Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanna Wilson.
Hi Shanna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Planning events has ALWAYS been a passion of mine. Doing anything craft related really. In the past I’d volunteer to host baby showers, parties or anything just so I could plan/host something lol. It’s the excitement of seeing it all put together that I love. Last year in the middle of a pandemic, when we were told to limit being around people, I decided to step out on faith and launch my own wedding and event planning business. I was In the final weeks of graduating from Wade college with a degree in Merchandise Marketing & Management. I was thinking back on how I’d accomplished so much since my divorce in 2015, being a single mother of 3 girls, working full time to support them and finally get my degree.
I was proud of myself but I also realized that I still wanted to do my true passion.. event planning. I was in the middle of helping my sister plan her wedding and I’d often put off everything to focus on that bc it was what made me happy. I prayed to God, asking for guidance and some type of sign to just go for it despite what was going on in the world. A few nights later I had a dream of my grandmother who passed away when I was 15.
Don’t quite remember the dream but I remember waking the next morning and saying to my best friend, I’m starting my own business and it’s on my heart to name it after my grandmother Ella. Hours later she text me, what about truELLAgance and oh my gosh I lit Up lol I knew that was it. 2 weeks later on the 20th anniversary of my grandmother’s passing, I announced truELLAgance in honor of my grandmother. I enrolled In a wedding and event certification course, created my social media pages and decided to trust God. In my first year, I was blessed to do 8 events. Which to many may not seem like a lot but to me it was above the goal I set for myself, like who was really having events?! They happened and I’m thankful for those clients.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s definitely had/have some bumps. I mean I started this business during a time of the unknown Covid 19. Everyone was told to stay home, not have events. Just going into this industry unknown is a challenge, let alone when no one even wants to be in a room with more than 6 ppl; if that makes sense. Being patient and trusting I’d book an event when the timing was right was a challenge. I had to get myself out there, I’m still working on that. I had/have to be persistent with constantly marketing myself which was/is another struggle. I work 50 hr work weeks and have 3 girls that depend on me. On many days I’m exhausted and just want to go to go bed at the end of the night. But if I don’t put myself out there how will i get my foot in the door?!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a full time executive team leader for Target. Launched my own wedding and event planning business in Oct 2020 Visuals and planning are my passion.
I’m known for using my creative ability to bring my client’s vision to life. Always my ultimate goal…
I’m most proud of taking a leap of faith during the pandemic to start my business. It was the absolute worst time for this industry but the absolute right time for me
A lot of ppl don’t have the budget to hire an actual wedding or event planner. I strive to offer my services for those in need but on tighter budgets than others. Just bc you’re on a strict budget doesn’t mean you can’t bring your vision to life. Everyone deserves their dreams to come true. My goal is to help those who don’t believe that it can happen, actually make it happen.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My daughters may not know it but they’ve played a huge role in my success. They are my “why?” I want to show them it’s never too late to go for your goals. You can do anything you put your heart and mind to.
My mom, sisters and friends (too many to name but know who they are) have been so supportive. My mom/sisters have been assisting coordinators for free lol couldn’t have pulled off weddings without them.
My friends have been there since the beginning, encouraging me, sharing my posts to help get my name out there, coming up with ideas on how to grow. They’re all amazing
Contact Info:
- Email: truellagance@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/truellagance
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Truellagance-105815801312907
Image Credits
Haley Lynne Photography
White Orchid Photography
Day Dreamers Eve Photography
