I recently had the opportunity to meet with Makia Walls, of AOT Events. I've worked with her in the past, but during events you rarely get the opportunity to sit and chat. She was kind enough to carve out some time to have some coffee and share some industry stories and insight into her planning theory and experiences. I was instantly impressed, within minutes, with her drive, focus and positive attitude and spirit.
Here is some more information on Makia extracted from her website, found at: www.aotevents.com.
In 2007 Makia wanted a career that she loved. She knew that to have
the life and company she desired, she would have to
make it happen. Makia developed AOT Events to be more than
an event planning company; she wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. With customer service as the leading component, Makia has designed an industry leading company that teaches the value of customer focused service and integrity.
In 2010, Makia became very aware of the lack of acceptable customer service offered to clients in every industry. She decided to do her part to instill higher standards of excellence and customer service education to aspiring event professionals.
Makia sought out and was granted an opportunity to develop and
instruct the Special Event Planning course for Wake Technical
Community College. This course not only teaches the fundamentals of event planning but it also teaches how to develop and maintain relationships with clients and colleagues. Makia has currently instructed over 50 aspiring event professionals and continues to make guest speaking appearances throughout North Carolina. Makia is inspired and intrinsically motivated to raise the standards of the event industry and help many more event professionals achieve their desired goals.
The Team
Makia has assembled a group of three industry professionals that, together, create one of the cities most vibrant and creative event
planning teams!
* Tiffany Brewer
* India Laughlin
* Wynne Sheen
* Makia Walls
How did you get started in the wedding business?
Makia started doing event planning while still in High School. Her very first event was an all day workshop, from 8:30 to 4pm. Makia was the sole committee member, responsible for every aspect of the planning, organization, follow up and day of process flow management. This event had a total participation count of 500 people!! It was a smash success and she was hooked!
What do you do when you are not working?
She loves spending time with her family, 2 children and her incredible husband! It doesn't matter what they're doing, as long as they're together.
How would you describe your approach to weddings?
She first spends her time getting to know her clients, to truly understand what they are looking for. Then she helps them to clearly define a realistic budget. Once all that is determined, she and her team spin a stress free/drama free web of creativity and productivity to deliver exactly what they are looking for. She does whatever is necessary to fit everything that is possible into the budget set forth and established by her and her clients.
What do you find the most rewarding about your job?
Makia loves the planning part of the industry and at the end of the event, the smiles are her biggest reward. She loves to see happy clients!
What’s the one thing you wish everyone knew about you or your business?
It's not just about planning the perfect event, but the experience of working together, making things pleasurable, fun and rewarding.
What do you think sets your company apart from other companies?
Consistency: One of the things you can count on when you work with AOT Events is that from the beginning planning phase through the entire process, to the event itself you'll see consistent successes, hard work and high spirits.
What’s the coolest thing you have ever seen?
There are several cool items she likes to see, consistently:
She is especially excited when everyone works together to deliver the best event experience possible.
She appreciates when no vendor is “too big” to remember this is the service industry and we are there to work together to deliver a product, NOT to be recognized as a top professional.
What’s the biggest mistake people make in their planning?
Don't listen to the advice of too many people. It's easy to get confused. Stick with the advice of a chosen few professionals.
Who are your favorite music artists/bands?
Makia loves R&B. Today she listens to Jill Scott, the Black Eyed Peas “Imma Be”, DJ Khaled “All I do is Win” and anything by Adele.
What’s the best piece of advice you can give to couples during their planning?
Never forget WHY you are getting married!
A former elementary school teacher, Makia is an experienced event planner with a keen sense of understanding what people want and need. She's polished these skills with a very powerful ability she's strengthened through the years in the industry. It is called listening. These days people are so busy trying to deliver their “perfect product” that they don't take the time to simply listen to what their clients really want and need. Makia has perfected this skill. Once she has identified exactly what her clients envision, then she sets her team in motion to produce something not soon forgotten!
For more information about Makia, her team and AOT Events, please visit her website at: www.aotevents.com.
Keep on dancing!
Jim Unger
