Today we’d like to introduce you to Janyce Kirkland.
Hi Janyce, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Dating back to my teenage years, I’ve always loved to plan events, parties, celebrations. So when I went to college, I decided to major in Entertainment Management, emphasis on Event Management. In 2009, my sophomore year of college, I had the pleasure of interning for an amazing wedding coordinator, Joyce Criswell. Joyce took me under her wing. She was an amazing mentor. She was a one woman show…she did everything from initial consultation, vendor selections, venue touring, dress shopping, rehearsal dinners, decor setup/breakdown, to day of coordinating all by herself. Watching her in the zone was pure magic. It was working for her that truly made me 100% sure that event coordinating was what I wanted to do for the long haul. I worked with Joyce until 2012, about three years. I used that time to pick her brain, watch her make magic, and learn all the skills and tools she willingly offered. I then used everything she taught me to secure a position with Walt Disney and Universal Studios Orlando, both in special events. About five years into working for those companies, I decided I wanted to be in business for myself, so I started my first company, Craze Occasions, with a business partner. Craze Occasions planned and coordinated over 100 events in Central Florida.
Unfortunately, about three years in the partnership was dissolved. At that time, my older sister had relocated to Florida and we decided to go into business together. But we wanted to be more than just event planners. Orlando already had plenty of those. We love to travel and experience different things and cultures and we wanted this to shine through our company… So we created “The J.K Experience.” The J.K signifies our initials, Janyce and Johanna Kirkland. And the experience can be a vast amount of things. We do everything from planning events, day of coordination, helping find venues or vendors, destination weddings, and vacation planning. Our goal is to use the education and experience we have gained through school and personal travel to aid others in making that dream event or vacation a reality. We believe that knowledge is POWER, and it is a misconception that you have to spend your life savings on your dream wedding or vacation. You can travel the world, make memories, and have the event of your dreams, all on a reasonable budget.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
With any career, there are challenges. For us, it was being consistent, staying motivated, and realizing that we weren’t going to be at the level we wanted to be overnight. We went months without clients, had to pick up full-time and part-time jobs to keep the dream alive, and lost friends/associates along the way. We also had to learn the hard way that the road to success can be long, cruel, and disappointing…but so worth it in the end.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The J.K Experience?
We offer a variety of services. Janyce’s educational background is Event Management and design from a business perspective while Johanna’s background is Fashion Merchandising and design from an artistic perspective. So coupled together, with our vast travel portfolio, we can make any idea come to fruition. We also have our own network of local venders so when planning an event, we are a one stop shop. We are most proud of our ability to work with any budget. We pride ourselves on not only satisfying our clients but also giving them tips and tools to use in the future when needed.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
We are firm believers that nothing but the grace of God has gotten us to where we are! And we know he will continue to carry us into an abundant future, greater than anything we could ever hope or dream.
Contact Info:
- Email: janyce.kirkland@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @the.jk.experience
Image Credits
Just Framed Photography
