We had the good fortune of connecting with Adaeze (Ada) Ojeh-Teme and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Adaeze (Ada), we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Honestly, the business started itself before I really embraced owning a business. My family and friends have only known me to be Type A plus and when I really get going they add an additional plus to it. The later proved to be valuable, as family and friends will reach out to help with different activities. From planning school concerts to baby showers, I became the go to person for all things that required story telling, detail, precision, and organization. While I am obsessed with getting things right the first time, I am not allergic to spontaneity. In fact, I think the genius in designing and planning is being flexible and knowing when and how to adjust and adjust quickly without losing the essence and integrity of the story one is trying to portray.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Cherish August is a full-service, destination event design and planning firm based out of Miami. We specialize in bespoke experiences by transforming your five senses to your dreams, desires, needs, and wants. What sets us apart is our proficiency in the art of storytelling.
We give the same credence to the planning process, as we do the creative and design part of the event planning portfolio.
Once we digest our client’s vision, we ensure that every concept and visual element not only aligns with the client’s dreams, desires, needs, and wants, but elevates it in a way that wows the client.
What propels us is exceeding every client’s expectation.
What we have learned, time and time again, is that experiences are not trends and should not be curated as such; instead, every experience should transcend to perpetuity, reigniting people in every lifetime and each time the experience is shared.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have the best set of girlfriends on this side of heaven and any opportunity we get to be together, we just like being and traveling. Say we have a week in Miami (anytime between November and April, because after that, we would roast to death), I would love us at the Setai. Accommodations are a critical component for my group of girls –accommodations and a robust breakfast. I LOOOOVEEEE hotels and The Setai is one of my favorites.
We would spend most of the time on the beach, maybe exploring Bill Baggs park on Key Biscayne and enjoying a picnic in Crandon Park and Joia Beach. I love history, so a trip to Bimini for adventure hunting will be on the itinerary. A trip to the bookstore will also be on the list and we cannot have a trip without dancing. Afrobeats and old school hip-hop are our jam. My sister is a chef, so she has reins on dinner, but one place that’s a most for me is Olds Havana–wonderful company, food, and music–that’s all we need.
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?
To my husband for championing my insatiable curiosity that allows my dreams to not be confined by expectations. To my mommy and daddy, for always cultivating my creativity and fostering my sense of rhythm.
And To the Cherish August client, who allows us to tell their story.
Website: www.cherishaugust.com
Instagram: cherish_august
Image Credits
Angel Canary Gregoire Jules (Imagery by Jules Photography) Segun Olotu (Sottu Photography) Jesus Santos Photography Christopher Viseux