Racquel Leslie is ‘Distinguished’ by Design

Work your magic with a simple and classy design. That was the mission Racquel Leslie of Everything Events Ja received for this year’s staging of The Flair Distinguished Awards, which she accepted and delivered with opulence and style.

The decor specialist jumped on board to celebrate trailblazing Jamaican women pioneering in their respective fields, and she wowed recipients, sponsors, and guests who made their appearance at the award ceremony on Monday.

The moment attendees entered the doors of The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, they marvelled at the signature backdrop located to their left. The silhouette featured a poster-size version of the publication’s front page, and everyone went into paparazzi mode, clicking and flashing away at the opportunity to grace the cover and feel ‘distinguished’.

“The publication’s cover backdrop was indeed my idea. I indicated to the event’s conceptualiser and coordinator, Tickoya Joseph, to have the graphics team come up with something artistic, and that they did. I knew it would turn heads. I just didn’t know it would be the focal point of the event,” the chief executive officer, decorator, and designer of Everything Events Ja told Saturday Living.

Other beautiful accent pieces that were discovered in the Montego Bay Suite were the regal centrepieces on every table displaying cylindrical vases with water-submerged orchids (a recurring motif in her decor), and the lit letters that boasted the bold word of the day, FLAIR, added an exquisite and majestic charm to the main event.

LIFELONG PASSION

Always one to strike an artistic note, Leslie explained that recreating spaces stood out as her lifelong passion. Her love for design exhibited itself when she began working at the National Land Agency. “I was always moving items around with the office, adding and subtracting items within the spaces and suggesting ways to enhance a particular area. Over time, people would ask me to provide them with ideas of what to do with their homes or office spaces. I realised then that I had a gift and decided to follow what I loved,” she said.

Since then, she set out on a design journey, creating her very own business. Everything Events Ja offers decor and design services for weddings, corporate events, birthday parties, event management, and more. The decor company offers its clients the best in not only design but customer service. “We go above and beyond for our clients to ensure that their special day is perfect.”

Clients who have had the honour of booking her would describe her creative skills as simple, unique, and classy. Being in business for four years and counting does present its fair share of challenges, but it also teaches patience and discipline. “I’ve encountered many obstacles along the way. But I’ve managed to manoeuvre and have learnt that sometimes, you roll with the punches and get right back up,” she added, while explaining that positive feedback, support, and love are rewarding.

So how does Leslie’s creative process work? She usually asks the client to provide her with the basic idea of their desires, mood, and tone for the event and its guests, then she begins the research on designs that are compatible with the request. From there, the entrepreneur gets to work on unleashing her creativity, finding a suitable middle ground between client and designer that makes a perfect match.

“Watching a space being transformed from boring to absolutely fabulous and then seeing the client’s reaction to this transformation,” brings Leslie the most joy in her life as an event designer. And if she could choose one event to design for the rest of her days on earth, it would be weddings. Bringing a couple’s concept to nuptial reality and watching their faces light up on their special day is all the satisfaction she needs.

With added motivation from friends and family to stay the course and push beyond her design limits, she hopes to one day open a bridal boutique, offering a one-stop shop for her clients. “I’ve also recently launched a logistics company called ANT Logistic, we offer courier services and haulage,” she added.

Outside of design and decor, Leslie is a lover of carpentry and painting. When she isn’t building items, the creative can be found settling her mind with the visual art form. She encourages those looking to create a career within her field to go for it. “If you have that naturally artistic side to you, then start by doing a few small events, learning within the field and research; you can’t go wrong.”

You can find Leslie on Instagram: @everything_eventsja.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com