Today we’d like to introduce you to Latriece Webb-Stephens.
Hi Latriece, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in a single-parent home with 6 other siblings. My mom struggled to provide us with the bare necessities so extravagant birthday parties and events weren’t afforded to us. Although we were unable to have huge celebrations like some of our friends, we took comfort in the fact that we were able to create memories with one another. No matter how simple or small. After I moved out on my own, I would throw annual Halloween parties for my family and friends as an opportunity to get everyone together. Later on, I found myself volunteering to help out with planning my loved ones events, no matter the occasion.
In 2015, I began planning my own wedding and it then dawned on me that Event Planning and Decor was my passion. What would normally be stressful to others provided me with pure joy and excitement. I decided to further my education in Event Management so I attended Cuyahoga Community College with a focus on Event Planning and Management where I received my certification. In July of 2016, More Than A Party was officially started. Most of my earlier events were done at little to no cost just to give myself an opportunity to grow and build my clientele. Fast forward to now, I’ve assembled a team of like-minded individuals and have serviced dozens of events including coordinating 5 weddings. I’ve enjoyed every moment of this journey and have many ways to go.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not been smooth at all. There have been many errors made along the way but there was a lesson in them all. The Covid-19 pandemic presented a setback like no other. I was forced to cancel numerous events and went without work during the shutdown. Numerous setbacks and fails but none have been in vain. The lessons I’ve taken from each struggle have been far greater than the loss at that time.
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?
I am an Event Planner/Coordinator based here in Northeast Ohio. I specialize in coordinating, decorating, balloon decor and planning all celebratory events such as Weddings, Birthday Parties, Retirement Parties, Banquets, Baby Showers and Bridal Showers among other events. Each event that my team and I have had the honor or servicing so far has been a learning experience for us as well as an opportunity for us to reflect on where we can improve. We are determined to give our clients our absolute best every event. What sets us apart from other event planners is our ability to understand our client’s vision. We gather photos and detailed information during the planning process to ensure that we get as close as possible, if not exact on, to what our client is envisioning. Our goal is to provide the best experience possible during the planning process and the most beautiful decor for our client’s celebration. We believe that showing up should be only thing on our clients to-do list the day of their event. We also keep a list of preferred vendors to ensure that all services are within reach for our clients.
Any big plans?
My plan for the future is to secure my very own venue. That is definitely in the making. Once we’ve secured our very own, the sky is the limit. Major improvements and changes come with that. I am super excited for More Than A Party’s very own venue for sure. Coming soon!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @itsmorethanaparty
