Julia Bebiem is a seasoned expert in event planning and decoration, renowned for her creativity and attention to detail. With over 15 years of experience, she has orchestrated a wide range of events, from corporate conferences to weddings and high-profile functions. Julia’s talent lies in her ability to transform spaces with elegance and sophistication, making every occasion unforgettable. As the co-founder of Canada-based event company, Grandieu Events and Management, she continues to redefine the industry with thematic concepts and personalised designs, ensuring each client’s vision becomes a reality. In this interview with ESTHER IJEWERE, she shares her story.
Inspiration behind Julia’s journey into event planning and decoration
The inspiration for my journey into event planning and decoration stems from a lifelong passion for creativity and design. From a young age, I’ve always been drawn to art and aesthetics, finding joy in arranging spaces and visualising beautiful settings. As I grew older, I realised that event planning and decoration offered the perfect blend of artistic expression and practical execution, allowing me to transform ideas into experiences that leave a lasting impact on people. When I eventually started working at the South African High Commission, Lagos, I was responsible for all the mission’s events. My natural artistic expression came to play a vital role in ensuring all events were well planned and executed.
More so, I’ve been inspired by the power of events to create unforgettable moments and bring people together. Having people coming together in a space where there will be joy and laughter drives me. Whether it’s a wedding, a corporate gala or a community celebration, events have the potential to evoke emotions and establish connections. I find immense satisfaction in the process of curating every detail, from floral arrangements to balloon arrangements, to create an organised experience that resonates with guests. I would like to mention here that naturally, I am a fantastic host.
Another significant influence on my journey has been my problem-solving skills. Event planning requires thorough organisation and the ability to navigate unexpected challenges with grace. I thrive in dynamic environments where every day presents new opportunities to improve and adapt. The combination of creativity, strategic thinking and interpersonal skills required in event planning aligns perfectly with my strengths and interests, making it a natural career path for me.
Memorable project
One of the most memorable projects I’ve had the privilege to work on was organising the Annual Christmas Carol event in collaboration with the Mayor of Brampton and other city officials. This project stood out for several reasons.
Firstly, it was a high-profile community event that brought together diverse stakeholders and showcased the spirit of unity and celebration during the holiday season. Secondly, the scale of the event required careful planning and coordination to ensure everything ran smoothly. From securing the venue to managing logistics and coordinating performances, every detail was carefully executed to create a magical experience for the guests.
What made this project particularly special was the opportunity to collaborate with esteemed personalities and community leaders, contributing to a meaningful and impactful event for the city of Brampton. The feedback we received from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, emphasising the joy and sense of community fostered by the Christmas Carol event. Personally, it was gratifying to witness the result of months of planning and hard work resulting in a successful and memorable occasion that brought happiness to so many people.
Influence of coordinating Trade Mission events
Coordinating Trade Mission events has profoundly influenced my approach to event planning and offered invaluable insights into managing large-scale, international gatherings. One crucial lesson I have gleaned from organising these events is the significance of cultural sensitivity and embracing diverse perspectives. Trade missions involve participants from various countries and industries, each bringing unique customs, business practices and expectations. To ensure the success of these events, I’ve adapted my approach to accommodate diverse cultural distinctions and preferences, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all attendees.
Moreover, coordinating Trade Mission events has honed my expertise in logistics management and strategic planning. These endeavours demand meticulous coordination of travel arrangements, accommodations, venue selection and scheduling of business-to-business (B2B) meetings and networking sessions. Through this experience, I have developed the ability to anticipate challenges, proactively address potential issues, and remain adaptable in response to evolving circumstances. Effective communication and collaboration with delegates, including government agencies, trade organisations and business leaders have been pivotal in orchestrating the success of these missions.
Contributions to community engagement
Community engagement and decorative expertise have been integral aspects of my professional journey, allowing me to combine my passion for events with a commitment to serving and enriching local communities. Throughout my career, I have actively participated in community groups. These engagements have provided me with opportunities to contribute my event planning and decoration skills to support various community initiatives, including cultural festivals and business networking events.
In addition to my professional engagements, I am currently the co-founder of Grandieu Event and Management. Community engagement is a cornerstone of our principles at Grandieu Events and Management, where we are committed to giving back to society and actively participating in community activities. We have partnered with NGOs and community organisations to support initiatives that promote social welfare and enrich local communities.
What sets Julia apart as an event decorator?
What sets me apart in event decoration is my keen eye for detail and instinctive sense of style, coupled with years of experience in transforming clients’ visions into realities. I believe that effective event decoration goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about creating immersive experiences that resonate with guests. My approach is to patiently listen attentively to clients, understand their preferences and carefully analyse their vision. You must be very patient and have it as a skill set in dealing with diverse clients and needs. By incorporating this skill with my creative expertise, I can create unique and personalised designs that exceed expectations.
