Meet Tajuana Gordon | Event Designer

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

Hi Tajuana, why did you pursue a creative career?
I would say my creative career chose me. Artistry is in my blood so I can confidently say that I was born to create. From the time I could remember, I was always doing something creatively with my hands from sketching to designing clothing, sewing, or making some sort of craft, so it was very natural for me to have a career where creating was at the heart of it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

The journey to get where I am today in my career as an event designer started from childhood. My mom allowed me to express my artistry without limiting my choices which was a true blessing. As a child, besides always having a pencil and paper in hand drawing cartoon characters to sketching skyscrapers, I designed and made clothing for my Barbie dolls from fabric scraps or even paper. I also crafted toy doll houses and buildings out of old shoe boxes. I painted them and found all types of Knick knacks from around the house to use for furnishings and décor. Looking back, I know this is where my love of design and transforming a room started! Let me tell you, the Barbie Dream House had nothing on my shoebox doll house.

I was also intrigued by buildings and homes and their layouts, so much so that I later took drafting classes in high school as I was leaning towards architecture. I eventually took a sewing class and that’s where it all came together. I loved making patterns to fit the design I wanted and so my career in fashion design was born instead. This led me to design school right out of high school. I loved designing everything from casual ready to wear to bridal gowns. My love for bridal is where I put my focus, first designing, and making my own wedding gown and then designing custom gowns for others.  

Soon after design school, I landed my first job designing women’s and men’s high-end skiwear for Nils Skiwear Inc. and I loved it. After being with the company for 14 years, I eventually put my full-time career on hold to be a stay-at-home mom for my three children. It was a challenge because I had been very career driven but it was the best decision I could have ever made. Throughout those years of being at home, I did some free-lance designing and sketching catalogs. I also designed some events for friends and family, from weddings to bridal showers and baby showers. This is where my passion for event design began and grew stronger over the years. I decided to go into business for myself and launch my Event Design business in the beginning of 2020. 

Well, we all know what happened in 2020. I felt discouraged and thought it would not be smart to start a new business during a global pandemic. However, it was my faith in God that quickly had me thinking differently, that is, if God gave me the desire to do this at this time, then it was possible. I took advantage of the time to educate myself more about producing events, to make business connections, develop relationships with other event professionals and to practice different skill sets. This all brought me to where I am in my career today, a professional event designer and producer.

I want the world to know and see how much I love what I do by feeling the love that I put into each event, offering beautiful, timeless event designs, styled with elegance. Each client is unique and when speaking with them, I can hear what they are feeling through their words, so the design becomes an outward expression of the feeling they want when they enter the room. I bring a keen eye for style, elegance, and beauty, offering clients a unique perspective through color harmony, texture, and symmetry. Having a fashion design background together with a love for interior design and personal styling, enables me to marry these elements together in designing events.

Tajuana Styles will provide you with an unforgettable experience that fully encompasses your life changing moments. We style weddings, parties, showers, conferences, social events and more! Every event is customized to your vision, bringing to life the story you want to tell. Allow us to do the work so Tajuana Styles Wedding & Event Designs can produce your experience of a Lifetime!

There have been some challenging moments, dealing with grief, starting a second career at this stage in my life all while going through this pandemic. I am proud that I did not give up on my desire. My faith, determination and passion for design have brought me to where I am today. Having this full circle moment working with brides again, but this time designing their entire wedding. I am proud of being an entrepreneur and an example to my children and others to passionately pursue their dreams. I am so grateful for everything I’ve learned on my design journey so far. Some important lessons were recognizing that when you have a strong desire for something, go for it and don’t let it die. To let your determination, God given talent and abilities lead you into your purpose. No matter how much you know, there is always more to learn to take you to your next level. Lastly, being mindful to surround yourself with people who support you and want to see you win!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, lots of good food and shopping is what I call fun. A couple of my favorite restaurants are Palenque Mezcal downtown Riverside and Sharon’s Creole Kitchen in Murrieta. Both offer great tasting food bursting with flavor. I love outdoor shopping so Victoria Gardens would be on the list where there are plenty of stores, kiosk browsing and a good selection of restaurants. We would also spend a day at the Desert Hills Premium Outlets for some great designer shopping from stores like Celine, Balenciaga, Prada, and every other designer you can name. A trip or two to the beach is definitely a must. I like going to Corona Del Mar where it’s a little less crowded than some of the larger beaches. And lastly, we’d spend a day in and around LA. A trip to Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles would be on the agenda along with more shopping!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shout out to my mom, Barbara Farley. I get my creativity and entrepreneurship from her. She was an amazing seamstress. As a child, I loved shopping with her for new patterns and fabrics. My biggest joy was to see her cutting out a pattern at night and wake up the next morning to a new dress. She also had a real passion for make-up and was an awesome hairstylist who owned a beauty salon along with her sister. I am grateful that she never quenched my desire to try new things. She was a big supporter of everything I ever did and my forever cheerleader. She passed away in 2015 so she did not get to see me officially launch into the event industry and it saddens me deeply that she is not here to experience this phase of my career. I know she would be extremely proud of me. I would also like to shout out my husband who helps me so much in my business and my three children, they are all my motivation and biggest cheerleaders as well.

Website: tajuanastyles.com

Instagram: @tajuanastyles

Facebook: Tajuana Styles Wedding & Event Designs

Image Credits
@hargrove_designs