Andrea Sheree Benjamin: Elegance & Design in Harmony

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

That’s the scripture that kept playing in my head during my interview with Andrea Sheree Benjamin, owner of Elegant Harmony. Not because she mentioned it but because that’s the confidence and conviction that she exudes when it comes to her faith and her business. Born and raised in Raleigh, NC, Benjamin received her degree in Business with a concentration in Spanish from North Carolina Central University but it was her experience as an event coordinator for Adventure Landing that helped her to discover her passion for event planning and design.

Benjamin’s love of all things shiny and full of luster began with her designing bling’d out T-shirts from her home. “I love everything over the top. I love bling.” She explains when describing her eye for design. Serious about her craft and evolving from t-shirt design to event planning, Benjamin went on to earn her certification in event design from The Wedding Planning Institute via The Preston Bailey’s Design Course. Tasked with the assignment to create three different event designs; Benjamin began to think about what she wanted her brand to represent. “I know that I’m a queen and I know that everything that I do must be done in excellence and elegance. I also love to sing. I love music. I love melodies and harmony.” So as a result of that assignment, combining her flare for design and natural talent, Elegant Harmony was born.

Degree, certification and determination in hand, Benjamin has been planning and designing events across the Triangle and surrounding areas for the past 5 years. Coordinating everything from weddings full of bling to birthday parties with extravagant dessert bars along with any other event you can imagine, Benjamin prides herself on capturing a moment that is uniquely designed and tailored to each client.

Throughout the years, Benjamin has found support in both the likely and at times unlikeliest of places. A single mother of two boys, 12 & 3, Benjamin credits a strong support system of her parents and extended family for aiding her in realizing her dreams. She proclaims, “They believe in my vision as much as I do.” Support has also been abundant as she has networked with various vendors and business owners which surprisingly formed a sisterhood Benjamin affectionately refers to as “Sisters in Success.” “I’ve met so many amazing women. When you meet people that motivate you and you motivate them; it makes you strive to go even further. So let’s work together and build together so we can all get to the top.” And that’s exactly what they have been working to do by combining their talents and hosting upcoming events such as The Queen & Bling Beauty Summit which will be held in Cary, NC on February 4th followed by The Chocolate Factory: A Speed Dating Experience in Durham on February 12th. Benjamin is continually finds ways to grow her brand and increase the reach of Elegant Harmony.

Benjamin is quietly planning and strategically setting wheels into motion to one day own an event center. Armed with faith, surrounded by support and unafraid of innovation, Benjamin is well on her way to a long lasting and successful career.

www.elegantharmony.com

Owner: Andrea Sheree Benjamin