We had the good fortune of connecting with Kenitra Wright and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kenitra, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting The Wright Event Planner, LLC was my passion for helping people. I always knew I had a gift in Event Planning, but I did not take it seriously. I considered it as a hobby at one point or another. With that said, I had mentors with whom I’ve worked over the years that saw something in me that I didn’t see myself. Those individuals continued to put a little bug in my ear over time, conveying: “What was I waiting on”? I didn’t have an answer; I think at the time I was too comfortable with things just being the way they were. However, November 18, 2019 my life changed instantly in a matter of seconds. I was in a head on collision car accident and suffered a broken ankle and a busted knee. Little did I know, during the surgery I flatlined. I was literally gone for over 20 minutes until the anesthesiologist turned the gas off. After speaking with the doctor the following day, she asked if I had any family members to pass away during surgery. Just so happened, my father was just walking into the hospital room and overheard the conversation between the doctor and I provided feedback to the doctor regarding our family history.

After the conversation, I was informed that I have what is called Malignant Hypothermia. This condition is heredity and if it was not for the Grace of God and the doctor’s knowing when to turn the gas off, I would not be here.

Moreover, during the healing process, it was detrimental to me. When you’re used to being able to do things for yourself such as cooking, cleaning, driving and then transition to having your family and close friends to have to assist you in doing basic hygienic needs, life got depressing for me. I cried almost daily, but through it all with much prayer and perseverance I asked God if He gave me the ability to walk again and to get back to Kenitra, I wanted to do what I love to do the most and that was Event Planning. Here we are 3 years later, and I am overjoyed with gratitude. I am so appreciative of my family, friends, clients, and vendors supporting me. Some of us only get one chance in life to do what we love to do, and today is my chance. As a result, I will make each day count as a blessing.

Please tell us more about your career. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

What set me apart from others?

I can only be me; I have my own style of doing things. However, my goal is ensuring that every client is taken care of in a timely manner, decently and in order. Potential clients and current clients dislike waiting for days to receive a response via email or phone. Communication and organizational skills are a must for me to operate my business effectively. If you treat people how you would want to be treated – with dignity and pride – you will go long way. “My word is my bond.” As “The Wright Event Planner” continues to grow into other avenues of event planning, I want people to remember that I gave it my all.

Success is not about the money; it’s about how made someone feel. I hope I can leave an everlasting expression of happiness for each client and vendor I encounter.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I have a few people that I would like to dedicate my success to. I will start off with my parents. Most people do not know that I am a preacher’s kid, so I’ve assisted with many weddings over the years at my church; my mother was a professional seamstress. As a little girl, I can remember my mother staying up late making beautiful wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses to meet her deadlines. I find myself doing the same things as she did before retiring. I get my drive and business work-ethic from my father. If it wasn’t for him instilling in me, leadership skills, finance, and budgeting skills, great communication skill I would not be who I am today.

I would like to also thank my mentors, Olivia Ward, Sharon Kirksey, Julie Joffre, Fred DJ Sketchz Ross, and Tony Johnson for continued support. These individuals have been with me through the trenches over the years.

Finally, my friends and colleagues that poured into my life whether it was via their time or financially: Dinetta Hayes, Erika Jones, Felicia Baxter, Moneeka Foulks, Marlowe Jones, Takeisha Woodson, Travis Malone, Brian Kemp, Sharita Clark, Sharonda Foster, Corey Coleman, Anson Bryant, Denitra Barnes, Christopher Haley, Sheila @The Quonset, Candace Duncan, Rodrick Okoth, Candience Cain, Alicia Curry, Toni Polk, Toni McCoy Williams, and Kelsey Griffin McMillon.

Website: https://thewrighteventplanner.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewrighteventplanner

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewrighteventplanner

Image Credits
Camille Leigh Photography Circle of Life Photography Marlon’s Vision Photography Kristopher Tabor Photography Travis A Malone Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutTennessee is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.