Meet Erica & Jazz Nixon | It’s Lit Premier Party Central

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica & Jazz Nixon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erica & Jazz, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
In 2020, we found ourselves in a unique position. As a young, married, black millennial couple, we had recently relocated from Trenton, New Jersey, to Katy, Texas, amidst the global pandemic. While this transition brought new opportunities and a fresh start, it also highlighted something that was sorely missed: the warmth of our family and friends back in Trenton.

In Trenton, our social life revolved around entertaining, hosting game nights, and planning family functions. These gatherings were more than just events; they were an essential part of our identity and a means to stay connected with our loved ones. The pandemic took that away from us, leaving a void in our hearts that only deepened as time passed.

This period of isolation made us appreciate the joy that hosting events and bringing people together could bring to our lives. We realized that our love for social gatherings and event planning was more than just a pastime; it was a passion that could be transformed into a family business.

Our journey into the world of party rental and event planning was also influenced by the experience of planning our own wedding. We had the opportunity to create a truly memorable celebration that reflected our personalities and values. From choosing the perfect venue to selecting the decor, designing the menu, and ensuring the flow of the day was seamless, we fell in love with every aspect of the planning process. The wedding turned out to be a huge success, and it left us craving more.

As we settled into our new life in Katy, Texas, we began to research and explore opportunities in the event planning and party rental industry. We realized that there was a growing demand for event services, especially in our community, which was vibrant and full of diverse cultural celebrations. This presented a unique opportunity for us to not only turn our passion into a business but also to provide a service that could bring people closer, even in times of uncertainty and social distance.

Starting our own party rental and planning business was a way for us to combine our passion for bringing people together, our love for planning, and our desire to serve our community. It was a dream we shared as a young, black millennial couple who wanted to make a positive impact and create opportunities for ourselves and those around us.

As we embarked on this entrepreneurial journey, we knew it wouldn’t be without its challenges. However, we were driven by the idea of creating a business that would allow us to thrive while helping others celebrate life’s most precious moments. Our shared dream became the catalyst for our new business venture, a testament to the power of love, passion, and a desire to bring people together.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Erica’s Journey:

I, Erica, have been dedicated to the world of payroll since 2015, embarking on a path that was not always smooth, especially as a young black woman. I started from the ground up and, through hard work and perseverance, worked my way up to become a payroll team lead. It’s an achievement I’m immensely proud of, but it didn’t come without its struggles.

As a young black woman in a competitive field, I had to navigate a landscape that sometimes seemed stacked against me. But through it all, I remained steadfast in upholding my dignity, integrity, and work ethic. I knew that I had to work harder than most, but I was determined not to let that deter me. I learned to speak up for myself, to stand my ground, and, most importantly, to trust in God’s plan.

Balancing a remote job with the responsibilities of raising two young sons was no easy feat. It was a juggling act that often felt overwhelming. However, I discovered that the elusive balance we seek sometimes emerges when we least expect it. I refused to fold under the pressure, always striving to do what was right and embracing the process of growth.

Through it all, my journey in the payroll profession has taught me that perseverance and unwavering faith can pave the way for success. I’m living proof that with determination and the right mindset, even the most challenging paths can lead to remarkable destinations.

Jazz’s Journey:

My journey, as Jazz, is one of resilience and adaptability. As a disabled army veteran, I served as an infantryman in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Transitioning into civilian life wasn’t easy, and I faced numerous physical and emotional challenges. However, my unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of my fellow veterans led me to become a veteran liaison officer.

Before taking on the role of an entrepreneur full-time, I dedicated my time and energy to helping veterans navigate the often complicated process of reintegrating into civilian life. My work as a liaison was a testament to my selflessness and the strong sense of purpose that has always driven me.

Transitioning into entrepreneurship alongside Erica is just another chapter in our shared commitment to building a brighter future for ourselves and our family. My journey has taught me the value of resilience, service, and the incredible strength that can be found within when facing life’s challenges.