To bring clients’ visions to life, I adopt a collaborative and consultative approach. I start by conducting thorough consultations to gather the scope of the project, the essence of their event and the atmosphere they wish to create. Whether it’s a corporate gala, musical concert, wedding or community festival, I endeavour to understand the clients’ goals, themes and colour schemes. I then leverage my skill set and resources to curate mood boards, sketches and visual representations that align with their vision. Throughout the process, I maintain open communication, incorporating feedback and adjustments to ensure that the final design is in line with the client’s expectations.
Grandieu Events and Management’s approach
At Grandieu Events and Management, our approach is rooted in a set of core values that underpin every aspect of our operations. Foremost, we prioritise integrity and professionalism across all our endeavours. We adhere to transparent communication, ethical practices and the highest standards of integrity in our interactions with clients, vendors and partners. This unwavering commitment to integrity fosters trust with our clients, ensuring they have confidence in our ability to deliver exceptional service and fulfill our commitments.
Furthermore, community engagement and social responsibility are central to our ethos. We believe in giving back to society and actively engaging with community organisations and NGOs. Through partnerships with local communities and support for charitable initiatives, we strive to make a positive impact beyond the realm of our events. At Grandieu Events and Management, we are committed to crafting meaningful experiences that not only exceed our client’s expectations but also contribute to the betterment of our community.
Thematic concepts Grandieu has implemented
At Grandieu, we were honoured to design and decorate the Black History Month celebration at the Ontario Legislative Assembly (OLA) held at Queens Park, using the symbolic colours of Black history. The event was a vibrant and meaningful tribute to Black culture, heritage and achievements.
To bring this vision to life, we incorporated the colours associated with the Black history, including red, green and black, into the décor elements. The venue was adorned with striking balloon arrangements and backdrops created a sophisticated yet culturally rich ambiance.
The Black History Month celebration at the Ontario Legislative Assembly was a testament to the power of culture and unity. Our team at Grandieu Events and Management takes pride in creating events that celebrate diversity and inspire meaningful connections within the community.
Challenges faced while running business in Canada
Handling the logistics of event planning often involves taking on a variety of tasks, from transportation and set up to teardown and cleanup. I embrace the hands-on approach and I’m not hesitant to dive into every aspect of the process. This willingness to get involved directly ensures that every detail is executed according to the plan and meets the highest standards.
Being involved in every step of the event execution allows for better control and oversight, which can be challenging. From managing vendors and coordinating schedules to ensuring the setup aligns with the client’s vision, I take pride in overseeing the entire process. This hands-on approach also fosters a deeper connection with the event, ensuring that each element is personally attended to and executed flawlessly.
Another significant challenge is competition within the event planning and management industry. Canada boasts a vibrant and diverse market, which means standing out among competitors demands innovation, exceptional service and creative solutions. Building a strong brand presence and establishing lasting relationships with clients and partners are essential strategies to overcome this challenge and thrive in the competitive landscape. Overall, these challenges have fueled our determination to continuously improve, innovate and deliver exceptional experiences to our clients at Grandieu Events and Management.
Grandieu brand in five years
In the next five years, I envision Grandieu Events and Management as a leading brand in the event planning industry, renowned for its creativity, professionalism and personalised approach. Our expansion plans include larger-scale corporate events, destination weddings and cultural celebrations, bolstering our reputation as experts in crafting unforgettable experiences. By capitalising on our extensive network across Nigeria, Canada, South Africa and the U.S., we aim to forge strategic partnerships with international organisations, offering innovative event concepts to a global clientele.
Furthermore, Grandieu Events and Management will play a pivotal role in community engagement and social impact initiatives. Collaborating with NGOs and community organisations, we will organise charitable events that contribute positively to society. Through these efforts, Grandieu Events and Management will solidify its position as a brand synonymous with excellence, creativity and a commitment to making a meaningful impact.
Being a Woman of Rubies
What makes me a “woman of rubies” is my unwavering dedication to excellence; my commitment to continuous growth and my ability to inspire and empower others. I just love helping people. I strive to embody the qualities of strength, resilience and compassion in everything I do.
As a woman of rubies, I am deeply passionate about making a positive impact on the world around me, whether through my professional endeavours or community involvement. I believe in lifting others up and fostering an environment of support and encouragement. My willingness to face challenges head-on and my ability to overcome obstacles with grace and determination reflect the spirit of a “woman of rubies” who shines brightly in all aspects of my life.
