Ashley Ballinger, CEO of Events By Ashley B Discusses Her Passion For Event Planning

We always look to find and highlight women in a diverse range of fields. Here’s a name in event planning that you might not recognize, but should definitely know. Ashley Ballinger is the CEO of Events By Ashley B. Her creativeness and passion for unique event decor have positioned her as a go-to planner for events in the Maryland area. We interviewed Ashley not only about her business but her recent recognition for giving back within her community.

When did you realize events were your passion?

I realized events were my passion about 9 years ago when I really started to get recognition from family members and strangers about how they loved my work and wanted me to do things for their events. I started spending a lot of time planning and creating so many things and really enjoyed it. I really looked forward to it before I even began doing anything. I get so much joy out of just seeing the outcome of what I helped to produce for my customers.

Why do you feel your company continues to see so much growth?

I feel that my company continues to see so much growth because I continue to learn new skills. Learning is very important in the event industry because the trends quickly change. In order for me to execute the creative vision I have to gain the knowledge. In addition, I would also say my customer service skills. I strongly feel that good communication skills are essential for coordinating with clients and other vendors.

You recently were featured as the cover story for the Annapolis and Baltimore Times for your contributions to your community. What was that experience like?

It was such a proud moment and great feeling to be featured as the cover story of the Annapolis and Baltimore Times for the contributions to the community. I wasn’t expecting to be featured in both but very honored that my story was shared for others to read.

Why do you feel it’s so important to give back?

The importance of giving back to society can’t be understated. When you give back, you’re able to better the lives of the people around you, your loved ones, the people in your community or the lives of people somewhere else in the world. Finding meaning by giving back to the community doesn’t just benefit others, it benefits you.

April was International Black Women’s History Month. Name three Black women in business who you feel are doing amazing things.

 1. Michelle Obama, not only is she an attorney and advocate for youth and health issues, Obama was the country’s first black first lady. Passionate about nutrition, she partnered with many of the country’s leading brands such as Disney, Subway and Pepsico to promote healthy activities and food products for young people.

 2. Leeanna Archer, started her Leanna Inc. haircare line at just 9 years-old. She is beginning to establish her own name in business industry for becoming the youngest entrepreneur to have ring the NASDAQ stock market bell. Today, she is considered as one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the US who are under 30.

 3. Cathy Hughes, From teenage mother to media power player, she is the founder of Radio One, which includes 53 radio stations in the U.S., and TVOne, a cable network. At one point during the early stages of her career, she lost her home and was forced to live with relatives as she rebuilt her company into what is now one of the biggest media companies in the world.

All 3 of these Black women give so much inspiration for other Black women to continue to thrive, grow, and make our way in the world.

What’s next for your company? Where do you see your brand in 5 years?

I’m currently working on hosting upcoming events for this year and early 2023 for adults and children. The past events that I have hosted so far have been a huge success and a lot of customers look forward to attending more of them.

In 5 years Events By Ashley B, will have its own event hall location (maybe even multiple). I’m definitely working really hard on that. The plan is to have a one-stop shop for customers who need an event hall rental and decorations will also be included.

Keep up to date: @eventsbyashleyb

Start typing and press Enter to search