On Saturday, August 17th, 2024 LAEDA attended one of their alumna’s, Jeaneen V. Jenkins, MSW business launch event called The Tree Party Exhibit presented by her newly established company Tree Lady Events, LLC. Jeaneen was part of LAEDA’s Entrepreneurial Development Training Program in the year 2019 and graduated in 2020. During this event, she decided to market 124 manzanita trees from January to December, showing the trees decorated in various all-inclusive holidays. The 125th tree known as the trophy tree, told another story of its own. The path leading to the established month of June was full of grass and was highlighted with 11 decorated trees that featured 7 Luau themed trees. Each tree displays a different holiday.
The roots of Tree Lady Events, LLC was birthed when Jeaneen searched for centerpieces for her mother’s (Velar Jenkins) birthday. Jeaneen shared with the crowd that her mother’s passion and care for bringing dead plants back to life inspired Jeaneen to buy 20 gold Manzanita Trees. Today on Saturday, August 17th, there are 125 different trees surrounded by all of us in this hall. Some of the trees are rebuilt as Jeaneen has taken various parts from other trees to build these trees. All trees have limb and core strengthening material to make a stronger tree for ornaments to dangle from their limbs. Jeaneen shared her story on how she chose this entrepreneurial path in this industry to start and root her business journey.
“What are you going to do with all those trees Jeaneen?” her brother Kareem Jenkins asked.
“I am going to sell them and get my money back,” Jeaneen replied.
“What! You better rent those trees out!”, Kareem suggested.
Thereupon, on her mother’s 60th birthday party Jeaneen had 20 gold trees and now she has 127 (50 gold, 50 silver, 17 white, 9 Luau, 1 gold trophy). Her VSU Betterment of Brothers and Sisters (BBS) Line Sister Shekima White bought her two new trees to add to her collection today. On June 12, 2024, Jamila Powell (LAEDA’s Program Manager at Women’s Business Center) and Jeaneen put their heads together to officiate Tree Lady Events, LLC. When it came to the name and services provided, Jamila challenged Jeaneen not to limit herself to just the tree rentals but encouraged her to expand her services. After all, how can a business succeed if it is the best-kept secret in town?
“How will you market the trees?” Jamila Powell asked.
“I am looking to host a launch event featuring the trees decorated for various occasions, so that I can market the trees to everyone.” Jeaneen V. Jenkins, MSW said.
In reflection Jeaneen stated, “’She’ urgently went to Jamila with ‘her’ idea and Jamila guided ‘her’ through the process.”
Jeaneen filled the room with knowledge, encouragement, along with her experience with LAEDA’s Entrepreneurial Development Training Program by stating:
– “LAEDA helped me get out the funnel vision and showed me that there was more to my business than what I was limiting myself to.”
-Do not be afraid to open the window of opportunity and reach out to people
-Do not be the best-kept secret in town; instead spread the word, the news about your business by marketing your new business venture.
-Do not keep your vision to yourself, know that it is for someone else to see and share.
-Keep going do not give up because you have an amazing vision, and it will become something if you make it happen.
-Do not be afraid to start your business because of all of your personal setbacks. I am thankful to have a village of support: family, friends, and LAEDA that helped me to make this day a dream come true.
Jeaneen has a valuable and caring support group varying from her family to friends to LAEDA. Having a support system is vital when it comes time for motivation, inspiration, encouragement, getting through the challenges, celebrating successes, and so much more.
Another Alumni of LAEDA’s was also there, Erica Fobbs who is also Jeaneen’s classmate and friend. Erica and her husband printed the T-shirts with Jeaneen’s designs that all in attendance received.
If you are looking to book your next event with Tree Lady Events, LLC
Please call her business phone (856) 580-3721 or (856) 655-1586.
If you would like to see the pictures of the beautiful trees please visit her Facebook Page: Tree Lady Events, LLC and Instagram Page: treeladyeventsllc.
If you are looking to join a cohort of like-minded entrepreneurs, visit LAEDA’s training page to learn more and get a detailed description of programs and services that can help you move closer to your business development goals.
If you are interested in learning more about LAEDA’s Entrepreneurial Development Training Program, which takes place three times per year during the Fall (September), Winter Women’s Business Academy (January) and Spring (April) seasons. Classes are held Monday through Wednesday and occasional Thursdays from 6PM to 8:30PM. Please call our office at (856) – 338-1177 to learn more.