Today we’d like to introduce you to Ciara Jones.
Hi Ciara, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My dad got married when I was 9years old and I was so fascinated with his wedding! I’ll never forget, there was a woman there coordinating everything and for some reason, I was so amused by her. From that moment forward I wanted to be a Wedding Planner. I watched movies like The Wedding Planner, 27 Dresses, and more imagining what it would be like. I even started doodling Wedding Dresses just in case someone asked me to make one! As I got older, I considered myself “The Planner”. I hosted creative birthday parties, planned fun weekends with my friends and it didn’t stop there. In high school, I took it upon myself to make sure all senior events were planned accordingly for my friends and I. I went on to Stephen F. Austin State University studying Hospitality Administration with a focus in Event Planning. One summer I finally got my chance and flew to Florida to assist my aunt with her wedding. I played such a small role just making sure things were in place but I was hooked. I had all my certifications, courses, knowledge, experience but still suffered Imposter Syndrome, so I went to work for Corporate America. Although in my discipline of Hospitality it wasn’t fulfilling enough. 2020 rolls around and I finally decided to stop playing myself, I took on 3 Weddings and knew it would be my big break! Of course, 2020 also came with a Pandemic but more than ever people needed help, they needed support navigating their events with all of the changes. I knew I was doing the right thing. I didn’t know anything about starting a business, rates, marketing, etc. but I knew I was ready to step into my purpose. Twenty Twenty changed a lot of things, I lost my job, took horrible work in-between time, had a baby, and just realized I wanted better for myself and my family. I jumped out on faith and decided to pursue my events Full Time. I’ve built a reputation since 9 years old, I have a huge support system, a degree and so much more to get me here. Leone Events is my brand, I’m still learning and growing but also enjoying the journey!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
No, the number one thing I’ve struggled with is Imposter Syndrome. After many weddings, events, 4 years of studies, rave reviews, and more it just wasn’t enough. I hesitated with marketing and recommending my services because I didn’t think I was ready. I had so much anxiety before each event and was very self-critical. I didn’t want to invest in myself for fear of not being successful. Everyone around me seemed to support me more than I did myself. I truly had to separate how I felt from the facts, and the fact is I’m doing an amazing job by my customers. It is an ongoing process but I’m taking my time, I care deeply about the work I do and the services I provide so I want to make sure I continue to grow and learn but always deliver!
We’ve been impressed with Leone Events, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Leone Events is a Full-Service Event planning service. We specialize in assisting couples, wherever they are in their planning process, to have a successful wedding day! Our goal is to provide flawless services while maintaining great relationships. This includes but is not limited to vendor referrals, design consultations, monthly checklist, management of wedding budgets, and full day of event services. These services also extend into birthday parties, baby showers, corporate events, and more. Leone Events goes above and beyond! We are not afraid to truly serve our clients and make sure that every need is taken care of. I’ve ran last-minute errands, taken out trash, served food, even served as a bartender to ensure our clients had nothing to worry about on their special day. We pride ourselves on truly getting to know our clients. Event planning should be a fun and stress-free time. On some of your most special days, we want all of the focus to be on you enjoying the moment while we handle the rest. We also pride ourselves on building strong relationships with our vendor references! We support so many local businesses and have a large network of vendors we reference for all price points and skills. No wedding or event is one size fits all so we’re always open to consulting to make sure we’re providing the most needed services!
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I’ve always been a very friendly person. As a kid, I loved making new friends and being social! I attribute a lot of my personality to my grandma. As a kid, I attended tea parties, hosted runway birthday parties with long ball gowns! Needless to say, I learned to appreciate classy events and social gatherings. I loved being busy and active!
Contact Info:
- Email: ciarajoneswc@gmail.com
- Instagram: @Leone_Events
- Facebook: Facebook.com/LeoneEvents1
Image Credits
Desmun Dangerfield
Chazz Morrison
