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

Hi Aisha, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
As long as I can remember, event planning has been a HUGE part of my life. Whether it be planning lunch time activities in middle school, ASB High School Rallies, leading our events team during undergrad, or working as an event planner for a wedding company — I can honestly say there is no other passion of mine that makes me feel most at home. Every experience I have had in events over the last two decades has led me to this moment now, the cumulation of my passions–otherwise known as Eyeza Events, my event planning company.

The name “Eyeza Events” is inspired and dedicated to my lovely daughter “Ayeza” who I hope will always follow her passions in life. The name is a play on her name but also focuses on our mission statement –Vision to Reality.  The emphasis is on the “Eye” of Eyeza Events and our logo is a bowtie with the evil eye placed in the center. It represents having all your loose ends tied up while always keeping an eye on the details. For me turning your vision into a reality is the end goal. Being able to do that with Eyeza Events has been a dream come true for me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
A little bit about my background. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Cal Poly Pomona and an MBA from the University of LaVerne. I mean business literally. Did I mention that I love a good pun here and there? I was born and raised in sunny California but moved out to the windy city of Chicago in 2019 shortly after I got married. I am a true sunshine gal through and through, so I am still finding myself adjusting to midwest weather. Maybe one day I will get it right and not walk outside without wearing layers– anyways fast forward to now.

Along with running Eyeza Events I also work full time as a Learning and DEI manager at a Fintech. Fittingly enough I plan corporate events and work on the learning initiatives for the organization. It is no surprise that planning events is a passion of mine but to be able to do that as a career has been so fruitful as well.

The DEI space is another passion of mine as I truly believe that reinforcing strong DEI programs help every individual show up as their authentic selves each day without fear. This enables individuals to bring their best selves to work and in their personal lives. Being able to be in the center of building a world class culture is so rewarding. I love seeing programs and projects come to life from start to finish.

Evidently both my worlds collide daily and at the heart of it are the people I get to help. The satisfaction of seeing others thrive or being part of their forever moments gives me a feeling like no other. The lessons I have learned along the way in event planning are to be utterly obsessed about the details, always recognize those who have helped you along the way, practice empathy regularly, and to always be hungry to learn more.

What I would want the world to know about my brand is that it is built on pillars of trust, red-carpet service, years experience, and a personal passion. I don’t believe in “side hustles”–to me your passion is your dreams being realized, never a hustle. Here is to my dream being realized!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to my mentor Ngoc Ngyuen (owner of event planning company Skybox Event Productions) who took me under her wing many moons ago in college. She gave me the most incredible experience in the wedding industry and that has helped me gain the skills needed to be successful as an event planning business owner myself now.  She instilled values of professionalism and service. Forever grateful to have been on your team.

Additionally, I would like to give a shoutout to my husband, little sister, and mother. Each of them has shown me support as an event planner and now business owner. To my husband specifically–we have a little one, but you still encourage me to chase my dreams and are there to make sure I continue to achieve my goals. You have made me realize that I can be a mother, an entrepreneur, and one does not take away from the other. It only makes me a better partner and mother when I can model that dreams have no end.Thank you to my other half and CO-CEO. Without you I would not be able to do what I love.

I want to also give a shoutout to my friends (you know who you are) that have promoted Eyeza Events and given me so much love with their reposts, sharing, and overall vote of confidence. It means the world to me, and I am blessed to have you all in my life. Lastly, I want to thank my brides, couples, and clients for trusting me with their happiest moments. A true honor to be a part of your world.

Instagram: Eyeza Events

Image Credits
Image Credit: Photo of Ayeza and I: sueshuklaphotography Photo of Wedding: reelinitative

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