First Friday Female Founder Feature: Aneesa Johnson
Recently, I was trying (and failing) to recall exactly when I first met Aneesa Johnson, but there is no denying the countless times that I’ve been in awe of her poise, patience, professionalism and skill with pivoting. As a psychology major, I always love someone who is in tune with how the desired audience will hear a message, rather than how the one conveying the message wants to share it, and Aneesa has shown such dexterity at adjusting her communications so the person with whom she is communicating has ease of hearing the message. Plus, she’s will to share her insights and expertise for the betterment of everyone. Her lists and timelines take organization to the next level, and her precision for making event elements both beautiful as well as functional is truly admirable. She is always at least two steps ahead of event attendees along with those presenting or participating, anticipating and providing for their every need. It is definitely impressive. Enjoy this peek inside the mind and heart of this absolute rock star!
About Aneesa Johnson
Aneesa Johnson was born and raised in North Carolina, where she loves the beauty, diversity and warmth that the state has to offer. As a child, Aneesa planned elaborate birthday parties for herself with invitations, timelines and decor. Little did she know the years of "practice" would pay off! The things she loves most are spending time with family and friends, musical theatre, community service, blankets, Dr. Pepper and all things chocolate. Aneesa graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a Music Education degree, and her theatre background equips her with a loud and clear speaking voice for directing the wedding party and guests, the knowledge of how to run a rehearsal and the musical ear for perfectly timing the processional. She is 99% extraverted (ENFJ), which allows her to joyfully interact with vendors and guests for 12 hours straight with a smile on her face. She is excited each and every weekend by the challenge of running a wedding perfectly to the timeline (or even ahead of schedule), while creatively addressing any last-minute surprises that may arise. Aneesa still gets giddy as she sends the couple down the aisle, cries at the sweetness of the toasts and begins to miss the couple when she lines them up for their exit. Further, Aneesa has a passion for South Asian, fusion and multicultural weddings. She loves the opportunity and challenge of blending two cultures, religions, families and people together to create a unique and meaningful celebration! She enjoys focusing on full-service weddings so she can build a deep connection with the couple where they all truly become family. Aneesa is happy to travel anywhere around the world to help you bring your dream wedding weekend to life!
First Friday Female Founder Feature:
Aneesa Johnson
How would you describe the company you founded and its products?
Harmony Weddings and Events is a wedding and special event planning company based in North Carolina but serving clients worldwide. We have a passion for multi-cultural and fusion weddings and cherish the opportunity to support the blending of cultures, religions and families.
Why did you start your company?
I started Harmony Weddings out of a love of decreasing the stress on wedding days for friends and loved ones. I wanted couples to be able to be present and take in all the beauty, love and sacredness of the wedding day while not being distracted by all the small details.
What has been the most rewarding part of your journey in founding this company?
I feel grateful this job continuously feels rewarding in many ways. The first two that come to mind are the following:
1. The opportunity to provide fulfilling (mostly) joyful work to our team
2. Creating lifelong friendships with clients and seeing their beautiful lives beyond the weddings
About what are you most proud?
I am most proud that our company’s reputation lies in how we treat our clients and vendors, not just that we plan beautiful weddings. It’s that we make all feel welcome, valued and celebrated.
Are you naturally organized, was it a skill you learned or is it something with which you regularly struggle, and what tips or tools do you use to stay your most organized?
Thankfully, I had a mom who trained me to be very organized and plan ahead! It’s a big part of the job ;) My favorite tools are some good, old fashioned to-do lists and spreadsheets… as well as team members who help hold me accountable!
Who’s the one person who changed. your life and why?
The list is far too long to narrow it down to just one! But I will say one person who hugely changed my life both personally and professionally is Bethany Degro. We were industry friends when I was just starting out, and, one day, she came to me and said, “you know, if you ever want to add another planner to your team, I am very interested.” She was my first hire, we grew together through the years, and, now, she is our business manager. All of our team members and clients turn to her for support on a daily basis. I truly couldn’t have survived the past 11 years of business without her. And, even more importantly, she has been an incredible friend to me through it all.
What words of wisdom would you have for someone who is overwhelmed with staying organized and / or productive?
Start with just one small piece. For example, when you are organizing your home, you may just focus on one junk drawer at a time. Take small, manageable steps to avoid the overwhelm, and start with the step that feels the most achievable so you can ride the high of your win!
Do you use technology to help stay productive or organized? If so, what’s your favorite program, app or tech tool?
I am so simple when it comes to the tech world. The app I use most of all is my “Notepad” and I have about a million lists with those little check boxes. They help me stay organized, and it feels good to check things off.
How do you feel about work / life efficiency or integration in your life, including any tips or challenges for managing the personal and professional commitments in your life?
I have yet to figure out the secret! I used to operate as if the personal side of life was the reward for accomplishing the professional. Such as I could only schedule a dinner with friends once the to-do list was complete. But, as the years went on, I learned that, especially when running a small business, there is no finish line to be reached. It is constant, ever evolving and ever-growing. So, I learned to schedule all the personal things that matter most to me first and, then, put business around it to ensure I was prioritizing what matters most in life.
About what causes are you most passionate?
I am a big believer that we are all one and there is beauty in diversity. I value causes working to meet the basic needs of ALL people, not just physically but emotionally and spiritually.
What have you found to be the most effective way to relax after a long day or super long week?
I love to take a hot shower, blast some tunes and sing along, make a fruity mocktail and curl up under my fuzzy blanket to binge a show.
What is your favorite author / book?
Anything and everything Brene Brown!
What are your favorite inspirational quote?
“How you spend your days is how you spend your life” - Lara Casey
What is your go-to accessory?
My mini gold hoop earrings from my friend’s boutique, Green Roost
What are the fundamentals of your beauty routine?
Burt’s Bees pomegranate chapstick, lol
What is your favorite food?
All things chocolate!
What movie could you watch on endless loop?
The Sound of Music --- so much so that my family had to hide it from me as a child!
What is your favorite place that you have visited?
Too many to choose! But Japan holds a special place in my heart.
Of the locally-owned and -operated establishments in the place you currently live, which are your top 3 favorites and why?
I love these 3 because I love their owners / founders as well as the opportunity to align my spending dollars with my values:
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Teleporting! I could do so much more travel!
What advice would you give your 21-year old self?
Ask for the help. Don’t do it alone.
If you could have lunch with anyone (living or deceased), who would it be and why?
Julie Andrews to thank her for the role she played in my childhood and releasing my love of music.
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