Today we’d like to introduce you to AJ Gonzalez.
Hi AJ, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is A.J. González, and I am the President of AJ Production Events and the Founder of DYB Foundation. My journey began in Maracaibo, Venezuela, where I developed a passion for the arts at a young age. I studied sculpture and later pursued studies in computer science, but my true calling was always creativity and bringing people together through meaningful experiences.
More than 28 years ago, I immigrated to the United States with dreams of building a better future. Starting with limited resources but a strong work ethic and determination, I began offering photography, event planning, and production services from home. Through dedication, exceptional customer service, and a commitment to excellence, AJ Production Events grew into a full-service event production company serving weddings, quinceañeras, corporate events, galas, and social celebrations throughout Florida.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of helping thousands of families and organizations create unforgettable memories. Beyond events, I felt called to make a deeper impact in the community. That passion led me to establish DYB Foundation (Discover Your Beauty Foundation), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting cancer patients and survivors through financial assistance, emotional support, wellness programs, and empowerment initiatives.
Today, I am grateful to combine my love for creativity, service, and community outreach. Whether producing a beautiful event or helping a cancer survivor regain confidence and hope, my mission remains the same: to make a positive difference in people’s lives and remind them that they are beautiful, valued, and worthy of celebration.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it has definitely not been a smooth road. Like many entrepreneurs and immigrants, I faced numerous challenges along the way. When I arrived in the United States from Venezuela, I had to adapt to a new culture, language, and business environment while working hard to establish myself professionally.
Building AJ Production Events was not something that happened overnight. I started with limited resources, often working long hours and wearing many hats at the same time—photographer, planner, decorator, marketer, and business owner. There were moments when finding clients was difficult, managing finances was stressful, and balancing personal life with business responsibilities was challenging.
One of the greatest blessings in my journey has been my husband and business partner, José Bethencourt. His support, creativity, dedication, and belief in our vision helped me grow both personally and professionally. Together, we worked tirelessly to build AJ Production Events from the ground up. José’s talent as a cosmetologist, decorator, and event coordinator complemented my skills, allowing us to expand our services and create the full-service event production company we are today. Many of our accomplishments would not have been possible without his partnership and unwavering commitment.
Economic downturns, changes in the event industry, and even the uncertainty brought by the pandemic tested our resilience. However, those experiences made us stronger, more creative, and more determined to succeed. We learned to adapt, innovate, and continue serving our clients with excellence no matter the circumstances.
The work with DYB Foundation has also presented challenges. Supporting cancer patients and survivors requires continuous fundraising, community engagement, and the dedication of many volunteers. While it can be difficult at times, seeing the positive impact on people’s lives makes every challenge worthwhile.
Looking back, I believe the struggles were an important part of the journey. They taught me humility, patience, perseverance, and gratitude. Most importantly, they showed me the power of partnership, family, and community. Together with José, we have built not only a successful company but also a life dedicated to serving others, creating unforgettable memories, and making a positive difference in our community.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am the President of AJ Production Events LLC, a full-service event production company based in Central Florida, and the Founder and President of DYB Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting cancer patients and survivors.
For more than 28 years, I have built my career around creativity, service, and helping people celebrate life’s most meaningful moments. My professional background includes event production, photography, wedding planning, quinceañera coordination, corporate event management, makeup artistry, and event design. Throughout the years, I have had the privilege of producing hundreds of weddings, quinceañeras, galas, corporate functions, and community events.
A significant part of my professional success has been the partnership I share with my husband, José Bethencourt, who serves as Vice President of AJ Production Events. Together, we have combined our talents and experience to create a company known for exceptional customer service, creativity, and attention to detail. Our goal has always been to provide clients with a seamless experience while transforming their vision into unforgettable memories.
Beyond the event industry, I am deeply committed to community service. In 2018, I founded DYB Foundation (Discover Your Beauty Foundation), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and assisting cancer patients and survivors. Through the foundation, we provide financial assistance, emotional support, wellness programs, educational resources, and special events designed to restore dignity, confidence, and hope.
My career has been driven by a simple philosophy: success is measured not only by professional achievements but also by the positive impact we make in the lives of others. Whether producing an elegant event or helping a cancer survivor through a difficult time, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve, inspire, and create meaningful experiences for the people and communities around me.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
One of the most valuable lessons I have learned throughout my career is that success is rarely achieved alone. Finding mentors and building a strong professional network can open doors, provide guidance, and help you avoid mistakes that others have already experienced.
My advice is to be intentional about building relationships. Attend industry events, community gatherings, business networking meetings, and professional conferences whenever possible. Don’t focus only on what others can do for you; focus on building genuine connections and finding ways to support others as well.
For me, some of the most meaningful mentorship opportunities came through volunteering, community involvement, and working alongside experienced professionals. By being active in organizations, nonprofit work, and business associations, I was able to learn from people who had already achieved success in their fields. I made it a priority to listen, ask questions, and remain open to learning.
Another key factor has been surrounding myself with positive and talented people. My husband and business partner, José Bethencourt, has been one of my greatest sources of encouragement, advice, and inspiration throughout my professional journey. Together, we have learned from one another and from many professionals who generously shared their knowledge and experience.
Networking is not about collecting business cards; it’s about building trust and lasting relationships. Some of my strongest professional partnerships and friendships began with a simple conversation. Be authentic, be willing to help others, follow up after meeting people, and always maintain a positive reputation. Over time, those relationships become one of your greatest professional assets.
Most importantly, never stop learning. Every person you meet knows something you don’t know, and every experience can teach you something valuable. Stay curious, stay humble, and continue investing in relationships that inspire growth and success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.AJProductionEvents.com & www.TheDYBFoundation.org
- Instagram: AJProductionEvents & DYBFoundation
- Facebook: AJProductionEvents & DYBFoundation
