Today we’d like to introduce you to Kajuandria Williams.
Hi Kajuandria , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
-The Heart of Creativity
I would like to share that my journey began in a wellspring of creativity. Growing up in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, in Greenville, MS, I started my creative path as a teenager, designing t-shirts using printable inkjet paper from Walmart at just 15 years old. I fondly recall making memorial shirts, custom signage, programs, and obituaries, continuing this little hustle throughout my college years. After earning my first degree and launching my nursing career in DeSoto County, my passion for creativity never dimmed. When I welcomed my first child, I dove headfirst into crafting all her party essentials, including favors and t-shirts. This passion blossomed further with the arrival of my second daughter, when a family member gifted me the business name, Williams Printing and Things. I began offering a variety of custom and personalized products, such as apparel, accessories, business marketing materials, custom party favors, logos/graphics, and printing services.
On my 35th birthday, I made the decision to turn this lifelong hobby into a business. I officially launched my venture in September 2020, right in the midst of the pandemic, with my first major event being my own birthday celebration. Two years later, I restructured my business to introduce WPT Events & Designs, a subsidiary of Williams Printing & Things, which focuses on event planning and consulting, event design, balloon décor, and rentals. I have also opened a brick-and-mortar location, The W Event Studio, which has been welcoming customers for nearly a year. Now, as I approach my fifth year in this industry, my goal is to unleash our creativity and provide unforgettable items and event experiences as a one-stop shop for all your event needs.
On a personal note, I couldn’t achieve any of this without the unwavering support of my husband, Danny Williams, Jr., and our two beautiful daughters, Dannity and Kierstyn. Even at their young ages, our girls play an essential role in the business, serving as my two valuable assistants.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the most challenging aspects of this business for me is the travel involved and the physical strain of moving heavy inventory. It’s especially tough to refer my local clients to other venues when I would often hear, “There’s no good venues in DeSoto County.” It genuinely saddened me that I can offer nearly everything except my own event space.
In 2020, before launching my business, my husband discovered a hidden gem, a commercial building in Olive Branch that he envisioned transforming into an event space. Acknowledging the labor-intensive nature of the event industry and the lack of appealing venues in DeSoto County, he purchased an abandoned restaurant to renovate. Many obstacles financially, mentally and physically were endured. But God- After four years of his hard work, dedication, and countless prayers, we opened the doors to the W Event Studio in April 2024.
Our modern boutique venue is perfect for private celebrations, including birthday parties, baby showers, bridal showers, and graduations. Since our opening, we have hosted a variety of events and have even introduced promotional activities such as Cocktails and Karaoke, Cake & Sip Classes, and Charcuterie Classes. With a big heart, I also felt called to organize a community service events. Our first was “For the Culture,” aimed at children aged 12-18 in observance of Black History Month, featuring trivia games and inspirational talks from local professionals. My goal is to keep innovating and developing engaging classes, activities, and events for all ages.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What sets me apart from many others is that, by God’s grace, I have been able to offer my clients not only unique graphics and stunning décor but also a venue, all while nurturing my passion for nursing. I am fortunate to work in a career that I genuinely love. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Delta State University and a Master’s Degree in Nursing from Walden University, which I completed in 2015. With over 15 years of experience in nursing, I have practiced as a certified family nurse practitioner for the past decade, extending my expertise throughout Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee, with a strong emphasis on community health and cardiology. My commitment to serving underserved populations is deeply intertwined with my personal history and has become my calling. Currently, I serve as a cardiac nurse practitioner at the Metropolitan Cardiovascular Institute in Memphis, TN, where I focus on patient education and preventive measures to reduce health disparities. This mission is fueled by my understanding of the challenges faced by communities like the one I grew up in, transforming my work into a passionate endeavor to make a positive impact. I often receive inquiries about when I might stop being a nurse or if I would ever choose one career over the other; the answer is a firm NO. I truly love everything I do, from organizing intricate events to diagnosing and educating my patients about heart disease. I approach both roles with seriousness and enthusiasm.
In addition to my commitment to the healthcare community, I am actively involved in my community through my membership in the Desoto County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up I can definitely say I was a pretty unique child. I had my own style, very smart and always felt the need to go that extra mile to make myself stand out. I can confidently say that creativity has been a lifelong trait of mine, largely thanks to my parents. My mom dedicated herself to ensuring my school projects were not only accurate but also distinctly original. Meanwhile, my dad encouraged me to put forth my best effort in everything associated with my name and taught me how to express my creativity through hands-on projects. I was very actively involved in extracurricular activities including band, student council, yearbook and newspaper staff most of which I took a creative lead on. I was also heavily involved academic organizations like National Honors Society and National Beta Club. I’m sure most my friends and associates would definitely attest to the fact that I have been a resourceful and dedicated person all my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wpteventsms.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wpt_events/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-W-Event-Studio/61558694798438/
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/WPTEventsandDesigns
