AN INTERVIEW WITH AN... ENTREPRENUER: MRS. AUNDREA MCALLISTER

Welcome to another addition of, “An Interview with an... Entrepreneur: Aundrea McAllister

How are you doing on this wonderful day?

I am doing great! Thanks so much for asking and having me today.

You are an entrepreneur... a businesswoman running her own business in Georgia, is that correct?      

Yes, it is. I am the Owner and Creative Director.

Tell us the name and what parts of Georgia you serve?                                                             

The company is Xcentric Events and Apparel. We are based out of Douglasville, GA- part of the metro Atlanta area. But we offer services across the US. There has been a recent request to coordinate a wedding in Jamaica, so our footprint may extend to the islands too!

That’s Great!!!! What is Xcentric Events and Apparel and what exactly do you do?                      

Xcentric is a one-stop, all-inclusive option for anyone seeking assistance with planning all scale events. From date nights to weddings and all the special celebrations in between! We collaborate closely with the client to truly understand their vision and pride ourselves in executing the plan and often exceeding expectations, within budget. The apparel or “Merch” branch of the business has a high focus on customizations. We offer one-of-a-kindapparel, jerseys, masks, totes, uniforms, signage (print and digital), cups- just about anything you could imagine.

How long has Xcentric Events and Apparel been in the business of prospering?

Xcentric booked its very first paid client in August of 2019. But I have always enjoyed creating and making things beautiful- so my family would look forward to celebrations and find ways to raise the bar with creative, over the top ideas.

What led you to tap into that line of business?  

I had worked in healthcare, in leadership and very structured roles, for over a decade. In those positions it required me to be very “accessible” and demanded much of my time and all of my attention. The more I advanced and climbed the corporate ladder, the less time I had for my family and essentially had limited work-life balance. I began to suffer physically- my body began to breakdown. Because I was under 40, these health concerns puzzled all of the specialists and after each test, they would come back with unknown causes. A total hip replacement and recommendations for 2 other joint replacements in front of me, I had to tap into my faith. After much prayer and support from my husband, I made the tough decision to resign from my position. It was one of the scariest and most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made in my life! With prayer and time, I began to heal. I began to get stronger and physically more independent. All while these changes and progress happened to me physically, mentally I was lost and didn’t know what was next. I had a passion for creating and knew the structure from my professional experiences would make me a successful event planner. I did some research, enrolled in QC Event School, and started my business plan. That’s when Xcentric Events was born!

God definitely put you in that path of greatness. When you think you’re entering that tunnel of darkness God is actually preparing you for a new season of light. So, what is it that sets you apart from others that may be in the same line of service as Xcentric Events and Apparel?

That’s a great question. There are tons of people that offer decorating services, coordination/planning and even clothing customizing, but none of them will have my energy. I’m bringing “me” to the table. With that comes positive energy, professionalism, fluidity, out of the box thinking, and a desire to provide every customer with an experience that’s unforgettable. I’m all about service!

Tell Us a little bit about Aundrea, the face of Xcentric Events and Apparel?  

I am the wife of my awesome husband and business partner, Benjamin. He is the Director of Operations and truly my right hand in logistics at Xcentric. I am the mom of 3 amazing young adults (all working and in college) and God blessed me extra, with 2 bonus sons I gained in love- also in college/working. When schedules align, they all help with execution of some of the larger events. Our oldest daughter has started her own business as well (Hookah Whore Shisha and Bartending Services) that we collaborate with every chance we get.

I see… A family structured in a business mind state. I like that. Do you work with any other constituents outside the family in order to put these events together?

When providing full coordination services, I collaborate with, and sub-contract other vendors based upon my client's needs. Part of my services include contract negotiations to ensure my clients receive the best value available. The vendor relationships I’ve developed over the years are also benefits of booking with Xcentric Events. This industry is BIG on relationships!

What was the shortest amount of time it took for you to put an event together? And what was that experience like?

Different event types require certain time frames to be cost effective (and avoid expedited/rush processing). The average planning time for a formal wedding is 10-12 months. This would kick off the process of determining a budget, researching venues and vendors, and the guest list. Huge components a lot of people don’t necessarily focus on right away. The fastest formal wedding with 100+ guests was coordinated in 10 weeks. Whew! The entire process was accelerated to 100 mph. This required a lot of compromising, quick decision-making regarding purchases, and additional staff to ensure the wedding and reception flowed without any (visible) hiccups. The wedding turned out beautifully and was ultimately successful. My team is amazing!

Sometimes the best turnouts happen in a short amount of time. So, I know everyone had to pat themselves on the back for that one. What event stands out as the most memorable for you?

Wow... It's so hard to choose just one! I literally pour myself into each and every event. But if I had to choose, it would be a wedding where we provided full coordination, décor, styling and travel services for this AMAZING young couple (currently in Texas). The theme was Modern Chic Cinderella, and the color palette was in several hues of pink, champagne, ivory and gold. Everything was gorgeous and over the top- at the bride's request, of course. We designed an awesome wedding website (wedsite) and registry for the couple. Managed the guest list and provided boxed acrylic invitations with satin inserts and rose petals.  Managed styling services for the entire wedding party of 17 (including parents of the bride and groom). Facilitated horse and carriage transportation for the bride and groom between two venues. The night ended with a sparkler send off and the couple was chauffeured to the honeymoon destination. It was truly a modern-day fairytale!

Wowww… It sounds like a wedding straight out of a movie. What type of events is your favorite to plan?

I just love“love.” So, anything that celebrates love and life in any form is my favorite. Be it a surprise party for your wife, or gender reveal celebration, I am honored to be a part of the festivities.

I can tell with just the interview alone that you provide a good welcoming energy that future clients will definitely be attracted to in their first meeting.

Thank you so much! All of my clients, be it for events or custom merchandise, become a part of the Xcentric Family. Family is everything to me!

Well, I’m honored that you graced me with your presence and time to do this interview and I love to see anyone, especially a black woman showing us the strength and perseverance conquering her obstacles and taking charge and becoming the Entrepreneurial Businesswoman that our younger generation can inspire to be.

I have had exceptional examples of “bosses” to learn from. Prior to retiring, my mother has always been a leader in the office and a creative in her “free” time. She has been the epitome of class, strength, and a woman of great faith. My drive to excel as an entrepreneur has been fueled by the desire to be the best example possible for my children. I encourage them all to live life with passion and purpose- and to be a boss in all things. When you pair faith, strong work ethics and passion, you are limitless.

An affirmation to definitely live by. Please provide the people out there with contact information for future clients when they need your professional services for a well-planned event.

Absolutely! Please go to our website atwww.xcentriceventsatl.com to book a consultation for either event décor, planning or merchandise quotes.

What's your social media tags if they wish to follow you and get up to date information about Xcentric Events and Apparel?

You can follow us on Instagram and Facebook @ XcentricEventsAtl. We are currently celebrating the launch of our new website and offering great giveaways to thank our awesome customers. Get Xcentric with us!

Once again, I’m honored and I humbly thank you for giving me the opportunity to let the world know when they come to town, and if they need to plan something special, they can contact you for an Xcentric Event and get some upscale apparel.

Thank you for the platform and opportunity!

You’re welcome and it was a pleasure.

Thank you for enjoying An Interview with An... Entrepreneur: Mrs. Aundrea McAllister

AN INTERVIEW WITH AN... AUTHOR: LATOYA M. WISE