Today we’d like to introduce you to Sabrina Lee.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sabrina. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
About six months after I graduated college (TXST Class of ’14, go bobcats!), I became determined to be in the event or decorating industry. I was offered a position at a local venue, Di Amici Upscale Events, as my introduction into the industry in 2015 and I definitely found my calling. But, bills were heavy and I couldn’t keep up with them with my pay at the venue, so I followed my mother into the aerospace industry. While I settled into the world of NASA, I kept up my event planning experience by assisting in planning all of our organization’s social events (retreats, holiday parties, etc.) and corporate events (milestone reviews for flights).
In 2018, I put my big girl pants on and starting planning my own event planning business. The first name that came to mind was my late great-grandmother’s, Lillie Jane, who I promised to make proud even after she passed away during the week of Hurricane Harvey. With her name carrying my brand, I launched an Etsy shop for rustic home decor while I got my feet wet in social media advertising and website design. I signed my first wedding in November last year and the rest is history!…well, still being written.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a business on my own definitely hasn’t been easy, but I didn’t expect it to be. Marketing is definitely not my strong suit, especially social media. I’m a little opposite my generation with social media – I didn’t have a Facebook or Pinterest, barely used Twitter, and spent more time posting pictures of my dog than myself on Instagram. So it’s taken a lot of practice, studying SEO and social media marketing tips, and scrolling through other vendors in the industry to get a better idea of what I should be doing.
I also recently quit my day job in aerospace and my management’s response was not supportive (to say the least). I’ve always struggled with feeling like I’m disappointing someone else, but this time, I’m putting myself and my business first…and it feels damn good! I saw the moment I submitted my resignation as a do-or-die situation – either I dive in and try my best to bring my dreams to life now, or forever hold my peace. I chose the deep dive.
Please tell us about Lillie Jane Designs.
Lillie Jane Designs is an event planning company that specializes in wedding planning and design, including day-of (or in our case, month-of) coordination, full coordination, and design and decor planning for the couples who want some stress relief without breaking the bank. We’re also experienced in fundraising, corporate, and large social events.
I’m known to my friends and coworkers as the most organized, hardest working person they know – and I make it my mission to keep that reputation. I pride myself and this business on being there for my clients through thick in thin. If I don’t know the answer, I’ll do the research to get my client the best one. My goal is to provide luxurious, honest service without leaving out clients who can’t afford luxury prices. A beautiful event doesn’t have to require a limitless credit card. My mom/best friend works as my sidekick to give our clients a smooth, gorgeous day, treating the families of the married couples/clients as our own.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My mom worked a lot during my childhood, always two or three jobs. So my brothers and I had to grow up and become responsible pretty fast. But the first things that come to mind when I think of my childhood are the 4th of July or birthday parties at my grandma’s house. Everyone knew everyone in my grandma’s neighborhood, so a birthday party or holiday would usually turn into a block party at the park filled with extended families, good music, and food I wish I learned how to cook.
Contact Info:
- Website: lilliejanedesigns.com
- Phone: 281-918-3900
- Email: info@lilliejanedesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilliejanedesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lillie-Jane-Designs-2011987912404917/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lillie-jane-designs-houston?osq=lillie+jane+designs
- Other: https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/lillie-jane-designs/1d8bdceda8474fd1.html
Image Credit:
Dillan Juul
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