Today we’d like to introduce you to CeCe Counts.
CeCe, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Little did I know, that while I was in high school I already was on the path to event production. I was in A.S.B which planned all school dances, assemblies, Homecomings & Proms. At the time, it was fun but not yet a passion.
I actually was a hair stylist for a few years out of high school before trading it in for the entertainment business. Without any experience or knowing anything about radio, I begged my way into getting a job at 99.1 KGGI in Riverside. Starting out as just a Street Teamer, with the right guidance I learned everything I could about the Marketing & Promotions department. And with a lot of hard work & my mentor leaving her position, I became the stations Promotions Director. It wasn’t too far off from executing events in high school, just on a bigger scale & way more exciting.
Though I loved being at that station, I wanted to go bigger. So, I moved to Los Angeles and networked my way into a gig at 100.3 The Beat. I took a step back & started in a smaller position in order to be in a larger market. Not long after starting there, I was back in the Promotions Director seat.
From there, I went on to work for comedian, actor & host Steve Harvey. I was able to travel all over the country & abroad coordinating his comedy tour along with his live radio broadcasts.
When living out of a suitcase became too much, I decided to take a chance & start freelancing as an event producer. Being persistent allowed me to start working with author, celebrity event designer & producer Diann Valentine. She pushed me more into the realm of design. Sometimes, it takes someone else to see your hidden talents to squeeze them out.
With Diann, I’ve worked on two of her TV shows, off & on screen. I DO OVER on WETV & TO ROME FOR LOVE on Bravo. Such a blessing and a wealth of knowledge this woman has given me.
Diann also pushed me to start doing Floral design for her events. Never would have thought that flowers could bring me so much joy.
Currently, I still freelance with several event companies. This year though, I am in the works of starting my own floral company, Thistle & Flow. So if you need a florist with fresh ideas, lets chat!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Even though I have always had a knack of just going for it, I didn’t always hit the nail on the head. Because I never went to college or had any formal education into the fields I found myself in, I had to work even harder to prove myself. And trust me, I did not always have cheerleaders in my workplace that was cool with that. Many people would try to make me feel inadequate when they discussed college life with our colleagues. Not that I’m against higher learning, but I have to get in the game to learn how to play. I would zone out in school, it wasn’t for me.
My advice to anyone who finds themselves with talent but not formal training, learn any way you can. Not everyone takes the same path to their dreams. Work harder than the next person. People will take notice & the next thing you know you will find individuals who will assist you. Hustle will go farther than talent. If you have both, you will constantly elevate.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with CeCe Counts – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
There is no lack of great event planners, producers, designers & florist out there. I like to think that I go hard in the paint. My creativity can be utilized in so many aspects. If you need someone to design a wedding or special event. If you need a talent coordinator or concert producer. If your business space needs to be revamped. If you have to have an out of the box florist. I am all those things.
One of the biggest compliments I can ever get is when someone tells me that they can count on me & I never disappoint. I treat every project as important as the next without a cookie cutter output. Its important to me that my clients feel like they received a service that was catered directly to them and their unique needs.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
When I first started out although my direct boss was a woman, everyone else was made. Let me tell you, it can be trying. Mostly all the higher positions were held by men & even the team I oversaw had plenty of men. I felt like I had to be extra stern to be taken seriously. Which was extra work & exhausting.
Things changed when I started freelancing. I consciously wanted to be in an environment with more women. The power of attraction is real people! For the past ten years, I have worked with 90% of women in all positions. It’s been fabulous to grow with & support them all. We get things done! Demand your seat at the table. If they don’t give you a seat, make your own table & invite more women to sit with you. And don’t hoard you knowledge. If you share information with others, I promise you will get it back ten fold.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 323-781-4030
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @cececounts
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/CeCeCountsx2/?ref=bookmarks
- Twitter: @cececountsx2
- Other: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iskAofWE1y4
Image Credit:
Bella Totale Beauty Lounge, Hair& Make-up Renee Morales, Florals by CeCe Counts, Florals by CeCe Counts, Hair & Make Up Robert Lee Rooks
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
