le Beau Designz, LLC is event and stage production. This leads to one of the reasons why I’m in the process of rebranding. I work with marketing agencies and production companies for their live produced events as a Stage Manager and/or VIP Talent Manager (or Coordinator). I ensure the stage movement is managed seamlessly. It allows me the opportunity to touch on all areas that are “events” that I enjoy. I get to meet and work with different high-profile individuals. By far my favorite and most memorable moment was meeting the Phylicia Rashad (Claire Huxtable)! It comes with a lot of pressure, and you have to have thick skin, but I love it!
What’s next?
I’m currently rebranding, not just in name or design, but in presence and purpose. For years, I’ve worked behind the scenes building stages, designing florals, managing productions, and helping others bring their visions to life. But now, I’m stepping into a new chapter. One where I’m not just the creative behind the brand, but the face of it.
One of the most meaningful parts of my journey has been collaborating with other event designers and florists. Those partnerships pushed me creatively, taught me invaluable lessons, and exposed me to new opportunities that shaped the artist I am today. I genuinely believe that when creatives come together, magic happens.
I’m focused on three areas/goals:
1. Partnering with brands to produce unforgettable experiences — from brand activations to stage design to floral installations, I want to help brands tell their stories through thoughtful, visually striking environments.
2. Floral shipping (Floral rentals) —A concept I piloted for a client’s book launch in Miami. Seeing my work create an impact from miles away was powerful. I’m excited to expand this offering for micro weddings, intimate events, and styled shoots nationwide. Stay tuned.
3. Becoming more visible — sharing my story, being visible, and connecting with my audience. It’s time for the brand to have a heartbeat, and I’m proud to be that heartbeat.
This next season is about growth, alignment, and showing up fully—not just for my clients but also for myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lebeaudesignz.com
- Instagram: lebeau_designz
- Other: linktr.ee@lebeau_designz
