MEET JON’ETTE
Interview with Jon’ette Jordan, Celebrity Event Planner
How did you become an Event Planner and how long have you been in the industry?
You know that something special you possess and perform with great ease, yet those around you would struggle if they tried? That something special for me is event planning + design.
My firm celebrates its 22 year anniversary in September 2023! It was quite obvious early on to anyone paying attention that I was a professional Event Planner in the making. I actually negotiated my first vendor contract [with a DJ company for a dance] at the age of 13. As Social Director of my school, I had such a natural ability to organize several moving parts of an event simultaneously that I was the first student that never required adult supervision. I went on to plan fashion shows, fundraisers, and events in conjunction with the Red Cross as a high school student – I began refining my party planning ingenuity throughout my time studying Mathematics at Spelman College. I even threw a huge birthday bash for my roommate that Andre 3000 of Outkast attended! I’ve since produced award show activations for Wells Fargo and large-scale events for Aramark Sports & Entertainment and eBay, planned + designed events for General Electric, Subway, Emmy Award winning actor Keith David, star of The Mandalorian Katee Sackhoff, R&B legends Brian McKnight and Lenny Williams, the destination island wedding of actor Antonio Sabato, Jr., and private events for countless professional athletes. I’ve always been conscious of how much a well-planned, unique event enhances the lives of everyone involved.
Do you only work with Celebrities now?
Absolutely not. Though I’ve enjoyed planning a variety of special events for celebrities, I’m frequently contracted by corporations and/or individuals who simply desire a unique, seamless and fun event. My other clientele consists of:
- Attorneys
- Doctors
- Realtors
- Tech Companies
- Retail Managers
- Public Relations Agencies
- Engineers
- Teachers
- Art Galleries
- Banks
What does J2 mean?
When your name is Jon’ette Jordan, people to call you JJ. J2 (pronounced J Squared) is an homage to my love of Mathematics.
What truly sets you apart from other Event Planners?
My event planning philosophy is comprised of three major factors that just so happen to make my style and me different from others:
- I believe events are visual representations of what makes people and/or companies unique.
- I accentuate quirks.
- I embrace diversity.
When people start planning their weddings, birthday and graduation parties, bar and bat mitzvahs or even product launches, browsing sites such as Pinterest seems like the natural first step. Most people planning a wedding have never done it before. Certainly, if you’re celebrating a birthday, you’ve never been that age before. Same with a bar/bat mitzvah. If your company is launching a new product, then obviously it’s the first time highlighting that product. I understand how instinct leads people to see what others have done to bring those same types of celebrations to fruition; it’s intuitive. The flaw in that plan is most people don’t have a uniquely creative bone in their bodies, especially when it comes to event design. Thus, most people simply end up copying ideas created by others, which is how you get blogs and magazines full of “real events” that look exactly like the same with the exception of the person(s) for whom the event is being thrown.
I take the time to understand who my clients are as people or companies. What are their quirks? What types of personalities do they possess? Are they laid back? High strung? Energetic? Vibrant? Funny? Sarcastic? Whatever it is, I will find out. Then I’ll take that information and turn it into something visually stunning. I use all of that information to tell a story with the details of my clients’ special days. My approach ensures that there will be nothing cookie-cutter about a J2 event!
Are your services affordable for everyone?
Yes! However, it depends on how much someone feels their peace of mind (for starters) is worth. Typically, my clients are busy professionals, executives, and consummate perfectionists who have things to do that don’t involve fretting over every last detail involved in making their event a success. My team and I provide highly personalized, detailed services that are sure to please the client willing to invest in making their event an absolute success!
What if someone has more questions before getting started? May they contact you to discuss further?
Yes, of course. Email me at info@jsquaredevents.com or call/text (510) 393-1613 and we’ll setup a complimentary get acquainted consultation to discuss your event and determine how I can help!