Meet Oluwakemi “Kerra” Lawal | Event Stylist & Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Oluwakemi “Kerra” Lawal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Oluwakemi “Kerra”, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Honestly, it started with a feeling. I’ve always loved creating beautiful spaces, but more than that, I love how those spaces make people feel. I noticed that when an event is intentionally styled, it changes the room’s energy, it invites people to slow down, connect, and be present.

At some point, I realized I didn’t want to just “decorate.” I wanted to tell stories through design and create moments people would remember long after the event was over. Starting my business was my way of turning that passion into something tangible, something that could grow, evolve, and impact people beyond a single celebration.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is rooted in intentional design and thoughtful storytelling. I’ve always believed that moments matter, and the way a space is designed can change how those moments are experienced. I also focus on creating elevated event spaces that feel balanced and personal, not overcrowded or trendy for the sake of it. What sets me apart is how deeply I listen. I approach every event with care, really listening to my clients and designing with their story in mind.

What I’m most proud of is building a brand that people trust. Many of my clients come through referrals, and that means a great deal to me. It tells me that beyond the aesthetics, people value the care, professionalism, and attention I bring to each event.

Getting here wasn’t easy. Like most small business owners, I started with limited resources, learning as I went and wearing every hat myself. There were moments of doubt, especially in the early days, when I questioned whether I was doing enough or moving fast enough. Still, I stayed consistent, kept refining my style, and focused on quality over quantity. Each challenge pushed me to grow creatively and personally.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that success isn’t about rushing or comparing yourself to others. It’s about staying aligned with your vision, being patient, and trusting the process.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that it’s built on intention, integrity, and heart. Every setup represents more than décor; it’s a moment in someone’s life, and I don’t take that lightly.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Houston, I’d make it a food-forward week. We’d start with brunch, because Houston does brunch really well, then plan a proper night out at Steak 48 for great food and atmosphere.

I’d also carve out time to explore the Museum District and take a relaxed walk through Hermann Park, then spend an afternoon in The Heights or Rice Village for shopping and coffee. For drinks, Montrose always delivers.

We’d end the week with a slow brunch and good conversation, because the best part of Houston is how it brings people together through food, culture, and shared experiences.

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?
That’s such a meaningful question, because my journey definitely hasn’t been a solo one. I want to dedicate this shoutout to my family and close friends who believed in me long before the business had a name. Their encouragement, honesty, and constant reminders to trust myself gave me the confidence to take the leap and keep going, even when things felt uncertain.

I also want to recognize the clients who trusted me early on and allowed me to create for them. Their belief in my vision helped shape my confidence as a creative and pushed me to raise my standards with every event.

Website: https://www.luxesettingsbykerra.com

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