Our careers have not only taught us the value of hard work and resilience but have also shown us the importance of supporting each other’s dreams. Together, we have learned that with determination, faith, and the right partner by your side, any obstacle can be overcome. Our journey continues, and we look forward to what the future holds, armed with the lessons we’ve learned along the way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Our busy lives often revolve around our children. So, when friends come to visit for a week, the turn-up might not be as wild as it once was, but we can still have a blast, especially if we find child care!

First stop, The Breakfast Klub in Houston, for breakfast. The chicken and waffles are a must-try!

For lunch and dinner, we’re spoiled for choice. Lotus Seafood, Taste Bar, and Lost and Found anywhere in Houston are all on our list. The food scene here is incredible, and there’s something for every palate.

Houston’s vibe is diverse, so we’d tailor our plans to our guest’s preference. If they really want the Houston experience, Prospect Park or Kamp Houston is the place to be. But for a more low-key, local experience, Katy Vibes or Bar Louie offers good energy.

In Houston, you can always count on good food, great drinks, and awesome music. It’s a city that’s forever LIT, no matter what vibe you’re after!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Our journey as a young, married black millennial couple diving headfirst into the world of party rental and event planning has been profoundly influenced by the unwavering support, guidance, and inspiration from an exceptional network of individuals and groups. While many of them may not realize the extent of their contribution to our business’s growth, we want to take this moment to express our heartfelt gratitude and give credit where it’s truly deserved.

Teausha and David Moffett – Owners of PlayTime Party Rentals:
Teausha and David Moffett, the dynamic duo behind PlayTime Party Rentals, played a foundational role in our business’s inception. Their industry insights, mentorship, and genuine friendship have been instrumental in our success, and for that, we’re truly grateful.

Emily and Alan Mitchell (Emily is a health coach with the Angie Method):
Emily’s expertise as a health coach with the Angie Method, coupled with the Mitchell’s unwavering encouragement, has been a compass guiding us on our journey. Their emphasis on self-care and work-life balance has been paramount in sustaining our motivation and personal growth.

The Duncan Family from Anchor Church and Church of the King:
The unwavering support and sense of community from the Duncan Family at Anchor Church and the congregation at Church of the King have been an immeasurable blessing. Their faith, ceaseless encouragement, and constant prayers have provided a strong foundation on which we’ve built our success.

Abel and Diana Bonilla – Owners of I & J Pressure Washing:
Abel and Diana Bonilla, fellow business owners, have been true comrades. Their business acumen and marketing wisdom have been invaluable in navigating the labyrinth of entrepreneurship, steering us toward achievement.

Angelica Garcia – Owner of Overboard Event Planners:
Angelica Garcia’s mentorship and collaboration have provided ongoing motivation. Her expertise in event planning has honed our skills and broadened our horizons, enabling us to tackle more ambitious projects.

Charlene Holt – Owner of Travel With Char Travel Service:
Charlene Holt, the driving force behind Travel With Char, has been a trusted travel advisor and dear friend. Her business insights and networking connections have opened doors to new clients and partners, expanding our horizons.

Arielle and Eric Owens with Kilwins Cypress:
Arielle and Eric Owens, the creative minds behind Kilwins Cypress, have added a delightful twist to our journey. Their unwavering support, shared experiences, and valuable business connections have been a unique flavor in our recipe for success.

Venue d’Amour:
Venue d’Amour has been an essential cornerstone of our business journey. The stunning venues they provide have set the stage for countless memorable events, offering our clients an exceptional backdrop for their celebrations.

Daviana & Sean Matheus – Owners of Davi Does It Decor, Design, and Planning:
Daviana & Sean Matheus, the talented owners of Davi Does It, have been indispensable in the world of decor, design, and planning. Their creativity, collaboration, and dedication have elevated our events, leaving a lasting impression on our clients.

These remarkable individuals and groups may not fully comprehend the profound impact they’ve had on our business’s growth, but we want to extend our heartfelt appreciation and acknowledge their unwavering support and guidance. Their contributions, whether as mentors, business partners, or a source of emotional encouragement, have been vital to our successes. We are deeply thankful for their role in our journey and remain committed to paying it forward and fostering our community with their inspiration guiding us forward.

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