Meet Aiyesha Minott | Owner, Lead Design Consultant & Planner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aiyesha Minott and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aiyesha, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I knew that I wanted to create something that was tied to my passion. I knew that I wanted the freedom to move in ways that wouldn’t be restrained. I wanted to create an avenue for me, and one in which others behind me could follow. I wanted to show my children that their mother is a strong person, with a mind to be an innovator, a creator, a lifelong learner of her craft.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As a business, I am most proud of the awards that we have won that are tied to customer reviews and satisfaction. This tells me that as a company, we are doing something right and that we truly do strive to meet the needs of our clients. It was not easy in any sense of the word getting to where the business is now. It took years of planning, extreme strategizing and writing down monthly goals, praying over them and working to achieve them. Some months I didn’t achieve everything that I wrote down, but at least it was movement instead of being stagnant. I learned many lessons, that stick with me even today. One, is that you have to remain true to your integrity. A lot of times in order to try to elevate your business, situations can arise that may cause you to want to jeopardize your integrity just to meet the needs of others in higher positions, but it will hurt your reputation in the long run. I vowed to always remain the same nice person, and not become anyone else or act any different just to please others as a means to elevate myself or my business. I also learned that not everyone will support you and that it is more common than not when you are starting a business (some may be family and friends) and that you have to have tough skin and use that as fuel to be greater. Don’t let those things discourage you. I would love for the world to remember Polished Occasions by Aiyesha as a genuine company that prides itself on being professional, possessing supreme customer service.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Houston is the best city ever!!! We have all of the great food, shopping, brunch spots, did I mention food? If I had to plan an adventure around the city for a friend that is visiting, it would go as such: “Ah-hem” *clears throat in preparation for epic adventure made up story*……we would definitely have to start with brunch, at the M Lounge inside of Hotel Zaza – Downtown. Then walk on over to the downtown museum of fine arts, and make our way over to the centennial gardens which is gorgeous for a sit down and chatting/girl talk. We would then head over to City Center, check out the MonaLisa lounge (as they have happy hour all day on Sundays) and hang out on the upstairs patio/lounge area. Then we would roam the area, shopping at the clothing stores. Possibly stop in to the Tasting Room in City Center as well before heading over to EDDIE V’S my favorite steakhouse in Houston!!!! Of course we would have to order the crab cake for starters, and for dinner: the bone-in ribeye (to die for), crab fried rice, truffle mac n cheese, sauteed spinach. Then possibly end the night over at Davenports downtown for a cocktail. Whew that’s a fun time!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout definitely has to go to God first for covering me in all of my thoughts, and endeavors. I would also like to shoutout my mother who instilled in me to ALWAYS be creative and never let anyone dim my light! My husband has been an amazing vessel of encouragement, knowledge, support and my biggest cheerleader.

Website: http://www.polishedoccasions.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polishedoccasions/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/polishedoccasionsbyaiyesha/

Image Credits
Klasik Kreatives Photography (all images)