Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikisha Francis.
Nikisha, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Divine Design was birthed out of a desire to help people and a passion for beautifying spaces. Over the years, I found myself in the position of helping family and friends to beautify or add that extra ‘umph’ to the events that they were having. I kept getting the calls to come decorate or make what they had conceptualized look beautiful. Whether, it was my God daughters’ sweet 16 birthday party, a 20th anniversary vow renewal for extended family or a young couple’s wedding, I found myself fully engulfed in the full planning of the event and the decor. Additionally, as an act of service, I was involved in the beautification committee of my local church. I served by embellishing and bringing life and beauty to every space in the building and on special occasions. I became known for decorating and having an eye for making something look pretty. I realized it was a gift and I took it and ran with it. Divine Design officially became a business in 2018 after doing it for years, by just being me. Today, I continue to use that same gift and passion to give back and to bring that same life and beauty to all my clients that just want that ‘special touch’ for their most memorable moments.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road along this journey. One of my biggest personal struggles has been imposter syndrome. Just the idea of starting a business is daunting and then learning the ins and outs of running a successful business can be overwhelming. However, adding the complexity of starting later in life and feeling like there are so many more qualified individuals that you don’t measure up to has been a struggle. It really is an ongoing process to overwhelm those negative thoughts of why you don’t belong and why you can’t with the truth of why I’m in this space and why there’s a place for me. Additionally, the work/life balance has been a struggle. As a wife to a husband who is bi-vocational, a mother of five children, a mentor and minister, along with running a business, the days can be long, overwhelming, tiresome and never-ending. Sometimes, it feels like one thing gets neglected when another is tended to and you’re never really on top of anything. I’ve found that finding the time to take care of myself is paramount when trying to find the balance. Lastly, not knowing. There are times when you don’t know what you don’t know. Not knowing certain industry standards, pricing, etc. was a challenge. I spent a lot of time trying to figure things out and learn the industry, the community, the professionals and and the systems. Community and networks have been the biggest factor in overcoming that lack of insight.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Divine Design is an event planning and design business located in the heart of Detroit, specializing in weddings and milestone events such as anniversaries, baby/bridal showers and birthday parties. At Divine Design, we pride ourselves on providing decor and professional event management services for the client looking to marry sophistication with affordability. Divine Design is different from other companies because I have a unique approach in handling clients. I believe in the spirit of each person and work tirelessly to ensure that each event captures their vision and has careful consideration. Our clients are unique and illustrious individuals and our goal here is to celebrate them and their special moments with exceptional service and design. At Divine Design, we offer an array of services to include backdrops, florals, centerpieces and tablescapes, balloon decor, partial planning and event day coordination.
How do you think about happiness?
Giving back to people makes me very happy. I absolutely love celebrating and pouring love into others. I enjoy seeing individuals come into knowing and accepting who they are and walking in their purpose. Anything I can do to help individuals rise and shine in their life’s journey brings me joy. I do a lot of mentoring, community outreach and volunteer work. I also love to laugh. Being in environments and around people that are light hearted and pure and that allows me to have a good ‘belly laugh’ makes me happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.experiencedivinedesign.com
- Instagram: @divinedesignevents8
- Facebook: Divine Design Planning and Events LLC
