local storiesMay 25, 2026

Life & Work with Ke’Lebra Nicholas of Compton, CA

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ke’Lebra Nicholas.

Hi Ke’Lebra, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Planning with Opulence began from my love for creating beautiful, meaningful, and well-organized celebrations. I have always been the person who naturally pays attention to the details, the flow, the look, and the overall experience. Before I officially started my business, I was already helping with events, planning special moments, and bringing ideas together in a way that felt polished and intentional.

In 2018, I decided to turn that passion into a business and created Planning with Opulence. I wanted the name to reflect the type of experience I believe every client deserves. Something elegant, memorable, and thoughtfully designed. Over time, my business has grown into a brand that focuses on luxury event planning, custom décor, balloon styling, backdrops, and creating moments that feel personal to each client.

The road has not always been easy, but every challenge has helped me grow. I have learned how important it is to not only be creative, but also organized, professional, and confident in the value I bring. Event planning is more than making a room look beautiful. It is about listening to the client, understanding their vision, managing the details, and making sure the experience feels seamless from beginning to end.

Today, Planning with Opulence is still growing, and I am proud of the foundation I have built. My goal is to continue elevating my brand, serving clients who value quality and elegance, and creating events that leave lasting memories. For me, this business is not just about décor. It is about helping people celebrate life’s most meaningful moments with beauty, intention, and opulence.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not always been a smooth road, but every challenge has helped shape me and my business. Like many entrepreneurs, I had to learn that having a passion is only one part of building a successful brand. I also had to learn the business side, including pricing, marketing, contracts, client communication, time management, and how to present my services with confidence.

One of my biggest struggles was learning to value my own work. In the beginning, it can be easy to undercharge, overextend yourself, or try to make everything work for everyone. Over time, I had to understand that luxury service requires a certain level of planning, quality, and professionalism. I had to become comfortable setting boundaries, standing firm in my pricing, and trusting that the right clients will see the value in what I provide.

Another challenge has been balancing business with life, work, family, and personal growth. I wear many hats, so I have had to learn how to stay organized and keep pushing even when things feel overwhelming. There have been moments of doubt, but I always come back to the reason I started. I truly love creating beautiful experiences for people.

The struggles have taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of consistency. They have also helped me become more intentional about the type of business I am building. Planning with Opulence is not just about décor. It is about creating a professional, elegant, and memorable experience from beginning to end.

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?
Planning with Opulence is more than just an event planning business for me. It is something I built from my love for creating beautiful moments and making people feel celebrated. I specialize in luxury event planning, event design, custom décor, balloon styling, backdrops, tablescapes, and bringing a client’s vision to life in a way that feels elegant and meaningful.

I have always been the type of person who notices the little details. The colors, the flow of the room, the feeling guests have when they walk in, and how everything comes together. That is what I love most about this work. I do not just want to decorate a space. I want to create an experience that feels personal, intentional, and unforgettable.

I am most proud of the relationships I build with my clients and the trust they place in me. It is a blessing to be part of someone’s baby shower, birthday, retirement celebration, wedding, or special milestone. These are moments people remember, and I take that responsibility seriously. I want my clients to feel heard, supported, and confident that their event is in good hands.

What sets Planning with Opulence apart is the heart behind the work. I bring creativity, organization, and care into every event. I understand that a beautiful event is not just about the final look. It is also about communication, planning, patience, and making the process feel smooth for the client.

For me, opulence is not only about luxury. It is about creating a feeling. It is about walking into a room and knowing that every detail was chosen with purpose. That is what I want Planning with Opulence to be known for. Beautiful events, meaningful details, and experiences that people will always remember.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding a mentor and building a strong network has been very important in my growth. My advice would be to stay open, stay teachable, and put yourself in rooms with people who are doing what you want to do or who have experience you can learn from.

One thing that has worked well for me is being connected to the So Cal Balloon Network. Being around other creatives and business owners in the balloon and event industry has helped me learn so much. I have been able to watch how other members operate, how they build their brands, how they handle clients, and how they continue to grow their craft. Sometimes mentorship does not always come from one formal person. Sometimes it comes from being surrounded by people who inspire you, share knowledge, answer questions, and push you to see what is possible.

Networking has taught me that you cannot grow in isolation. You need community, support, and people who understand the industry. I have learned that showing up, asking questions, supporting others, and being willing to learn can open doors. It is not just about what you can gain, but also about how you can contribute.

What has worked best for me is building genuine relationships. I believe people can feel when you are being authentic. When you show up with respect, humility, and a willingness to learn, the right connections happen naturally. For me, SCBN has been a great example of how powerful community can be when creatives come together to support and elevate one another.

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