Today we’d like to introduce you to Khaleema B. Julian.
Khaleema Julian has over a decade of experience in events. Through the years she has worked in all aspects of the industry from assisting her mother with a family own catering business, linen and décor bridal consultation, many customized events in and around Atlanta, as well as a number of private events for celebrities and dignitaries.
She earned a certification with American Bridal Consultants in 2014 to become a certified Bridal Consultant and Wedding Planner. Khaleema is a native of Atlanta, Georgia and has worked her way from the bottom to the top. Khaleema knew at an early age that décor and planning events were her niches. Khaleema worked alongside her mother at an early age prepping and catering food. Her older brother was a Banquet Captain at a prestigious hotel in Atlanta and during his off time, he trained Khaleema on the proper way to set tables and various linen folds. In her early twenties, Khaleema began planning her friends and family small functions and turned small Dollar Store décor into a sight to see. Khaleema along with close friends and family members started a company geared toward club promotions that flourished, but Khaleema still wasn’t satisfied. Working in Corporate America and juggling her passion started to conflict. In 2010, along with her sisters, Khaleema retired from her job, stepped out on faith and opened SugahPlum Events, Inc. The journey took her up and down rollercoasters, from events being booked backed to back to not having any events booked for months. With long nights, hard work, pulling family and close friends together Khaleema never stopped. Funds were being exhausted, but through God’s grace Khaleema keep her faith and never gave up. Through the past few years, SugahPlum Events began its transformation. SugahPlum Events grew then SugahPlum Sweetz evolved with the direction of her sister. Khaleema has launched a new company to her resume KP&J Enterprises, LLC venue “The Vault” in Historic Downtown Fairburn, Georgia scheduled to open doors in the fall of 2019.
Khaleema worked in the Human Resources and 3rd Party Retirement Administration industry for a Fortune 500 company for almost 17 years, and a Licensed Cosmetologist previously owning a salon with a family member. Khaleema has completed work in various entities and is a strong pillar of the community Khaleema balances her time and serves her community as an active member of St. Paul A&E Church, Atlanta, Georgia, and a partner in Education with Hapeville Charter High School, partnering and giving back to the Covenant House which is a Shelter for homeless teens. A partner with A Titus Man organization which focus on raising boys to men. A mentor to upcoming event planners and donates her services throughout the year for many social occasions and events fashioned both personally and professionally.
Khaleema resides in South Fulton County in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband, children, and her dog/child. When she’s not planning fabulous events around the city you can find her taking the back seat and playing assistant to her Event Coordinators pushing them to do the best with their talents, practicing her décor and floral talents, education and training for a “new” trend in the industry, contributing to her church or spending time with her large extended family. Khaleema’s motto is “She who leaves a trail of glitter is never forgotten”!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Being a business owner is no easy job. It takes patience, steadfast faith and sometimes tunnel vision. My journey definitely was a struggle starting out. I wanted to throw in the towel and give up on multiple occasions. You think this is a money pit, a waste of energy, it would be easier to go back and get a job. But through it all, my tenacity, perseverance, faith, and fear push me through. Yes, fear… You see growing up in the projects there was always fear, so fear was always my family’s driving force to “get out” and to strive for a better life. When I became a business owner going through challenges, I had to shift my mind into survival mode and the fear of failure catapulted me to the other side.
Please tell us about SugahPlum Events Inc.
SugahPlum Events, Inc. is a full-service Event Planning & Design company as well as an Event Venue. SugahPlum Events, Inc. strives to provide professional, exquisite service for every event, large or small. Our company is based on the belief that our client’s needs are first and foremost. Our entire team is committed to designing exceptional, memorable events.
In addition to professional Designers and Planners, our Creative Director and Owner Khaleema B. Julian is a certified Bridal Consultant and is a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants. Our motto is “providing great service for great people in a great way.”
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over, I wouldn’t change anything, as every hurdle, roadblock or stumble was a teachable moment. Without the struggle, there is no success.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2220 Jonesboro Rd/Sr 138
Suite 107 Fairburn, GA 30312 - Website: www.sugahplumevents.com
- Phone: 678.856.6852
- Email: info@sugahplumevents.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/sugahplumevents?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=8auq2h6dkfko
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SugahPlum-Events-Inc-117487321598700/
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