Interview with ABC Event Planning

..SLP: So, the name of your company is ABC Event Planning, what does ABC mean?

ABC: That's a funny story. When I began the company, I had a friend LaQwanda Ervin, I approached her to become my partner. I felt that she was really like the B Smith of it all. I always felt that I was good with working with people and getting things executed, so over time we helped to sharpen one another skills and we worked well together. She and I were having a difficult time coming up with a name that fit who we were. So I suggested that we use a generic name until our name found us. Well we never found a different name that the both of us could agree on, so we said lets just stick with ABC. Then later someone pointed out that it could stand for Allegra Battles Company.

SLP: That's what I thought it was all along.

ABC: Yeah, so its a generic name, but I am taking it to be like ABC, is the basic, the beginning. As to say, when you need someone to help plan a great party, or wedding, we should be the first place that you look to.

SLP: You and LaQwanda are no longer partners?

ABC: Not actually,she moved away to Alabama.We still talk. I show her photos and options that I am working on at the time.

SLP: Would you say that she is more like a consultant now?

ABC: Yeah, you could say that.

SLP: What are the types of events that you plan?

ABC: We specialize in weddings, yet we do retirement parties, anniversary parties, graduation parties, and corporate events. Some people who are visionaries are very creative, but may just not have the time to put a celebration together. They know what they want, but pulling that vision into fruition is another thing. That's where we come in. We do the leg work necessary to bring their vision to life.

SLP: Everyone thinks that they know, but tell us, what are the differences between a wedding planner, and a wedding coordinator?

ABC: Good question. I offer both options. Wedding planning services can be activated after a couple has become engaged. Things like setting up the engagement party, and getting started on the details of the wedding process are things that would fall under planning. Coordination services are more about basically managing the rehearsal before the wedding day, and managing the ceremony and reception. Getting people in their proper places and such is more about coordination. Their is a middle ground option that many couples like. I can coordinate services, with vendors and professionals as well as plan a specific aspect of the wedding.

SLP: What would you say are the things that set ABC Event Planning apart from other event planers in the region?

ABC: Our people skills. Professionals sometimes have a tendency to forget how to treat people like people and not just another client, another party. People want to see their very own vision unfold and not be told that 'this is the way it should be done because everyone does it this way,' I can be unconventional if need be. Its your event, do it how you want to, of course while maintaining professionalism always. I always begin a new assignment with the thought, 'what is the core purpose.' If its a wedding, then of course its about these two people coming together in the name of love, so everything will be done staying focused on love. Soon I will offer my clients the option to have a wedding blog. That way, the various members of the wedding party can check the blog messages that I post on there, this way everyone can stay on track of dates and times.

SLP: That is something that will be available soon correct? What kind of system do you have in place now for those things?

ABC: I send out group emails, I also create a little booklet with special dates and important numbers. I offer packages to my brides like at home make up and hair services , or at salons I negotiate deals for wedding party groups. The thing I try and do is make things as less hectic for the bride and groom as possible. I love what I do for people. I enjoy being a planner, like as a stay at home mom, I plan daily activities regularly. I enjoy those things. I am an organiser, a scheduler, I like making phone calls and bartering with people, its my passion, its what I do. I get things done. Right now my goal in business is laying a good foundation and getting as much business as I can. I have a drive in me that needs to be feed. I feel that if I don't do this work then I am not doing what I am supposed to do. I am on a mission.

SLP: Great. You have your hands in quite a few things, the radio, event planning, and now Reality Chicks! Talk a little bit about what Reality Chicks is.

ABC: Myself and De'Saundra Harris-Sullivan are co workers at Sheridan Broadcasting and we would talk for something like twenty minutes when we would work together about the reality shows that we liked so we decided to turn that into something and we began the Reality Chicks blog. We are real women talking about reality TV in a conversational and entertaining way. We follow shows on the Travel Channel, E channel, My TV Network, Vh1, Mtv, and many others. The address is www.realitytype.blogspot.com.


SpotlightPittsburgh is committed to keeping everyone informed about businesses and business people in the city. Stay tuned. To contact ABC Event Planning for your special occasion email Allegra at, planwithabc@yahoo.com.

