Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlton Lee Jr.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Carlton. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Well, I believe it all started back when I was a child. I always loved entertaining others. I would host dance shows in my grandmother’s living room and after Thanksgiving dinners, I would escort family members to an “after-dinner” raffle. I would plan every little detail. From logistics to aesthetics. I believe that this phase sparked a passion to create environments that allowed people to just be happy and enjoy themselves. Later down the road, I discovered the interest for Architecture. I attended Hampton University and received my Masters in Architecture.
During this time, I became fascinated with the concept of human interaction within an intentionally designed interior space. Can a space affect emotions? Could it define how people interact on a day to day basis? I had all these questions, but felt like the world of Architecture was not going be the answer. So, what was? Three months before graduating, I realized that Architecture was not the life for me. The passion had died and that “awe factor” that I once had, was no longer. So now, what!? Here I am with a degree that I don’t want to even use. Long story short, I stumbled across the Film Industry. A world designed around stories that involved action, drama, and fantasy. There were no limits when it came to the design of fictional spaces. Far better than the constraints of Architecture (to me at least). So, after graduation, I packed up my life and headed straight for Atlanta, where the film industry was beginning to thrive, in hopes of becoming a Set Designer.
Within my first week of arrival, I landed my first gig on Drumline 2 as a graphic artist. I eventually went on to work as a Set Designer for shows such as Lee Daniel’s “Star”, “Godzilla”, and the recently released “Little.” I enjoyed being able to design fantasy/ fictional spaces that people got to enjoy across the world. This all seemed very exciting, but I felt some sort of disconnect. One day, I came across event designing and immediately fell in love. The fact that I could still design over-the-top, fantasy spaces that everyday people could enjoy, completely blew my mind. From there, I decided to explore the world of the entrepreneur and then birthed Carlton Lee Studios.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Every entrepreneurial endeavor is destined to have its highs and lows. Learning how to run a business was one thing, but learning how to create the “magic” in a logistical and strategic way was unknown territory for me. Being a Set Designer trained me how to draft and build pretty much anything, but the major part of the equation that I was missing was the floral aspect. I knew nothing about flowers. The names, colors, types, you name it! But with workshops by the famous Preston Bailey and freelancing for other local companies, I was able o pick up the basics. The biggest struggle for me was figuring how to keep my self afloat financially. Going from working 10-12 hour days for a full-time job to complete entrepreneurship was a huge adjustment and testing of my faith. There were times where I had no idea how I was going to make ends meet in the upcoming months. I knew I wanted to make this business work, so I kept pressing on and work came and my name began to get around project after project. For the first time in my life, after many attempts, I finally discovered my true passion and was willing to sacrifice it all to make it happen.
Carlton Lee Studios – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Carlton Lee Studios specializes in creating a one of kind event experience that demonstrates cutting edge designs that are complemented by exceptional service. From the beginning to the end, we make your event priority by catering to your personal style to design an event that is sure to be memorable. We design everything from floral installations, table decor, lighting, custom backdrops, staging, and even fashion runway. We pride ourselves knowing that all of our clients have been able to say that Carlton Lee Studios has delivered more than they could imagine. It’s their smile and excitement that fuels me to keep doing what I’m doing. It’s very important to know that it is just not me. I have been blessed in finding an extremely talented team that shares the vision of this business. Knowing that they always have my back makes me extremely proud. I guess you could say I did something right!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success, by definition, is “the accomplishment of an aim or purpose.” My goal is to simply live out my dream and in doing so I have carved my own career path. I have always been an artistic and creative person, stemming back to my early childhood. I know that is my gift and I want to share that with the world and make people’s lives a better place by creating spaces that are magical, enchanting, and forever cherished. Even though I am only beginning my career’s trajectory, I already feel like I have succeeded because when I am designing or doing an install with my team, I do not feel that I am working. I am doing what I put on this earth to do.
Pricing:
- All pricing/ estimates are catered to each client.
- All clients have specific budgets and we aim to deliver within that set price.
- Our events, on average, range between 3k-15k.
Contact Info:
- Website: carltonleestudios.com
- Email: info@carltonleestudios.com
- Instagram: @carltonleestudios
- Facebook: Carlton Lee Studios
Image Credit:
Carlton Lee Jr.
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