Today we’d like to introduce you to Canisia Tatah
Hi Canisia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey into the party scene as CeeD’signs began in 2020, during the challenging days of the pandemic. As a medical assistant and premed student in graduate school, I found myself in need of a creative outlet amidst the chaos. With people unable to gather and celebrate in person, I started crafting custom gift boxes to help them share special moments from a distance. What began as a small way to spread joy during difficult times quickly grew into a full-fledged business.
As my passion for design deepened, I expanded from gift boxes into event design, balloon garlands, and customized T-shirts. I take pride in creating unique themes for kids’ parties and crafting custom party stationary that add a personal touch to every celebration. In 2023, I opened an Etsy shop (CeeDsigns), which has allowed me to reach a wider audience with my custom designs and party essentials.
With the demands of medical school and moving away from my original base, I’m exploring new ways to grow my business. I’m particularly excited about expanding into the wedding industry and offering virtual design and coordination services for all types of events. This shift will enable me to continue doing what I love while adapting to my current time constraints and location. Balancing my medical studies with my passion for event design has been an incredibly rewarding journey, and I’m eager to see where it takes me next.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey has been far from smooth. Building a customer base from scratch, especially during the uncertainty of the pandemic, was one of the biggest challenges. It took a lot of persistence to get my business noticed and earn the trust of clients. As a self-taught entrepreneur, self-improvement was another major hurdle. I had to learn everything, from graphic design to event coordination on my own, often spending countless hours researching, practicing, and refining my skills, all while juggling school at the same time.
Expanding into different niches, like moving from gift boxes to full event design brought even more challenges. Each niche required new skills and strategies, and adapting wasn’t always easy. I also had to change my business name along the way to better reflect my evolving focus, which added complexity in maintaining brand recognition (IG: @ceedsigns)
On top of all this, being a one-person team has been overwhelming. I’ve had to manage everything from creative work to customer service and business operations. Despite these challenges, each difficulty taught me valuable lessons in resilience, adaptability, and time management. These experiences have shaped both me and my business, making us stronger and more prepared for future growth.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
CeeD’signs centers around creating unique designs that bring my clients’ visions to life while staying within their budget and ensuring a stress-free experience. I believe that every event, whether big or small, should reflect the personality and preferences of the host, which is why I invest time in understanding their ideas, colors, and themes right from the start. For every event, I begin with an initial phone call where we go over these details, ensuring that I capture their vision perfectly.
One of the key elements we offer at CeeD’signs is the creation of a custom party logo. This logo isn’t just a decorative element—it’s a central piece that ties the entire event together, ensuring that the theme shines through in every detail. From custom digital invitations to paper napkins and custom menus, I make sure that the theme colors and design elements are cohesive and consistent throughout the event.
For those who love a more hands-on approach, I also sell individual pieces that they can incorporate into their own celebrations. This DIY option is perfect for clients who want to add a personal touch but might not have the time or resources to create everything from scratch. The pieces I offer range from kids’ party decorations to elements for milestone birthdays, baby showers, engagements and now, the wedding space. I’ve already collaborated with a few brides to create bridesmaid proposal boxes, and I’m excited to fully dive into the wedding industry, bringing the same level of detail and personalization to bridal events.
I pride myself on my ability to create unique experiences for every client. I’m continuously improving my skills, particularly in graphic design, so that each project I undertake is unique and tailored to my clients’ needs.
What sets CeeD’signs apart from others is my commitment to making every event special and personal. Whether it’s a child’s birthday party or a bride’s special day, my goal is to make every event not just a celebration but an unforgettable experience that truly reflects my clients’ vision and personality. If you can dream it, we can do it!
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
“Less is More” – A beautiful event doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. It’s all about focusing on the details and making thoughtful choices that bring your vision to life without overwhelming your space or budget. Simplicity can be incredibly powerful, and I love helping clients achieve a stunning look that feels both personal and refined, without breaking the bank.
As I expand my expertise into the wedding industry (IG: @bridescee), I’m excited about the opportunity to work with more clients on creating unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s a small gathering or a large celebration, the details make all the difference, and I’m committed to ensuring that your event is not only memorable but also stress-free.
Lastly, I want to encourage anyone thinking about event planning, even on a smaller scale, to embrace their creativity and not shy away from taking risks with their ideas. If you need help, I’m here to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://msha.ke/ceedsigns
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceedsigns?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
- Other: https://ceedsigns.etsy.com
