Today we’d like to introduce you to Aundria Levine.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Aundria. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have always had a love for entertaining. I enjoy having my family and friends over and providing an “experience” whether it’s a holiday, special occasion or just hanging out at the house. I’m the friend that is appointed to coordinate the girl’s night, the girls getaway vacations or date night outing with the spouses. As I think back over the years, I am also the person that my family would contact to help them decorate their baby showers, birthday parties, family gatherings, and reunions. I volunteered to coordinate and decorate my sister’s wedding where I was also the Matron of Honor almost 10 years ago. It was quite a task, but I enjoyed it so much and very thankful for the memories.
When I first realized event planning and decorating was something that I was passionate about doing more was when I was planning my daughter’s high school academic signing day in 2017. It was around graduation time and our finances was so tight due to her senior year and graduation expenses as well as the expenses associated with sending her off to college. But I wanted to do something special for her on that day to show her how proud we were. I decided to get on Pinterest and get some ideas for college table decorations. What started out as me grabbing a few items to make her table look festive, turned into a really cute party set up! Since then, many would often ask me why I didn’t consider doing this as a side business it was honestly something that I never considered. At the beginning of 2019, my church introduced the bible series “Living on the positive side of IF” from 2nd Chronicles, 7:14. I have always been a spiritual person and at that moment, I affirmed to continue to pray to God, listen to Him, and lean on him. I decided to explore the idea of starting an event planning business. I began performing the research to develop my business plan.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road definitely has not been smooth. In the beginning, overcoming my fears was my biggest struggle. When I thought about the idea of launching this business, I thought of everything that could go wrong. I was so afraid to step out on my own and I constantly doubted my abilities. But I would then think to myself that I was not being a good example for my children. I often tell them that they can do anything that they put their minds to. If I never tried, I would never know if I could be successful at this or not. I’ve always wanted them to be fearless when it comes to trying new things. But I was not taking my own advice. Once I decided I would no longer allow my fears to control me, things seem to become easier. A couple of months after I launched my business, my daughter launched her own business, BlinkMink, which offers mink eyelashes and urban fashion apparel, while in college. That was my confirmation that I was on the right path. And while I realize this journey will not be easy, this was the beginning of moving forward in my purpose. Whether this event planning business sustains the longevity for years to come only God knows. However, I think the entrepreneurial world allows you to the opportunity to stretch your limits and aid in your personal development and growth. Balancing being a wife and mom with a full-time career, as well as starting a business has been very challenging. But being able to share the highs and lows with my family, my biggest supporters without judgment has been my safe haven.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Le’Inspired Style and Occasion is a one-stop-shop for all styling and decorating needs. We offer free consultation services such as an event planning/coordinating and décor, home or dorm room design projects, and personal styling to assist in preparing for any event. Being passionate about planning, coordinating and designing events is certainly what has driven me to this point. However, I believe the art of how I conduct my business will keep me working in this industry. I’ve worked in a corporate environment for over 25 years. My background is accounting, auditing, and operations compliance. Certain skills I’ve acquired along the way has shaped the way I enjoy conducting business. Being organized, performing effective use of time management, problem-solving, and hard work is how I approach each project. It’s important for me to understand my client’s objective for their event fully and match them with the right vendors to achieve the best goal. I believe an event planners job is to find solutions and remove the hassle from the client within the budget and timeframe allowed. I strive to be a walking billboard for my business and brand. I am very forward-thinking in all types of fashion and designing trends. Networking and communicating has always been strong areas for me and social media provides a great vehicle to connect with some top performers in this business. I’m so excited where this business has taken me in just seven months! I am a learner and always studying to improve my craft. What started out as a hobby has turned into a business that I love to stay up late and wake up early to work on. Early on in my career, I was able to attend a conference given by Zig Ziglar, a motivational speaker. One of his famous quotes reads: There is no elevator to success, you have to take the stairs.” –Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation.” I am very excited about several new opportunities coming up and collaborating with some very talented people. My goal is to remain as a humble student in this craft, stay inspired and keep inspiring those that never thought or believed they could be successful at pursuing their passion.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was a social butterfly. I participated in all types of activities such as sports, cheerleading, and made friends pretty easily. I have always been very ambitious and wanted to be successful. When I was younger, my idea of success was getting a college degree, a good job and living happily ever in marriage lol. But I quickly realized success is something you work on discovering daily. It’s what drives you to work nonstop until you achieve it. Today, my idea of success is no longer doing the things that makes me comfortable. I am enjoying exploring new things and meeting new people. I guess this is why I’m so passionate about this business because each project is new, challenging and rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Email: le_inspiredstyles@yahoo.com
- Instagram: le_inspired_styles
- Facebook: leinspiredstyles
Image Credit:
Presley Sheffield
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