Today we’d like to introduce you to Talia Felicia.
Hi Talia, can you introduce yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
When I was 17, I planned my first official event. I was responsible for designing the top 10 percent banquet for my school’s National Honor Society chapter. I signed a contract (which I probably shouldn’t have) on a huge event venue in south Florida and made 20 centerpieces in my bedroom. That’s when the creative bug first bit me.
In 2008 after stepping in on the day-of to help with a close friend’s wedding, someone called me and said, “Hey! You did an excellent job today; you should be a wedding planner. “I sat with it for a bit and then took a correspondence course to become certified with the Association of Bridal Consultants. And that’s when it became real. I officially started my company in October of 2010, 6 months after the birth of my daughter and about 4 months after I completed my MBA; I was a middle school math teacher then and had no plans on leaving. In 2012 that all changed. After being laid off from my ‘dream job’ as a project manager for federal after school programs, I became a full-time entrepreneur. I had my third child as I navigated the challenges of being a small business owner.
My portfolio started with weddings, and eventually, I branched out to private social events and launch events for small business owners. I worked with my first non-profit and executed my first international event in 2017. That year was also when I began guest lecturing at the University of Florida. During this time, I did everything from freelance graphic design to product packaging design to make ends meet.
In late 2018 after bidding for my largest corporate client ever, I prayed and said, “God either bring the clients or bring the job.” I didn’t hear anything back regarding the bid, so I decided that I needed to return to full-time work. I chalked it up to it not being my time and applied for an event manager role at the local university an hour before the position closed. They called me the next day.
In January 2019, I pioneered that role at the UF College of Journalism and Communications and decided to stay for at most 3 years. During that time, I became an adjunct faculty member, teaching event management, event promotion, and advanced event management in the College of Health and Human Performance -Department of Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management.
In January 2022, three years and 7 days after I started, I left my role as an event manager to return to full-time entrepreneurship. At the time of publication of this article, I will be moving into my first design studio!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
HA! Is the road smooth for any entrepreneur? Not! Remember that gig that I told you I bid for in October 2018? Had I gotten it, I probably wouldn’t have had to get a job. However, the funny part is that as my 6-month probation period ended at the day gig, I heard back from them now. Not only did I have a new job for which I couldn’t drop the ball, but also, I had a huge client, and I had to make it happen.
I have given away more than I can remember. I did my first wedding for nothing. The couple gave me a Best Buy gift card and my hotel stay. I used the gift card to buy my first task chair. I have had many challenges, and all the ‘isms’ (racism, sexism, ageism) happen implicitly and explicitly; but it doesn’t matter because it didn’t stop me. All entrepreneurs experience barriers to entry, lack of opportunities, and folks not giving us the benefit of the doubt, but it’s part of the game. You must commit to overcoming the obstacles to walk out of God’s path for you!
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Talia Felicia Events + Design?
We’ve been creating brilliantly elevated experiences since 2010! It can’t only be pretty, but the event must run impeccably. We are known for being experts at the overall creative direction, seamless production, and creating stellar visual identities for the events we curate. We provide event planning and design services, including creative direction, event logistics, onsite management, and event branding. Our portfolio includes corporate, non-profit, weddings, and social and military events. We are professionals that strive to provide an exceptional level of service. We are fueled by what is in the best interests of our clients. We’ve worked with celebrities, high-ranking government officials/agencies, and large charitable foundations as speakers, VIP guests, sponsors, and talent. These include Google, the former US Assistant Attorney General, Chick-fil-A Foundation, Soledad O’Brien, Laila Ali, Dove Self-Esteem Project, and the Department of Defense Brasilia. Even with all that, what sets us apart is that all clients and guests are VIPs to us and should be treated as such.
We’re most proud of the integrity with which we operate. We have always been about quality over quantity and have infused that into the very fiber of the Talia Felicia Events + Design brand. It isn’t just a gathering. It’s an experience. Therefore, we take the time to build relationships with our clients and understand what best fits their individual needs, not our plan. While we love the vendor partners we’ve worked with in the past, we don’t automatically suggest them for your event. We source and build based on overall compatibility, personality, budget, and style, to name a few. We don’t do ‘carbon copy’ or ‘one-size-fits-all.’
Our approach is based on a collaborative process where we guide clients through every step of the event lifecycle. Our clients have said that we have “Boundless creativity; impeccable attention to detail;” and that we are “Compassionate, committed, and gifted. This means the world to us!
Our Service Offerings:
Full-Service Wedding/Event Planning, Design, and Management
We are your artists, problem solvers, and storytellers with this service. We conceptualize with you, create mood boards and sketches to help define your vision, and then work with excellent stationers, floral designers, cake artisans, photographers, and entertainers to bring every detail of your event to life. Together, we create your signature brand and style.
Petite Wedding Prep
Our petite service is for couples that need a little help that provides significant impact. We manage the final details with vendors, help with last-minute logistics, and develop your timeline before heading down the aisle to rehearsal and the impeccable execution of your wedding day! We designed this collection to alleviate stress and free up time in the final three months following your wedding.
Corporate/Nonprofit Events- Talia Felicia Events + design has a history of successfully consulting and producing targeted high-end events for corporate and nonprofit clientele. End-to-end planning, design, and management are available.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love about Jacksonville is that it gives big-city vibes but has a small-town appeal. It is a great place to soak up various cultures and chill in the ‘country.’ Ha ha ha! I adore all the beautiful wedding/event venues, the beach, and shopping at St. John’s Town Center. Since I live about 80 miles away, it’s a quick trip for good food and a fabulous staycation. I am there several times a month and, lately, every week. This leads me to what I don’t like – it’s how to spread out everything by the water and those doggone bridges. I wish it were more of a straight shot from Gainesville, but I don’t mind the drive (the non-bridge part). Also, a Neiman Marcus wouldn’t hurt (insert shrug here).
Pricing:
- Full-Service Event/Wedding Planning – depends on scale and scope, but on average our clients’ budgets are a minimum of $45K (excluding planning and design fees)
- Petite Wedding Prep – starting at $2500 (final investment depends on scale and scope)
- Corporate/Nonprofit- depends on scale and scope. We have managed budgets nearing half a million dollars
Contact Info:
- Website: theluxeplanner.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theluxeplanner/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theluxeplanner
Image Credits
CWP Photography Kolin Mendez Photography Poirier Photography AJ Shorter Photography
