Meet Jeryse Kelly | Wedding/Event Planner at MJK Events

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

Hi Jeryse, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My work-life balance changed with the seasons of my life. When I first started my retail career after graduating from Arizona State University (BA in Clothing & Textiles with a minor in Business), I had a lot of time to devote to my career. Yes, I was newly married but my husband was also busy working. It was the time to build our careers and we didn’t have a lot of family to try to spend time with. I worked many hours, including overtime hours, without any guilty thoughts of whether I should be home or doing something else.

Once I started having children, my work-life balance drastically changed. I became a stay-at-home mom to twin girls and a son. Luckily for me, I was able to not HAVE to work outside of the home for a paycheck and devote the bulk of my time and efforts to raising my children. I stress the point of work OUTSIDE of the home for a PAYCHECK because I was working very hard on and in my home and did NOT receive a paycheck. Off and on I would take some part-time jobs outside of the home to help make ends meet. During these times, my work-life balance became children-life-balance and every so often, I would make time for myself.

Another shift happened when we decided to homeschool our children. Our daughters were starting 4th grade and our son was in pre-K. The balance then became children-their education-their activities-life-home-me. I did my best to be the best mom, teacher and family member. I was doing all I could to stay focused and keep my head above water.

Once my children graduated high school, there was another shift in my time. My family was used to being first and had to adjust to me creating time for my work and more importantly for myself. I enjoyed my time raising and being with my children. That was time and memories that was a short chapter in my life and I am happy I was able to be there for it. At the same time, I think it is very important for moms and especially career moms to periodically make time for themselves to regroup and rejuvenate.

Balance can be hard to achieve. Depending on the season in your life, your balance will need to shift. I would encourage us all to be aware of the draws on our time, schedule our time wisely and make sure to schedule time to regroup, rejuvenate and refresh.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is creating celebrations for families and businesses. I encourage people to celebrate new chapters and maybe the closing of a chapter which means an opening chapter can happen.

I pride myself on being a continuing learner. I attend webinars, continuing ed courses/workshops, listening to podcasts and listening to books.

My goal with my clients is to assist and advocate for them during the planning process, provide my expertise and educate my client along the way, encourage them to include cultural traditions into their event, give them the time and space during the event to fully engage so memories can be created and captured to share with future generations.

I love putting puzzles together. I view the events as a puzzle. Seeing all the different pieces and colors coming together to be a beautiful picture or piece of art. That is how I see events. All the different touches, cultural traditions, linens, decor, entertainment, family and friends, drinks and of course fashion!

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.
I am based in the East Valley area in Arizona. Being in the East Valley, makes it very easy to get to many fun areas in Arizona. I love taking people up north for them to experience and see the different landscapes. In 2-3 hours you can go from the desert and cactus to woods and pine trees.

Flagstaff
Sedona
Prescott
Payson
PineTop

I also like to travel south and experience a different desert landscape, wineries and the Old West.

Tucson
Tombstone
Bisbee
Sonoita

In the valley, I love going to the Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Gardens, Goldfield Ghost Town, Museums (Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum, Tempe Arts Center, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Western Spirit Scottsdale Museum, city museums). Dinner at Rustler’s Roost is a fun Western experience with beautiful views of the valley. There is a fun speakeasy and nightlife in Chandler, Gilbert and Phoenix. Scottsdale & Tempe is known for its party nightlife. Tempe is a little more low key and casual than Scottsdale.

There is so much to do and see in Arizona!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I got my start and education with ABC – Association of Bridal Consultants. Kim Horn was the state director at the time.

During the shutdown time, David Hepburn and his Coaching Through Corona and 12 week Accountability Implemented have really helped me with my learning and business thoughts.

The 12 week year by Brian Moran was suggested by a friend and mentor Kenyatta Turner and has completely changed my mind on setting goals and most importantly working towards those goals.

Website: www.mjkevents.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjkevents_events/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerysekelly/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jerysekelly5062

Image Credits
Timeless Present SJA Studios O’Grace Photography EK Photography Gina Ooi Photo & Video