Expert event planner, interior designer, and D.I.Y. queen, Courtney Ajinca, is a vibrant entrepreneur who doesn’t take no for an answer.
A few years ago, Ajinca got her foot in the door as an event planner while working with former “Black Ink Crew” cast member Dutchess Lattimore. She has also worked with Cynthia Bailey, Quad Webb, Rasheeda Frost & The Cromarties. And her work has caught the attention of major networks. Now, she is known for her over-the-top events. And sheltering in place isn’t stopping Ajinca from producing high-quality events during the COVID-19 crisis. Instead, she is helping clients create virtual events.
“Believe it or not, the mandate doesn’t have to stop couples from saying ‘I do’ on their intended wedding date,” said Ajinca. “They just have to be more creative and think of ways that they can observe their special day virtually.”
Since shelter-in-place mandates were put into effect across the nation, business owners and clients alike have had to be ingenious about how they celebrate special moments—big and small.
“’Ms. Corona’ has come in and shaken the world up. With events being canceled all over the world, I’ve been directly affected. This was unforeseen but I have found ways to adapt to this time. I now offer virtual weddings and event planning where I completely plan and design your event virtually and in accordance with social distancing,” said Ajinca.
She went on to say, “My heart truly goes out to each bride who has had to postpone or cancel their wedding because of this unfortunate time. So, finding a way to help them celebrate was very important to me.”
As someone who specializes in creating memories for others, Ajinca is now curating digital experiences for her clients using Zoom, Instagram, and other meeting apps. She says “The show must go on, and I will do everything in my power to make it happen.”
In the events space, Ajinca stays on top of her game by creating standards of excellence. “The events industry is ever-changing. And as it changes, I constantly evolve to create trends and push the envelope. I challenge myself with each event to do something
different and something that’s never been seen. At each event, I ‘experiment’ with a new technique. I want each client to have unique event elements that are specifically created and designed for them! I’m big on having a WOW factor and pushing the envelope to curate custom event experiences that leave the client wondering ‘How did she do that?’. This is one of the top reasons why my clients keep coming back for more.”She is also committed to helping other entrepreneurs and business owners stay afloat.
“I now offer an online masterclass and one-on-one mentorship where I give event designers my blueprint to gaining success and attracting luxury clientele in the events industry. Being at home has definitely created a new norm for me. It has enhanced my creativity so much that I feel like I am bursting with new creative ideas that are begging to be let out!” said Ajinca.
During this time, Ajinca seeks to find inspiration from all over and she encourages others to do the same. “There’s a quote by the Dalaï Lama that I’ve been living by and that is helping me to keep a level head during this time. ‘Tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength. No matter what sort of difficulties, how painful the experience is, if we lose our hope, that’s our real disaster.’ Here’s to never losing hope and pushing forward through life’s challenging moments!”