Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamila Adams.
Jamila, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Even from the time I was a young girl, I’ve always had a very Type A personality. Everything had to be organized and in its place. The love of planning and executing pushed me into dreaming of being a wedding planner one day (which is still a dream). From there, I started watching shows like “A Wedding Story” and “Say Yes to the Dress” almost daily, even before school.
When I got older, I realized how difficult it is to break into the wedding industry. But because I had an eye for detail, my friends and family started asking me to plan events for them. I would plan small gatherings here or there, just because it was what I loved. I wouldn’t charge them at all. I just wanted the experience. When I became a teacher five years ago, it allowed me to be even more creative because I had to plan events for staff, and I also took on planning about four-five major events each year for almost 700 students.
Since then, I’ve planned and executed business launch parties, resource fairs, birthday parties, etc. I’m still working on that wedding, but I believe that all of the experience I’ve gotten over the years will pay off in a big way and that PBP will be a force to be reckoned with! My goal is simply to take stress from others and allow them to enjoy some of the most special moments of their lives!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has certainly not been a smooth road, and I am still on the journey to where I, ultimately, want to be, but it’s been worth it. Some of the struggles were not having the funds or resources to really branch out into the event planning industry like I would like. Not only did I not have the money to go out on a limb, but I didn’t have the time. I had to work to pay the bills, and as a teacher, that left me very little time to pursue this dream. Another struggle is that you also need someone to believe in you on a large scale in order to get that “big break”. And lastly, I have had people who wanted to be a part of this dream, but when the going got tough, they got going. You have to work with like-minded, devoted people who are willing to give it just as much as you give.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Plate By Plate Catering & Events story. Tell us more about the business.
Plate By Plate Catering & Events is a small, Chicago-based event planning company that provides catering services upon request. We plan all events from small tea parties to large corporate launch events. We are known for our attention to detail and our ability to bring your dream to life on a budget. We are most proud of how we allow our clients to truly enjoy their moment! Give us an idea and we will make it a reality. Plus, we don’t have to break the bank to do so. Our goal is to allow everyone to have a fabulous event, even if you don’t have a ton of money to spend!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck hasn’t played any role in my life or my business. God and his everlasting grace and mercy have played a pivotal role in my life and business. When all else fails, God never fails. I would not be where I am today without Him!
Contact Info:
- Phone: 312-879-9729
- Email: platebyplatecatering@gmail.com
- Instagram: @platebyplate_ce
- Facebook: @platebyplatecatering
Image Credit:
Ashton Stanford
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