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

Hi Elise, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting my business, The Experience by EG | Event Planning, stemmed in a season of self discovery. I was approaching my college graduation and had that feeling of “what do I do next?”. After four years of school, and majoring in something where my interest sort of faded, I knew I wanted to do something that I was really passionate about and was a representation of me. Event planning was something that I always loved and have done since a kid. Whether it was helping out with holiday dinners, setting up for family gatherings, or even planning birthday parties for my close family and friends, I have always had a desire to plan and execute a vision. It really allows me to tap into my creative side and collaborate on ideas while still implementing that piece of organization and planning that’s within me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have learned to be very intentional about the projects I commit to as well as the events I organize for myself. If there is no alignment to my personal, business, or spiritual values it just will not work. That is something that I am most proud about because I think I was able to learn this lesson early on. It is honestly still a day to day thing that I am figuring out and I am nowhere near to where I want to be, but I know for a fact I am exactly where I need to be. I still am faced with challenges to this day and it is not easy. I have learned the art of perspective and how we look at things really can make or break you. I also find inspiration in rejection and hearing the word “no”. It was something that I previously ran away from but it has shaped me as a person. Reflecting back on being intentional, I took this into consideration when coming up with my business name “The Experience” because everything is literally an experience. One of my favorite quotes from the late, great, Nipsey Hussle “The best teacher in life is your own experience. None of us know who we are until we fail. They say every man is defined by his reaction to any given situation. Well who would you want to define you?”

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.
I’m very chill and really into things like health/wellness, nature, etc. Being the planner I am, I’d probably have a little itinerary mapped out that would most definitely include hitting up Houston’s Farmers Market. My favorite day to go is early on Saturdays. Also, I visited a black-owned winery, Pur Noire a few months back and loved it there!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to shoutout my wonderful family. They know exactly who they are. I’ve been blessed enough with a support group that is irreplaceable and I am so appreciative of every little thing they have been able to contribute. Additionally, I’d like to thank Imani Cohen (@TheHoodHealer) for really inspiring me and so many others to tap into the divine power within us all.

Website: theexperiencebyeg.com

Instagram: @the.experience.eg

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elise-gipson/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.experience.eg

Image Credits
Christian Paul: Instagram |  (@christianpaulstudios)
KD: Instagram | (@lenzlootr)
Adam Vo: Instagram | (@tvadv)
Justin Millhouse: Instagram | (@j.millhouse)

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