MFEC Black Heritage Exhibit

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristina Cox.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a degreed communications professional who has worked hard to build up other corporations for years. As a communications professional I wore many hats; I was responsible for event management, website development, the company newsletter, marketing, graphic designing, conferences/trade shows and team building projects. Overtime people outside of work noticed my skill set and would ask me to assist with their personal events, such as weddings, baby showers, etc. and I’d gladly do it. Guests would complement the printed designs I created, how I coordinated the event, and how courteous I was to everyone. At the end they wanted to hire me. When I would tell them I was just doing a favor for a friend, their response was, and “You should start a business.” I heard “You should start a business.” for years and it wasn’t until March 2009, when I was unexpectedly laid off in a mass layoff that I started this business. Walking to my car, holding a box of my possessions with a uniformed escort, shook me to my core. How was I going to pay my mortgage, car note, eat??? – All these thoughts flooded my mind, so I prayed and asked God to help me. As I was praying my mom called and started telling me how great of a job I did on some invitations for a family member and I needed to seriously think about starting a business. After that call I drove to the courthouse and got my DBA (Doing Business As) license. My company started out as Prime Acumen Creations, the motto was why hire Company A, Company B, and Company C when Prime Acumen Creations provides everything companies A, B, and C provides, plus more. Since then I’ve developed an advisory board, changed the name based on a focus group’s response to assumed business names and learned a lot of lessons. Today, as Celebrate & Communicate we are thriving and leaving our mark all over Houston and beyond.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Of course every experience hasn’t been pleasant. There have been some challenges with some clients for example: a few have been really rude, didn’t pay their invoices in a timely manner, didn’t respect our time, showed up to our meeting unprepared or when a vendor (hired by the client), who is not one of our event partners performed less than satisfactory and we had intervene. There are plenty of situations that may arise when executing an event that can make someone blow steam. Regardless of how other people act, I have trained my team to remain polite and professional. People will always remember how you made them feel, so we’ve had situations where the nightmare client returned as a completely changed person. I’ve even had someone apologize to me and ask for another chance because their guests witnessed how nasty they were and made them realize they were out of line. I’ve adapted to the philosophy from the late great leader Nelson Mandela, “I never lose. I either win or I learn.” In every situation I face as a business owner, I see it as a lesson learned or victory. We must be doing a pretty good job because so far ALL of our clients have given us gifts of gratitude, sent thank you notes or referred us.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Celebrate & Communicate (CC) provides an event concierge service – clients receive custom designed stationary, detailed event planning, crafted goods and premiere services through our preferred event partners. We hold our vendors to very high standards and require a contract with them agreeing to execute and deliver the very best product or experience. CC specializes in being well-rounded and providing a one stop source environment for our clients’ convenience. We’re known for our attention to detail and performing above expectations. We’re also known for our wedding service and custom invitations.

At CC we are always striving to do more to make every clients’ experience rewarding and memorable; so we listen, respect their budget, keep them calm, add special touches and ensure they look and feel their very best for the grand event.

I’m most proud of the feedback we receive from on-lookers; like a guest at a wedding, staff member at a venue, photographer, etc. because if they take the time to tell us how beautiful or well the event is, then we must have done something to impress them. Our faith in God is what sets us apart from others and by that I mean our nature to walk in love and not get easily angered.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was an only child for 10 years, so I was used to finding an activity to keep me occupied. After that, I spent most of my teenage years helping my parents with my siblings, so I developed that ‘Mother Hen’ personality early. I was the friend who made sure everyone was OK, ate, slept, looked their best, the mediator and at times the solution giver – I took no mess. My interests were technology, writing, drawing, crafting and parties. My love for technology pushed me to join Business Professionals of America in high school and compete on the web design team – we won regionally (I have the letterman patch to prove it). I remember as a child being so excited to decorate for special occasions and making up things to celebrate so everyone would come over … I still do that. I found inspiration in watching my mom and aunts -if they liked it, I loved it and this was mainly in fashion and relationships. People who grew up with me can testify that I dressed to impress and high heels were my shoes! If dressed down or wore my Keds I would get asked at least 50 questions from everyone … what’s wrong, are you feeling ok, did you get dumped, lol. To this day I still turn to my mama and aunts for advice and enjoy sharing my company’s work with them.

TODAY I OWN MORGAN FALLS EVENT CENTER - An Award-winning Wedding & Events Venue

TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY!!!