Life & Work with LaDonna Ford

Today we’d like to introduce you to LaDonna Ford.

Hi LaDonna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have been planning and coordinating events since 2010, mostly for friends and family. To be honest, I did not have the greatest experience on my wedding day (I am still with the love of my life). I thought to myself, how can I assist someone else to avoid these same pitfalls? In 2010, planning the shower of our first son was my “Do Over”. I planned/designed a beautiful shower at a local art gallery for 125 of our closest friends and family. Through the years, I have gone over and beyond, obsessing over the smallest details as it pertains to celebrating those around me. Recently, at the beginning of 2021, I decided to hone in on my passion for people design/planning and logistics. I launched All A Dream Planning and Design, LLC. Since then, God has blessed me, and my business has grown exponentially in the last 16 months.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think that my biggest challenge was myself. When it came to sharing my work, I often hesitated to do so as I felt it was never good enough. I was my own biggest critic. Although I am better when it comes to this…it’s still sometimes something I struggle with.

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 plan, design and coordinate events. I specialize in taking a client’s vision and bringing it to fruition. What set me apart is my educational background. I possess a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Psychology. This background aids me in knowing the right questions to ask. I really take the time to get to know my clients as individuals, this helps me tap into what they really want, and how I can make their dreams come true. I am known for my attention to detail, using the information gathered from casual conversations with them, I later surprise them with these details in their event. My proudest accomplishment most recently would be my corporate partnership with the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. My first project was a photo installation for their Juneteenth celebration last year. My design was seen all over the country and was featured on national news broadcasts. Since then, I have been fortunate enough to serve as a planner/designer on two additional events there. Most recently their “Sister Soiree: Celebrating Women in leadership” brunch.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I am a serious extravert. I never meet a stranger. All of my clients are so very special to me. I take each and every event personally. I am a perfectionist. Not to sound cliche’ but I put all that I am and all that I have in celebrating others’ milestones and accomplishments.

Contact Info:

• Email: alladreamepd@gmail.com
• Website: alladreamepd.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alladreamepd/

Image Credits:
Stanley Parrish with Pixel Outflow Studios