Meet Sharva Akpona | Planner and Designer

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

Hi Sharva, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Oh, let me take you back for a minute. I was *that* kid—always dreaming up weddings in my head. I’d spend hours going over every detail—from the dress to the flowers to the music—like I was planning a real-life celebration. One summer at my grandparents’ house, I would play pretend with my sister and cousins, and together, we’d execute an entire wedding, with a dress made from paper. Yep, paper! Even at 10 years old, I was already setting the stage for my future as an event planner without even realizing it.

Then, at 14, I planned my very first real event: a family reunion with a *fancy* formal dinner. Picture it—laughter, good food, and me channeling my inner event planner. After that, the requests came pouring in—friends, family, neighbors all asking me to plan and decorate their weddings and events.

And then one day, I watched *The Wedding Planner*—oh yes, the iconic movie—and something inside me just *clicked*. J.Lo, pulling off wedding day magic with style? I thought, “That’s it. That’s the dream!” So, I did what anyone with a passion for creating unforgettable moments would do: I started my own business. Fast forward, and here I am, still doing what I absolutely love. And trust me, I wouldn’t change a thing!

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?
About My Business

Anointed Ambiance Weddings and Events is a wedding and event planning business that specializes in curating intimate weddings and events—where every detail is personally planned and professionally executed. We take great pride in crafting experiences that reflect each client’s unique story, ensuring every detail is infused with meaning and care. I bring a distinctive perspective to my work, celebrating diversity and creating events that honor individuality and cultural richness.

What I’m Most Proud of

I am most proud of the joy and connection my work brings to people’s lives. Whether it’s an intimate wedding, a milestone celebration, or a small corporate gathering, I thrive on creating events that leave lasting impressions. There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing the look of amazement and happiness on a client’s face when they step into their perfectly executed dream event.

The Journey to Where I Am Today

The journey to where I stand today has been both challenging and profoundly rewarding. What began as a passion for planning events for family and friends blossomed into a thriving career, built on a foundation of creativity, dedication, and hard work. Along the way, continuous education and involvement with industry organizations have played a pivotal role in my growth, helping to refine my skills and expand my expertise. Each step has been a testament to the power of perseverance and the joy of creating beautifully intimate and meaningful experiences.

We are thrilled to announce that we are undergoing a comprehensive rebranding and refinement of our services, designed to elevate every aspect of our offerings. This transformation is about more than just a new look—it’s about aligning our vision with the highest standards of excellence and delivering an unparalleled experience to our clients. Through this process, we are redefining how we connect, create, and deliver value, with a focus on innovation, attention to detail, and personalization. Our mission is to not only meet expectations but to exceed them, offering services that are as unique and memorable as the moments we help create.

Challenges and Overcoming Them

One of my biggest challenges—then and now—is carving out my space in a competitive industry while juggling the dual roles of student and entrepreneur. It’s no small feat, but I’ve tackled it with a mix of determination, continuous learning, and building a rock-solid network of supportive clients and vendors. By staying laser-focused on my niche—intimate, personalized events—I’ve been able to stand out, earn trust, and create a loyal community that keeps coming back for more.

Lessons Learned Along the Way

Specialization Matters: Focusing on intimate events allows me to offer unparalleled attention to detail and personal connection.

Adaptability is Key: In an ever-changing industry, being flexible and responsive is essential.

Relationships Are Everything: Building authentic connections with clients and collaborators has been a cornerstone of my success.

Never Stop Growing: Ongoing education and self-improvement have been critical to my journey.

What I Want the World to Know

My business isn’t just about planning events—it’s about creating moments that bring people closer together, fostering love, and celebrating life’s most meaningful connections. Every event I plan is a reflection of my passion for storytelling and my commitment to excellence. My journey has been one of resilience, creativity, and heart, and I’m proud to continue curating beautiful, intimate celebrations for my clients.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
– Brunch at Brunchaholics for indulgent dishes like their Soul Food Burrito or Cajun shrimp and grits.
– Shopping at NorthPark Center, an upscale mall featuring designer stores and stunning modern art installations.
– Enjoy a chic dining experience at Drake’s, known for its elegant old-Hollywood vibes, steak, and martinis.
– Visit Pure Noir, a Black-owned urban winery with a welcoming vibe and a variety of rich, flavorful wines.
– Dinner & Bull Riding at Texas Live in Arlington for a thrilling Texas experience.
– Spend the morning at Koffe Day Spa, indulging in their rejuvenating facials, massages, and body treatments.

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?
I want to take a moment to give a heartfelt shoutout to God, my family, and my friends. My company, Anointed Ambiance, is a reflection of the incredible gift God has given me to plan and design events. I named it this way because I wanted to honor Him first and foremost, ensuring He always receives the glory. My family and friends have been my rock throughout this journey—constantly lifting me up with encouragement, pushing me to stay persistent, and opening doors of opportunity along the way. I’m forever grateful for their unwavering support!

Website: https://www.anointedambiance.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/anointedambiance

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anointedambianceweddingsandevents

Image Credits
Stacey Favors
Wanda Isabel
Senae Photography