>> EASTER IN ATLANTA
Gigi’s by Grace Ann Designs was hired to decorate the Governor’s Mansion for its annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 2.
Gigi’s by Grace Ann Designs is a local business that offers small and large event planning along with do-it-yourself decor or decoration installation.
Owner Anna Grace Pryor is an artist who previously established a business in 2019 named Grace Ann Designs that sold homemade necklaces, bracelets, earrings and eventually gifts.
Since the business’ expansion into Gigi’s, it has seen an influx in customers primarily seeking decoration inquiries.
“We have the products for a range of parties from weddings to tailgates. We offer services that span from planning to the execution of the party.
Gigi’s is able to design for any party, whether it be a single part like balloons or designing the entirety of the event,” said Pryor.
The assistant of First Lady of Georgia Marty Kemp approached Pryor via email asking availability for the annual Easter event. Previously, Pryor had been hired by The Club at Lake Sinclair to provide balloon decorations for Kemp’s rally.
Pryor stated that she made the connection with the First Lady that day.
“I met Gov. Kemp and his wife at the rally and the first lady told me they (the balloons) were amazing and that she loved them.
She asked for my business card and informed me she would love to use my balloon art for a future event,” said Pryor. “I was very shocked at how much she adored my work and was excited for the future to come.”
Once invited to design balloons for the Easter event, Pryor offered two vision boards to M.
Kemp to choose from and critique. The first vision board showed examples of pastel colored balloons with choices of confetti or tassels. This vision board also opted to include Easter themed foil and balloon additions amongst the normal balloons. The second vision board also centered around lighter colors with more implementation of greens and pinks for a spring theme and using different sized balloons for depth. This board offered a suggestion of adding in floral balloons, bunny ears, foil balloons, and more to make the decorations “pop”.
“I made a balloon arch for the front of the mansion and created multiple clusters to decorate the ground space where the Easter activities would be held,” said Pryor. “I worked directly with the first lady after showing her the vision boards.
She took those visions and critiqued them into what she imagined and preferred for the look. It turned out beautifully.”
Pryor stayed for a portion of the event and expressed that many people, alongside Kemp’s family, complimented her designs. She was very proud to receive the opportunity and make the annual event “shine” with color and joy.
“The exposure to my products was incredible.
So many people were able to see my creativity that day,” said Pryor. “And it was such an honor to work with the first lady and her daughters. Their vision, alongside my work, created a stunning environment for the Easter Egg Hunt.”
Opportunities like this are a stepping stone for small businesses to showcase their talent and work with a larger customer base than their hometown and it prompts customers to look at the area the business originates from.
“As I continue to grow, I have no plans to leave Milledgeville,” said Pryor when asked about expansion plans. “I am very willing to travel and excited to work with customers around the state but Gigi’s home is in Milledgeville and this is my home. I’m excited to have shared the power of a small business and thankful to have been given this exposure.”