Sampling buffets, twirling on the dance floor with some bubbly in hand as you mingle with family and friends— for many people, few things lift the spirit and soothe the soul better than being a guest at a well-executed celebration. But when the onus is on you to book the venue, finalize the seating arrangements plan the evening’s set list and more, it can become more frightening than fun. That’s where Love Jones Designs comes in.

The brainchild of former track star and invitation designer Miesha Jones, LJD is an event planning business that launched over a year ago, staging several milestone celebrations and social events in the DFW area. With staffing, Jones’ creative expertise and the wish lists of her clients, LJD aspires to take parties and get-togethers to the next level via customized touches of the unexpected and unique.

With 2016 being just around the corner, the San Diego, CA native was excited to share the inspiration behind LJD, what it takes to create a Love Jones party and the priceless gift that its services can provide.

What made you decide to turn your love of designing on the side into a full-time career?

“When my husband Freddie and I became parents, I got really comfortable in ‘the mommy role’; I wanted to remain ‘hands-on’ with our two boys and and decided to bring that hobby back to the forefront. I was just designing event invitations at first and a while after that, the service just evolved on its own.”

What types of events do you focus on and what are the special touches that LJD can offer?

“Mainly baby showers, children’s parties, milestone birthdays and other important, yet less formal, types of celebrations. After meeting with a client and finding how involved they want to be, the clients fill out a questionaire and we got from there with vision boards and planning out where they want to go from there. The closer the time gets, the time with the client will fall back because I want them to also enjoy an element of surprise themselves. We can take them on an adventure or even back to another place and time, like I did for one woman, for example, who was celebrating her 65th birthday. Her children wanted her to have a prom-themed birthday party because she had missed out on her own back in high school, so they all wanted to recreate that for her. Another clinet who was having a baby shower considered the upcoming baby to be adventurous enough, so she left the planning all up to me and really enjoyed herself. It was just exciting for her to sit back and enjoy the day.”

Does Love Jones Designs offer beyond the ‘nuts and bolts’ of gatherings also, like catering and locations? What price ranges do you work with?

“We can do something as small as desigining custom table settings and invitations and just a couple of hours of involvement at around $350 or go up to a full-blown shindig that costs over $1k. With that package, every little detail is accounted for, from the location to the invitations, the catering, photography, lounge seating and bartending with our chosen vendors. LJD usually hosts one event a month and depending on what your tastes and budget allow, we will take care of everything.”

Why do you think Love Jones Designs has caught on so well?

“There’s so much more to life than what’s right in front of us, and sometimes we have to open up and explore different opportunities. Having a party shouldn’t be work, instead it should be made easy for everyone to relax, enjoy themselves, take pictures with family and friends and just have fun with whatever that event happens to be. You can’t get the time back, so you might as well make those moments together all worth it.”