Today we’d like to introduce you to Olayinka Fab.
Hi Olayinka, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My event design career is an accidental purpose. After a career in education, I decided to fulfill my lifelong dream of working in events. I didn’t really want to plan them per se, I was more focused on the visual aspects of the trade–the wow factor. I spent years working in entertainment in Los Angeles and had the opportunity to work with some creative agencies, award shows, and for a major studio. The party space in the industry is completely different from your day-to-day events on a more intimate level, so I learned how important details are very fast. In L.A. I did everything from walking rappers down the red carpet, to creating graphics for green rooms, stuffing gift bags, and making sure the lighting is just right. When you have an eye for details and creativity, you see things differently. What most people don’t notice, I may see and think, “Ohmigod…” I tend to get tunnel vision when I’m creating or designing. I really don’t think people understand how much goes into planning and designing events because all they see is the end result. I want to change that and help people understand that without creatives, there is no anything. Everything you see has been designed by someone with a “vision”. It’s not just flowers, just balloons, or just decorations. It is indeed art. Put some respect on it!
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?
I grew up in Oakland, California! If you know anything about Oakland, you know it’s a rough and tumble city. We get things done and know how to have fun! Show me a smooth road and I will show you someone who is complacent. I don’t think anything in my life has ever been smooth. I’ve had a ton of mishaps, derailments, screw-ups, and then some. However, those things made me stronger and let me know I can pretty much handle anything that comes my way. I’m gracious, but I don’t take any crap either. I’ve worked with great people and not-so-great people. At the end of the day, I expect nothing from anyone and everything from myself.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As an event designer, I basically take the clients vision and help produce it. Imagine a blank canvas being filled with key elements and things that make the canvas no longer just a white space. I help fuse the elements like tablescape design and lighting with decor, florals, and all of the visuals that you see. Whether it’s an acrobat hanging from the ceiling in a glass ball or a couple’s lovely face on a floor decal, that’s what I do. I am a visionary; I see a space and immediately start to think about how I can make it better. I am most proud of my creative background not just with event and floral design, but graphic design too. I’ve been a freelance graphic designer for more than six years so pairing all of that with event design was easy to do. And of course, there’s my experience with interior design as well. I earned a certificate in that in 2014. I’ve always been into fashion and art and it pairs well with the business.
Working with clients is really about what they want and are willing to invest in. With events, you can have all the ideas in the world but you must be willing to make them happen in all ways possible. I consider myself not just a designer but an educator as well. And I’m never too old to learn from someone who knows more than I do. Becoming a better event designer means studying and learning from the best. There’s room for everyone to create.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Hmmm…let’s see. Well, I got to sit behind Chris Brown and his mom at an award show once and he was super nervous! This was just before he became a big star! I had my knees lock up on me when Idris Elba crossed my path–that was probably the only time I’ve ever not been able to move. And I got to give Beyonce a hug and some water backstage at the BET Awards because she was hot in her dress! I was also an extra on The Game television show once and CSI New York! I’ve had some fun over the years!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cliquesoirees.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cliquesoirees/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cliquesoirees
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC78W4zXTaaaBD7cvwyRBNkg
- Other: www.olayinkafabcollection.com
Image Credits
Clique Soirees