Introducing the 7 Day Challenge

Well, good people of Pittsburgh. If you live in this city then you have undoubtedly heard or even uttered your self, " there is nothing to do in Pittsburgh." On statuses, in conversations, everywhere you look, people are hell bent on making Pittsburgh out to be the lamest place on the planet. I too was once a hatter, but after mis fortune bought me back to the city, I was determined to make the best of my time here. Fortunately being a stylist at the Natural Choice in Oakland made that task all too easy. Everyone that is anyone in Pittsburgh knows DJ Nate the phat barber, owner, and impresario. When I arrived back in Pittsburgh in the winter of 2003, I needed a natural hair care shop to work in. I was doubtful about what Pittsburgh had to offer by way of a natural world, but my mother actually suggested that I try a place that she had been taking my son to have his hair braided when he would come in town to visit her. I agreed un enthusiastically. Once I met Nate, I was impressed. He and I were around the same age and he had been a successful business owner way before I even knew my worth! At that first meeting he told me about Charismatic Marketing and how he was changing the face of nightlife in Pittsburgh. I thought 'yeah OK,' yet I hoped that that was the truth, because from what I remembered, this city was boring as hell! It did not take long for me to learn that with the color series parties, and other types of happenings that Charismatic put together, Nate was holding true to what he told me in December 03. A LOT has changed since then, the city has grown to be more fun, and more interesting as a whole. Maybe its us who change and our interests grow, or maybe its the city. Either way, Pittsburgh is no longer boring. Pittsburgh is not like other cities as far as the level of entertainment goes. Huge stars are not flocking to our city to perform on a regular basis, but the NOW Pittsburgh is much better than the Pittsburgh of old. To prove my point, SpotlightPittsburgh will be conducting what we like to call, "The 7 day Challenge." Every day for seven days we will report on things to do in Pittsburgh. We will prove that weather it is the morning, afternoon, or evening, there is always something to do in Pittsburgh. Comment and let us know what you think, and also tell us some of your favorite places to be in Pittsburgh. As always, please spread the word about Spotlightpittsburgh, and enjoy the music.

Inspiration!

It is officially Spring! Now that we are all inspired and getting our much needed doses of sunshine, no doubt we will be looking for things to do since winters chills kept some of us in doors. If you dont go already, here is one option for Mondays.

Monday nights at the AVA lounge people come out despite the fact that it is the start of the work week and not the end of it. They never mind that they have to get up early the next morning. The crowd, which is very diversified, come because they all have a common interest to unwind, to laugh with friends new and old, to sip on either their favorite cocktail -or a cocktail on special, and enjoy the jazz. Interval is the name, and good music is the game. Every Monday night at the Ava lounge. No cover. http://shadowlounge.net

Wow!!! Lets deal with our issues! Together!

I have been getting a few emails regarding this sensitive subject matter. I would like to know if any of you would like to have an informal discussion about Saartjie Baartman and the impact that her life and legacy has meant throughout the ages, and how women interpret self love. This discussion is not exclusive to women, so get the brothers involved too. Please leave a comment or email me at SpotlightPittsburgh@gmail.com for responses. The more responses I get the quicker we can make it happen. Also, please click the title of this post above to view the interpretive dance video that is about the Venus Hottentot. Just some food for thought and inspiration.

Being a part of this rparticular revolution for me, is an issue of self love, and love for the Hottentot people and Saartjie Baartman in particular. When I, we all, choose to celebrate elaborate body types I feel that Saartjie is revived within that celebration. To love me is to love her. That was something that she was not able to feel so much in tangible life, yet through every other Venus, women she lives. She lives loved and appreciated in all her fullness. To empower and educate us all is what I believe the Venus Revolution is a platform for. Just as any other beauty, the beholder is responsible for his/her own interpretation of what is being beheld. So, is it all beautiful or ugly, exploitation or inspiration, love or hate, pimpin or being pimped? Behold, self search, and decide.

We are Back!!

OK, its been quite a while I know. The past few Winter months have been extremely difficult for me personally, yet life still goes on. Also,we will be staying right here at blog spot for now. I wanted to move on to bigger and better things, I have opted to go with the flow of my life instead of fight against it, so here we stay.

OK, thank you to everyone who still believes in this SpotlightPittsburgh project! Please tell everyone that the Spotlight is back on Pittsburgh, and we are going strong! Check back regularly for new posts, or just to listen to music ( I will update soon ). Please take some time to view the two short videos that are posted. The Venus Revolution coming to Pittsburgh, and SpotlightPittsburgh is helping to make the revolution realized in our city! The body is truly a work of art, and viewing it as such is a great perspective to have. I invite you to get familiar! I love my extreme curves, and so do you (( smile, wink )). Please visit the VenusRevolution.com website for more info on what the Venus Revolution is all about. When you go to the site, join the emailing list to stay up dated. Tell all of your friends who are painters and sketch artists etc. to check out the Venus site too. Do YOU know who Saartjie Baartman is? Do a search and let me know what you have learned.

Well, thanks again, stay tuned!

Obama Blue Day!

Although we are still under construction, I had to jump in and write this post.

This is a public service announcement! Where the color blue on Tuesday September 30th in support of the democratic nominee Barack Obama. You know that we are so found of the color blue here at Spotlightpittsburgh, and you should be too, at least on the 30th. So, show your support, show which side of the fence you are on, if any at all. Encourage voters to register and to vote. don't just talk about it, be about it!

New music has been added.