Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina L Turner.
Christina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far?
I began my journey into the event planning business while working for the New York State Assembly in the ’90s. During that time, planning events were ground-level work; everything had to be done by hand. You typed letters, called guest, stamped signatures, stuffed envelopes and filled bins to the brim so the postal person could pick up. While working for the New York State Assembly, I began doing conferences and fundraisers for my church and other nonprofits. Becoming a wedding planner and decorator happened unexpectantly due to a close friend asking me to create something different and glamourous for her wedding. It was the first time I did a complete room transformation from ceiling to floor. The walls and ceiling were horrible. The location was a local community center, where she decided to have her reception. I had never seen anyone drape ceiling or walls before but, I did. The bride loved it and the guest couldn’t stop talking about it. I began building a reputation for room transformations from her wedding day until now.
As a 25 + year veteran in the event planning industry, I am also a certified wedding and event planner and designer, I’ve planned and designed social events for political candidates, celebrities and couples. During my tenure, I have been Blessed to travel the world and design events in Brazil, Prais, Dubai, the Caribbean and other places around the world. My travel experiences are a muse of colors, texture and different elements that inspire me in decorating.
In the season of COVID-19, I had to find creative ways to leverage my business, stay relevant and continue to earn income. I made the decision refusing to close my business after working so hard to build a brand. One way was developing a Master Class for event planners. My Master Class for event planners provides a guide to leverage their businesses as well. I began doing virtual planning for clients who need a hour or more for planning guidance. I really enjoy and love what I do and I’m looking forward to another ten years in business and bringing more beauty to love.
Last summer, I received the Google Coin for being a successful veteran business. I have received other awards in the past was grateful to receive them but, getting a Google Coin brought tears to my eyes. I felt like I won an Oscar. Today, I’m working on a custom piece I designed for an NBA player’s private launch. I’m focusing on opening my business in another country and embracing how to live life more beautifully.
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?
Oh, no. Not at all. In the fall of 2017, my mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. January 2018, I was rear-ended, coming from dinner with friends at a stoplight. October 2018, I was rear-ended again, in my way to a financial class. April 2019, I was rear-ended again after recovering from the previous accidents. In August, I fell off the stage almost onto my face due to the injury from the last car accident. During 2018 to 2019, I had five back procedures to prevent paralysis to my left leg and one neck procedure. Yes, there has been many challenges throughout the years. I’ve learned to readjust my focus and continue moving forward.
Alsace Events and Design – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Alsace of New York Events and Design aka Alsace Events and Design, is a curated luxury event and wedding planning company. I’m great at planning, my passion is creating one of a kind atmospheres and centerpieces.
I am most proud of my company’s tenacity of being in business 25+ years. I have had moments when I wanted to quit but, the thought of quitting made me feel defeated. I persevered many days of not having clients, no calls or professional invites. I maintained faith in my abilities when everything was silent.
I believe, what set me apart from other event planners is my expertise and longevity. Any type of event you can imagine, I’ve done it. There isn’t a specific niche I lean towards. Most planners specialize in niches. My niche is creating a luxurious atmosphere where my clients and guest can experience their dreams in real time.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Getting Google Coin. That was Super Dope! Thank you again, Google.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alsaceofny.com
- Phone: 832-881-5114
- Email: ChristinaTurner@alsaceofny.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/alsaceeventsanddesign
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/alsaceeventsanddesign
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/alsaceevents
Image Credit:
Christina L Turner/Alsace Events and Design
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