When Antonia James began planning her mother’s 60th birthday party, she didn’t expect the process to change her life.
But the challenge of coordinating decorations, rentals and vendors inspired the St. Vincent and the Grenadines native to start a business of her own — one that would soon grow into a full-fledged enterprise.
Now, James, the CEO and creative designer of K’s Event Decorations and Rentals, will be honored as Entrepreneur of the Year by the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber at its Legacy of Leadership Awards Dinner on Dec. 4 at TPC Jasna Polana in Princeton.
The Hamilton resident’s path to entrepreneurship was anything but easy. After moving to the United States in 1993, James built a life centered on family, faith and perseverance.
As a single mother of two, she balanced raising her children with a steady job she held for more than two decades. But when the opportunity arose to pursue her own vision, she took a leap of faith — leaving her longtime position to start a business out of her home.
“I saw how hard it was to find everything in one place,” James has said of her early inspiration. “I wanted to create something that would make people’s lives easier and their celebrations more beautiful.”
Founded in honor of her granddaughter, Kaylani — the “K” in the company’s name — K’s Event Decorations and Rentals has become known for its personalized, detail-driven approach to weddings, birthdays, corporate gatherings and community events. From lavish centerpieces to elegant tablescapes, James and her team focus on creating experiences “rooted in faith, dedication and love.”
Her daughter’s own determination to complete her education also inspired James to return to school herself, where she is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business management.
The Legacy of Leadership Awards Dinner celebrates outstanding members of the Princeton Mercer business community each year, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions through innovation, service and leadership.
This year’s event will take place Thursday, Dec. 4, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at TPC Jasna Polana, 4519 Province Line Road, Princeton. Tickets include a cocktail hour, seated dinner, and an awards program.
Individual tickets are priced at $250, with half tables (five seats) available for $1,125 and full tables (10 seats) for $2,250.
Registration information is available through the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce.
