Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheree Lewis
Hi Sheree, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
An artist was born on September 23rd of 1982 at Memorial hospital, in Decatur, Illinois, and later raised in St. Louis, MO. To be more precise, I resided in U-City for most of my childhood and early adolescence. I attended Pershing, Delmar Harvard, and even Nathaniel Hawthorne Elementary. And because we moved around a lot, at some point I also attended Harrison, Bel-Nor, and Bel-Ridge Elementary. With so many transitions, I never really established a childhood friend group, so I have always felt like a loner. I am the oldest of 3 girls from my mother, and the youngest and only girl of many from my estranged and unfortunately deceased father. Despite the circumstances, I would have liked to know more about him because I believe it would have explained much more about me. I ask myself all the time, how did I get here to this oh so chaotic yet so rewarding and at times very taxing though undoubtedly exciting career choice current day. Well, if you are willing to take a ride on my analytical mind train, I will explain.
I can recall an assignment in grade school where we were asked to write and describe the top 3 career fields we aspired to be. I wrote about being an Architect, a Veterinarian, or a Cheerleader! Lol Looking back, though all vastly different, they all channel direct aspects of who I am. Structured, Compassionate, and Supportive. They tell you when you’re young that you can be anything that you want to be. Well, to whoever may be reading this story, if you never truly decide, you inevitably might just become a Hustler like me! Lbvs (I don’t think that one is written on the list though)
My most adored childhood toy was a “LiteBrite”. I was a part of an advanced learning program in elementary school called ISP. Art, Math, and Language Arts were my strongest subjects. I was 1 of 2 girls in my high school “Draft Tech” class. My favorite color is purple, and I love wolves. I’m Type-A and tend to be very long winded. The grandma in me can’t resist butter pecan ice cream. I am a shoe fanatic and an eye glass snob. I don’t care for chocolate or seafood. Imo’s Pizza is my default setting on 314 Day, and Sprite soda is my kryptonite. Being in one of their commercials has always been on my bucket list! Those are things that many people may already know from being around me. What may be tea is that my first job on record was as a waitress at Ponderosa Steakhouse and my first entrepreneurial business venture was jewelry making. I went from crafting in the Delmar Loop at Zuma Beach Beads to running a booth on weekends at the old Frison Flea Market. I later even established clientele at another workplace where I successfully sold custom jewelry for some time. I also enjoy interior decoration and started providing “Hotel Room Makeovers” for special occasions some time ago.
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?
In July of 2002, at the age of 19, I became a girl mom. Fun fact, I originally began planning her birthday parties, which is what started my desire to pursue event coordination. After years of hosting different themed kids’ parties, I made my first attempt at throwing an adult party in September of 2008. It was a Hollywood theme with all the right ingredients for success. There was a red carpet with a live reporter and paparazzi. There was live entertainment and performances. We held a contest and provided catered shrimp towers, a champagne fountain, and chocolate covered strawberries on the buffet. There was a videographer and a photographer capturing footage. I even had a friend call the radio station and not only did they shout me out, “Big Sexy Kool DJ Kaos” personally rode up in his ole skool and made an appearance to my party! If you are from “Da Hol 9 Nina Pop” era, then you understand! As exciting as all of that was thinking back, I was far from a professional planner and had only just begun to learn the skills that would ultimately bring me to where I am as a business today. Yet, it was the staple of a beautiful start in its raw and pure form! I discovered a lot of my interests at that party. I realized back then that I wanted to learn all the aspects involved in coordinating an event and gradually began to invest. I officially established myself on record in June of 2009 the following year. What many also may not know is that my then 7-year-old daughter was diagnosed with A.L.L which is a blood cancer on February 16th of 2010 which caused me to make multiple necessary life changes including taking an immediate hiatus from the work, school, and event planning. She underwent 3 years of aggressive chemotherapy. I managed to withdraw from one college where I was studying Multimedia Web Design and later enroll in another where I graduated with an associates in animal science and Specialized Veterinary Technician training in May of 2013. My tenure in the field including school lasted for almost a decade until the pandemic in March of 2020.
2020 was a tumultuous time for everyone in some way. For me, it was the celebration of my daughter’s recovery and the 10-year mark of her being out of the red with her health. It was also her Senior Year, Prom, and Graduation. For me, it was my step back out on faith to try reinvesting in the event planning industry since everything was stable with her. Who would have known that Covid would come through and cause such a vicious and unforeseen storm. I not only made a substantial investment, but I also ultimately ended up in a tremendous amount of debt which is what led me to where I am now.
I have continued this uphill battle for the last few years. I operated my business short term in an Artist Development Suite called Medici MediaSpace that was later sold I believe in part dealing with their financial standing following Covid. I managed to head up and promote an event called “The Art in Life Vendor’s Expo” which is a contemporary “Pop Up” and platform for local businesses like me and all other levels of business who wanted an opportunity to reinvent themselves post pandemic by networking and marketing. I was fortunate for the opportunity to promote this event for 6 seasons with the help of the Fox 2 Studio Stl Segment. Although, I took a step back from that process, I am excited about what the future may hold for it at a different point in my life. Another strong suit of mine is balloon art and I actively and readily provide services for clients in my own business as well as for a local event company. I also currently work with LHM which is a hotel management company where I assist with event setups of all kinds. It helps me to continue honing my skills in my own personal and professional endeavors as well. Immortal Designs & Events is a service-based business that provides custom design and coordination solutions from start to finish. I also dabble in graphic design various custom novelties and gifts. I frequently subcontract and partner with other businesses and entrepreneurs for services that I may not provide as well for my events. I am continuing to accept new clients in efforts to rebuild and rebrand myself and currently working with a web developer to create a new website that is set to launch in 2025. I am always looking for grant and other resources that are available to individuals like me. I could definitely benefit from the extra funding following my circumstances. I hope to be able to purchase a company van in the near future. I am also interested in establishing a nonprofit component to the business that could potentially provide my event services to low-income families as well as families of children who have undergone a terminal illness and may experience financial hardships. I freelance regularly and am willing to work with and for other event planners if subcontracted to do so. There was a point where the road did not seem clear for me on this journey, but despite that, I have continued to lead one foot in front of the other and allowed the other steps to follow. I am so elated and grateful for this platform and opportunity to share my story in a space that fosters an environment to give myself and others like me who are hidden gems a voice. Look out for Immortal Designs & Events somewhere locally planning near you!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in creating elaborate balloon or creative themed entryways and tend to focus on room lighting. I would say that is my niche. What I feel sets me apart in my events is that I actually do a lot of the execution and creation. I am most proud of the growth that I have had in my art as a whole. I am not just a coordinator; I am also a decorator. All event coordinators don’t decorate and vice versa. I would like to have a more consistent team aside from freelance help at some point in the near future. I am self taught in many aspects, but I feel confident in creating graphics, customized promotional labeling, party favors. and much more. I also started a summer mobile concession great for pool side treats or private parties for small groups in Summer of 2022.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Life is truly what you make it. There are no straight or certain paths, and you could never foresee what cards you may be dealt. It is much more important how you navigate through the obstacles you face when you encounter them. There will always be something. How you allow it to affect your journey ultimately determines your destination. I travel one foot in front of the other. I used to have a different perspective, but my experiences redefined the view through my lens.
Pricing:
- Average Gift/Novelties pricing $50 and up
- Average Balloon Decor pricing $250 and up
- Average Consultation Service pricing $25/hr.
- Average Event Coordination Services pricing $750 and up
- Average Freelance for Hire Pay $20/hr.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lady_immortal/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladyimmortal2009
