Meet Zenovia Harvest | Bridal Fashion Stylist & Event Planner

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

Hi Zenovia, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
A native of Beaufort, SC; the home of Gullah-Geechee people. Being raised in a home full of culture and traditions helped flourish my creativity, love for fashion, people and planning. I am the oldest of two girls and the first of my family to join and retire from the military as well as obtaining my degrees. Education was imperative to parents and I was determined to make them proud and make it my reality all while serving my country. I graduated from St. Leo University with my BA in Human Resources)and from Norfolk State University with honors in MBA-Urban Education & Community Counseling.

My mother, Geraldine, was a huge influence. I spent a lot of my early years watching my mom sew clothes for friends and family. She was a fashion Goddess in my eyes. I would sit down with my notebook creating looks that would match with clothing she was sewing. I knew then that fashion was my passion! As a teen, I styled all my closest friends for prom, school events and town festivals. As a Logistics Specialist in the Navy(retired 2015) I coordinated  many military events. I learned I had a natural talent and organizational skills for planning events. With that being said, I could hear my mom’s voice reciting her infamous quote while growing up “Zenovia you are a leader not a follower”. I obtained my certification in Events Management & Wedding Planning and decided to say goodbye to corporate America and hi to entrepreneurship.

After planning my sister’s wedding and creating her pretty in pink chic bridal look along with styling her wedding party, I knew I had to join the bridal industry. What better way to combine both my passions than styling beautiful brides and/or planning bridal events. Bringing a bride’s vision to life brings me so much joy! ZuriLife Events & Bridal Styling was then born.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Fashion Bridal Stylist and bridal event planner. As a bridal fashion stylist, I provide a personalized shopping experience with an expert unbiased eye ensuring that brides make the perfect choice. I take the approach of getting to know my brides, their personal style and how they want to look on their wedding day. My mission is to make sure brides look their absolute best on their special day and in all photos. As a bridal event planner, I will plan everything from start to finish. I attend all the bridal events ensuring that everything goes as planned and stays on schedule. What sets my bridal business apart from the rest is the overall experience. My service focuses on the bride. I treat my brides like they are royalty. I also plan intimate weddings (50 guests or less). I am a one stop shop for the bride! She will feel confident with her bridal bestie (me) during her journey to her wedding day. ZuriLife events sells customized traditional wedding brooms as well to add a special touch to the ceremony.

My challenge as a new business owner was zeroing in on my niche along with building trust within the industry and my peers. The internet is a great resource for business building but hitting the pavement and meeting vendors as well as networking face to face works best. It allows me to build a rapport with potential vendors, clients and partnerships.

During this journey, I have learned that it is imperative to work hard, never take opportunities for granted, don’t give up, stay positive and true to your brand. I want the world to know that this little girl from the South, served her country honorably, received her degree and never gave up on her love and passion for fashion, events, and people. ZuriLife Events & Bridal styling loves planning for different cultures and traditions. We also plan and style with positives only.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?Houston is the BEST place for SUNDAY FUNDAY! I would definitely take my friends to both the blackmarket and to the hip hop vintage flea market. My favorite dining & lounge spots are:

Day 6 Coffee
Sugar Room
Mobetter brews
KISS Houston
Common Bond Cafe
Amahle Lounge
Field & Tides

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
OMG! Where do I start? I am surrounded by so many people who contribute to me winning. From my business mentor; Naomi, to my sister and my best friends for over 2 decades; Ashanti, Shauna, Angie and Jay. These women mean the world to me! Without their support, encouragement, motivation and daily affirmations I would not be where I am today. However, the two people who I owe it all to, are Geraldine and Calvin (greatest parents). The patience and confidence they have is one I try to mirror with my own kids. Shout out to my two young kings who look up to me and often say “momma we are so proud of you”. Hearing those words is the best feeling a mom could ever experience. I love and respect all these people. I firmly believe that it not only takes a village to raise kids, it also takes a village to succeed as an entrepreneur. Last but not least; I have to thank and honor my ancestors for allowing me to follow and execute my dream.

Website: www.zurilifeevents.com

Instagram: @zurilife_events

Facebook: ZLE & Bridal Styling

Image Credits
Sweetish Studio Blip Photography