Meet the Visionary Behind Women Mean Business Awards

It’s pretty easy to pinpoint where Opulent Productions’ CEO, Orion Prater-Phillips developed her love of entertaining. Her grandmother had entertainment down to a science. She was a woman who loved a good party, and as a small child, Orion would watch her orchestrate an event from her dining room table telling Orion’s mother how to prepare and setup. As Orion grew older, she would help her mother set up for her various parties, and watch how she meticulously organized and planned everything down to the smallest detail.

The Kenner, Louisiana native’s love of planning has followed her forever and always carried over into her work. Working as an office manager in the education sector, Orion had the opportunity to plan fundraisers and events. After planning tons of events for family and friends, she decided to further her credentials and get certified to plan weddings. In 2012, she became a certified wedding planner and has had the opportunity to work for some of New Orleans’ community leaders and stakeholders.

Orion is a true wedding/event alchemist. Hand her your ideas, and watch them transform into the golden moments and fine details that make any event unforgettable! She approaches every event with a fresh perspective and makes it her mission to elevate your vision to new heights. She assures clients to trust her and her team to execute the plans, and worry about nothing more than having the time of your life celebrating.

Orion is also the founder of Women Mean Business Expo, which is an opportunity for small, medium, or large women-operated businesses to showcase themselves to potential partners and clients. In January, Opulent Productions is hosting Women Mean Business Awards Show to honor and recognize women business owners in New Orleans and its surrounding areas.

In her spare time, Orion enjoys being a wife to her incredible husband and mother to her three amazing children. She loves hosting Sunday’s during football season at her home with her family.

Fancy: How would you describe your swagher? What makes Orion, Orion?

Orion: As my mom always says Orion is the most recognizable constellation and brightest star, and that’s what I am out here doing, honoring and recognizing other women and making us all shine bright for the world to see. 

Fancy: I love how you are able to pinpoint where you inherited your passion for event planning. Was your grandmother or mother a professional event planner as well, or were these family events and gatherings?

Orion: Actually my grandmother, Dianna Prater and my mother, LaYionn Prater, both had the gift of decor and orchestrating fabulous parties and events for family, friends, and business as well. Over the years event planning has evolved into the Hollywood Red Carpet Galas. 

Fancy: So what type of event planning services does Opulent Productions, LLC offer?

Orion: You name it, and Opulent Productions can put it together for you. No event is too big or too small, house parties to the Gallier Hall.  

Fancy: I know sometimes people may want a service but they don’t know all of the information they will need to provide. From your experience, what type of information should we already have researched and collected before reaching out to an event planner?

Orion: It’s always nice to know your likes and dislikes. But if you don’t, that is what I am here to do. Help capture the essence of what inspires you (colors, themes, passion, and dreams).

Fancy: In your opinion, what is the minimum amount of money one needs to have in their budget (with the event planner fees included) to pull off a decent event?

Orion: That is a very hard question to answer event cost will always vary (time of year, location, type, etc.) but I can say my fees start at $500 for a small scale event of 50-100 people

Fancy: For those who may be interested in a career in event planning, what words of advice would you share?

Orion: Just do it!!! Become an expert in whatever you do, learn the business. At all levels including professional business planning and training. New Orleans may be limited in providing that ultimate training so you may have to venture out. Network from coast to coast. 

Fancy: What is one obstacle you overcame, whether it be personal or professional, in order to grow?

Orion: When I first started Opulent Productions I was out here trying to do everything myself. My work wasn’t protected, and people took my contracts and proposals and putting their own names on it. I had to somewhat take that as a loss and lose a few customers because they thought the next person was better than I. 

Fancy: What can attendees expect to experience or see during the Women Mean Business Awards Show?

Orion: Great presenters, maybe even some local performers and possibly a silent auction. 

Fancy: How are the award recipients chosen or selected?

Orion: They were nominated by the family, friends and other business owners. 

Fancy: Between working your day job, planning and running Opulent, and taking care of your family, how do you find balance or do you seek harmony instead?

Orion: My life is strictly run by a Things to Do list. 

Fancy: How do you practice self-care?

Orion: I enjoy massages, and it’s great because I support other women business-owners when I receive them.

Fancy: Do you have any other events or projects that you care to share?

Orion: Our Women Mean Business Awards Show will take place in January 2020. 

Connect with Orion and Opulent Productions below.

Website: www.womenmeanbusinessexpo.net

Instagram: @opulentproductions | @wmbexpo_awards

Facebook: @opulentproductions 

Also check out Orion’s interview with our media partner Meet the World Image Solutions, LLC here.