Deborah Mauristhene: Entrepreneur

Deborah Mauristhene, photo provided by Supafly Photography.

Young entrepreneur, Deborah Mauristhene, commonly known as “Deb” amongst her friends, and colleagues at Northeastern University, has tons of items on her daily “To Do” lists. At the age of 22, Deb is a full-time student at NU, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Business. Not at-all waiting to put to work the knowledge gained from her minor, she is currently Chief Executive Officer and Founder of a Boston based event planning company called Illuminous Event Solutions (I.E.S ). She began building the company in 2008, along with her brothers Ernest and Danny Mauristhene. Ernest provided the initial idea of the company and Danny created the first draft of their logo. After a few months their staff began to grow: Sebastian David as Personal Graphic Designer, Eumeraude Petit-Frere as Certified Event Planner, and Peter Faiteau as Media/Promotional Director. Deb Mauristhene is accomplishing a great deal at her age, and is proud to be a shining light to other young adults her age. Between running her company and studying for midterms and finals, you can often catch Deb on Facebook spreading the word about a fabulous event in Boston or sharing words of encouragement with her friends via her statuses. 

 Sadly, I was unable to meet with Deborah in person for our interview. I came down with the flu that week and didn’t want to risk spreading the virus to Deb or the Northeastern campus (see, I listened to the health commission commercials!). Thankfully, Deborah was willing to answer my questions via e-mail. I think she did a great job and I am grateful for her flexibility. Thank you Deb! 

Janina Ordonez: “What inspired you to start Illuminous Event Solutions Company?” 

Deborah Mauristhene: “Becoming involved with the Haitian Student Unity organization at NU for several years, starting off as a member of the executive board and doing a lot of public relations work, I climbed the ladder and then became vice president.” 

Janina Ordonez: “What words of advice would you give to others beginning to build a business similar to your own?” 

Deborah M.:  “Network, Network, Network! Because of my involvement with the student organization I mentioned before, I was able to push my networking power to max. And along with that I had to realize that not everyone has your best interest at heart. In my line of work, when dealing with various types of people, you will come across some who are straight forward and others who wear a façade. It is important to know the difference for the future of your business.” 

Janina Ordonez: “While creating your business were there some things, personally, that you felt you had to work on?” 

Deborah M.: “Being born and growing up into a Christian household and having to constantly please my parents I believe was one of my toughest obstacles. My parents are firm Christians; so when I have to organize, plan, and execute events for a client that leads up until the “wee” hours of the morning, my parents are definitely against that. Censoring my thoughts and feelings were also obstacles I had to overcome. I usually responded to things sharing purely what I was thinking and how I felt about it. But I’ve learned that in the “professional” world it can’t always be as such. Sometimes you may have a client that you don’t enjoy personally but you can’t let that effect the quality of the service that you are providing.”  

Janina Ordonez: “What are some goals that you have for yourself and your business?” 

Deborah M.: “My team and I aim to be the best at any and everything we do. My business partners already know what I expect when it is time to conduct business. If you want to be taken seriously as an entrepreneur, you need to act accordingly. My goals and hopes are expand the IES brand to nearby states (CT, NY, FL, DC, etc), meet amazing individuals and to make big moves.” 

Janina Ordonez: “Are there other artist’s or business owners that inspire you? And why?” 

Deborah M.: “First and foremost, GOD…if it was not for my Lord & Savior, I would not have had this gift. In addition, yes, the IES team. There are many other established entrepreneurs who gave our company a chance to collaborate with them on events: 

V-World Enterprise, Reginald Charles of Rhoaming Ent., Kenneth R., our personal graphic designer, stage manger, photographers, and DJ (Sebastian David, Dalinda Ifill, Supafly Photography, Image Impressionz, and Ives of Nxt Era Inc.) Edwin Joseph & Zaafir; The Urban Nerdz, Diallo Ferguson, the newest individuals I’ve recently had the chance to work with International Show & YoMellyMell, all the inspiring and devoted fashion designers and models that I’ve personally had the chance to work with. 

There are just too many individuals to name. We work alongside some of the best and overall amazing individuals who excel in their field and have a passion for what they do. They produce the level of positivity that I want to surround myself with; people who not only having a burning drive, and goals but they have ACTED and have IMPLEMENTED. I look forward to expanding our IES network and would also like to take this time to say ‘Thank you’, to everyone who has supported IES thus far. You are appreciated! 

* If you are in need of an event planner please do consider Illuminous Event Solutions. You can contact Deborah Mauristhene at:  dmauristhene@illuminouseventsolutions.com 

 or any one of her colleagues at http://www.illuminouseventsolutions.com/ 

Image provided by Illuminous Event Solutions.

EVENT SOLUTIONS for your entire event needs: Shining light on your event, 100%!

This blog is an extention of  the Janina Ordonez Photography site.