Life & Work with Aisha Harris

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aisha Harris.

Hi Aisha, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Katie’s Kreations Events was truly birthed during the planning of my own wedding. I always knew that I would be a hands-on bride. I wanted to be involved in every decision, plan and design. I truly desired the love that my husband and I shared to be celebrated, to be felt by our guests. I had attended enough weddings and noticed they all looked the same. Same schedule of events, with a favor to take home that you would place on a bookshelf to collect dust for 15 years.

I got married at Verandas in Manhattan Beach and was blessed with the best site coordinator. I did not have a wedding planner and actually thought that only the well-off could afford them so never even considered seeking a planner out. I know now that I was completely wrong. A few mishaps occurred at my own wedding that a wedding planner could have circumvented, thus allowing smoother flow and better ceremony. These mishaps are one of the reasons I am a wedding planner today.

After my wedding, I returned to Verandas with a gift and thank you for my site coordinator. What I did not expect was a job offer. I knew I was organized, I knew that I had a passion for what I did and I knew that planning events was something that I did with tremendous love. I never thought of it as a career. As a young 25 year old and just being married, finances were a huge factor. I was doing well in the mortgage industry at the time and realized the Verandas position would offer far less monetarily.

My wedding paved the way into the wedding and events industry, with all the love and care I put into the design, planning and execution. My phone started ringing from friends and friends of friends that attended my wedding. The biggest form of flattery is when someone uses your ideas. I will never forget going to a wedding about a year after ours and seeing almost all of my wedding ideas on full display. Remember this is Pre-Pinterest. The bride actually walked down the aisle to the exact same song that I did. That’s when the light bulb really went off. I’m pretty good at this!

While working in the mortgage industry, I would plan and design weddings and events on the weekends. My couples that I married would call me back for their baby showers. My co-workers would hire me for their events. When it was time for me to leave the mortgage industry and start a family, I knew that I never wanted to work for a corporation again. I wanted to do what I was passionate about and that was bringing people together whether it be for a wedding, baby shower, intimate dinner party, corporate event or sometimes a memorial. I truly desire these occasions to be everything my clients (couples) envision for their special day. Sometimes, it takes some conversation and questions to get all the details down. That’s what I’m here for.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I will definitely say that this road of having your own business has not been a smooth process. I’m sure that starting your own business isn’t easy for most entrepreneurs. I have struggled for sure.

When I first decided to make Katie’s Kreations Events a business, there were no step-by-step processes to help or guide you. You had to pull some information from one site or book and then pull some information from another. It was kind of like a puzzle. I spent countless hours researching, through visits to local bridal shows and conversing with planners. This phase was definitely a challenge. I quickly discovered that some planners were reluctant to share feeling that others were stealing their ideas. Don’t get me wrong. I completely understand that we put so much time and money into our education, software systems and networking, butt that doesn’t warrant the cold shoulder.

I think that this industry can do better at opening its arms to everyone. No one should ever feel unwelcome at a networking mixer, meeting, hotel, or event. I bring this up because it exists. There will only be change if it is addressed, talked about and things get done.

I have been honored to meet some dynamic people along the way. People that took the time to know me. I appreciate and love all of them for that. They are the rock stars in this industry. It shows. I have had some low moments and had some high moments. They have been there every step of the way. Ready to give you advice when you need it and there for a good deep belly laugh too. Everybody needs those people in their life! It’s the only way you are going to make it.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
When my clients ask me, “What do you do?” I usually chuckle and say, “Everything!” Being a wedding and events planner is the most rewarding career. When couples need assistance in planning or wedding design, they come to me. I get the honor of walking them through the process and referring them to some of the best vendors in the business to ensure that they have the wedding of their dreams.

Family is the cornerstone of my business. Katie’s Kreations Events is named after my Great-Grandmother. Although we never met, our stories intertwined. She was a caterer for dinner parties and designer for the tablescapes. It’s as if this career was destined.

As my clients and couples are designing their events, I remind them that this day is about them. They can do whatever they want. So many believe that tradition only means that we must repeat what has happened in the past. Tradition also means that you can start your own. Your big day can be the start of a tradition. Make it unique, special, and make it your own.

Everyone has their own individual style. Yes, Pinterest is an excellent resource. We all use it. I advise my clients to add their own personal touch. Give it their special flair. Your style, your design and your vision.

There have been plenty of ups and downs in this business. I could have given up at any time and actually wanted to throw in the towel many times. Having people not call you back, having doors closed in your face, and opportunities not available to you was tough but I wouldn’t let defeat win. I want to make my son proud. He needs to know that life won’t be easy but if he perseveres, there will be a reward. My proudest moment was my son googling my business and seeing that I had 5 stars. The smile on his face melted my heart. He was so proud of me. He knows all the hard work I do. I have missed family time to go to work. I felt at the moment that for him, it was well worth it.

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory is Friday Night dinners. Some of our Friday Night dinners were formal and some were casual. It all depended on what we were celebrating or if we were celebrating anything at all. Birthdays and Anniversaries were when we really dressed up. My dad would wear a suit, and I always remember a dress with tights. My mom absolutely loathed pantyhose, so dressing up was not her favorite.

I developed an appreciation for great food by being exposed to different cuisines. Although we only went to fancy restaurants on special occasions, it still molded me into the person that I am today. I love a handcrafted pizza with fresh toppings thanks to Godfathers Pizza in San Mateo and I know real Hot Fudge because the local mom and pop ice cream parlor gave you nothing but the best. China Town in San Francisco taught my palette what authentic Chinese food is supposed to taste like and I expect the best always!

We follow these same traditions today in my family. Friday nights are for having our local favorites or trying something new. We have taught our son to explore new dishes and cuisines from around the world. You never know how much you might love something until to try it.

Contact Info:

• Email: Katieskreationsevents@yahoo.com
• Website: https://www.katieskreationsevents.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katieskreationsevents/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katieskreationsevents/
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/1zZ0DXmYdlb

Image Credits:
Katie’s Kreations Events Watch The Stars Photography Sweet and Saucy Shop Bella Blooms Florals Long Beach Museum of Art Provenance Rentals Cooks Chapel Michelle Dudley Photography Eve Rox Photography Caitlin Alohilani Photo Sherri J Photography