Check Out Camela Jones’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Camela Jones.  

Hi Camela, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve worked in the hospitality field for over sixteen years in some sort of capacity. I started out with Disney/ESPN in Atlanta as a sales coordinator for events on the property. Working as a catering and events manager for Gwinnett Arena, and Lake Lanier to name a few in Atlanta. Seems like a lifetime ago. Fast forward to being bitten by the wedding industry. I was the wedding sales manager for Embassy suites and then on to the Director of Catering for The Westin Columbus. Two totally different ends of the spectrum in the wedding market but both helped me develop my skills in working with an array of couples and families. Hospitality is a spiritual gift. I own this. 

I love to hear about my client’s family history, their love stories, and how we can shape all of those dreams into their wedding day. As emotionally invested as I can be with my couples, I do love the balance of corporate planning and special event planning too. After leaving the Westin I launched Camela Lynn Weddings and Events and freelanced for Marriott Brands, Hilton, Dolce, and Sonesta brands as a Director of Events/Sales consultant while juggling my couples locally. I’ve been traveling all over the country helping out hotels with their events departments. 

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?
Challenges we’ve faced: Visibility and access to marketing dollars. Running a small business is a 24-hour-a-day lifestyle. I am constantly working on or thinking about working on ways to align my brand for the right couple/client. Placing ads in local magazines or social media ads is expensive. I’ve been pretty much a “word of mouth” or grassroots effort type of business. I’d like to be known as a premier event planning company in my city. This takes money and connections. I would love a full team and I’d like to take Camela Lynn to the next level. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Camela Lynn Weddings & Events is a full-service, boutique event agency dedicated to taking a personalized approach to event planning. Our beautiful and elegant events are the creative brainchild of our founder, Camela Jones, who has over 10 years of experience with wedding and event planning. We are committed to tailoring each event to suit our client’s unique needs in order for them to have an experience of a lifetime. We do not only plan events. Instead, we promise to give our clients the gift of everlasting memories. 

So maybe we end by discussing what matters most to you and why?
I want my clients to be happy! I want to offer that personal touch to everything I/we do and feel like family when It’s all said and done. Word of mouth opportunities is the best. 

We started the Columbus Bridal Soiree back in 2018. The Bridal Soiree is my passion project. I could never afford the big wedding shows in January and I wanted to put on a more personal, interactive, classy, lively atmosphere for other minority-owned/women-owned weddings and events companies to showcase in front of couples. Because of the pandemic, we didn’t have a show this past weekend. We typically host twice a year. Sponsorship for last fall was extremely low so I opted out this year. I’d love to bring this event back this fall and expand to different cities. 

  Pricing:

• 2000.00 & up

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.camelalynnweddingsandevents.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camelalynnweddingsandevents
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camelalynnweddingsandevents
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTeg1pmWkBM2cht-Rym1p6A

Image Credits Jehan LLC The Comfort Photography Azar Photography