Today we’d like to introduce you to Dee Lee.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Dee. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was a teacher for 13 years in LAUSD. I taught middle school. On the weekends, I always dabbled in the event industry. I loved photography. I was a second shooter. I lived for the details. I started doing events for family and friends. I got the itch when I planned my own wedding. I made my business official in 2016. I set small goals for myself, such as photography and dessert bar packages. I took a leap of faith in 2018 and went full time with my passion for event planning and design. I wanted a flexible schedule that allowed me to be with my two miracle rainbow babies Divina & Genavieve.
I knew I had a lot to learn in running a business because my degrees were in education. I know the dedication and hard work would get me to where I wanted to be. I taught myself everything I needed to know in order to run my business successfully. There was a lot of trial and error.
Has it been a smooth road?
In everything there will always be trials. Success did not come without struggle. I always found a mentor to guide me. I was open to criticism. I networked a lot. I was involved in my chamber of commerce. I signed up to be a part of the Association of Bridal Consultants. I refuse to stop learning. I told myself every sector of business had something to offer. I collaborated with many. There was so much potential out there for leads. I had to find it. My work ethics is what got me this far.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am an award-winning wedding planner and designer. I curate weddings to embody sophistication and romance throughout Southern California and beyond. My social events leave a lasting memory. Our corporate partners love the guest experience we create for their events. I love brand activations because it gives us the creative space to launch something for our brands. We literally do it all. There’s no event we can’t handle.
As the Chief Wedding Planner and Designer, I lead a talented team in creating modern and chic weddings and events. I am a full-service event design and production firm based in Los Angeles. Recognized for my attention to detail through the lens as a photographer, I used this ability to see and do things differently. I designed and styled beautiful events for my clients. My attention to detail is what set me aside from many other visionaries in my industry.
Because of my rapport within the event planning industry, I was able to produce luxurious events with the finest quality and professionalism in the industry. I am very passionate about elevating my event industry. I am very involved in the various association and professional networking groups. I use my experience and knowledge of the wedding industry to translate them into unique and beautiful opportunities for myself and others. I have coached my newer female entrepreneurs on ways to elevate their brands. I am very proud to be a woman-owned business and a female entrepreneur. These days I have also been called a mommypreneur as I juggle the mommy and boss life.
Which women have inspired you in your life?
The first female to inspire me is my mom. She was a refugee and was sponsored to the United States during the war. She did what it took to survive. She went to an adult school to learn English. She would sew in sweat factories for pennies and work 12-15 hour days. She showed me what hard work was. She weathered so many storms in her life. One year everything avalanched on her. My little sister was diagnosed with Leukemia, my grandfather was undergoing treatment for Lung Cancer, and my grandmother suffered several strokes. I never once heard her complain. I saw how she became everyone’s advocate. I may have had to grow up a lot faster than most children but I was grateful because she taught me to never give up.
Another woman that inspires me is Oprah Winfrey. She overcame many challenges and went on to become one of the most dominant female media personalities on television. Oprah is charismatic, self-confident, and uses her life’s stories to empower women. She is a transformational leader and used her award-winning show, the Oprah Winfrey Show, to influence and inspire millions worldwide to dream big. Time magazine named her year after year as “one of the most influential people.” She was able to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. She was able to succeed in a male-dominated industry. She was a pioneer for many women-owned businesses.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.designsdeelee.com/
- Phone: (626) 782-5383
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deeleedesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deeleedesigns/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/deeleedesigns/
Image Credit:
G Celeste Photography
Herman Au Photography
888Productions
Erich Chen Photography
Kayla Denae Photography
J & L Floral Boutique
Mr & Mrs Creamery
TMM Pro
Elegant Designs
WenFloral
Iluminate Event Services
Edible 360
Props by Rojas
The Royal Throne
Fleuretica
Kinada Events
The Flower Boutique
Stephanies Linens
M Cake Sweets
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