We had the good fortune of connecting with Turkesa – “Turk” Lanier and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Turkesa – “Turk”, why did you pursue a creative career? In order to succeed at entrepreneurship in the small city of Huntsville one has to think outside the box and find that THING that will ultimately set your company apart from the next. Therefore, you have to find something that is creative and speaks volumes on sight. Now I’m going to rewind a bit…I haven’t always had the “entrepreneur spirit”…my husband instilled that in me. Therefore, if I was going to pursue it it had to be something different, creative, exciting and not just something everyone could easily do! The Party Life Buses was the most creative idea and venture that sealed the deal for me! The idea of providing such an amazing form of entertainment on wheels to individuals is a high that is hard to articulate. It feels so rewarding to also know that we’re keeping people safe from drinking and driving as well.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m the owner of Alabama’s #1 Luxury Party Bus Company known as Party Life, LLC. We provide luxury party bus rentals for all occasions such as weddings, birthdays, proms, graduations, Quinceaneras, and much much more! The Party Life Buses come equipped with music, LED lights, hardwood floors for dancing, cups, ice and anything else needed upon request to set the tone of the party for the client. What sets my company apart from others is that we specialize in giving our clients more than transportation, we specialize in an experience! Our clients are offered the opportunity to have a party on their way to the party or allow our buses to be the party. The Party Life Buses are the ultimate entertainment if you want to be in your own space and comfort zone with just you and your circle of close people without the outside world! The Party Life Buses are a traveling party/club on wheels, however we cater to whatever you need the environment to be at the moment. I’m proud to have established a woman owned luxury party bus company as they are far and few in Alabama especially being a woman of color. I’m excited to say that through all of the ups and downs and learning experiences over the years we’re still here and thriving. I’m honored that my team has built a great reputation for customer satisfaction and also that we have a great product which has allowed us sustainability in this ever changing world of ideas. I couldn’t be where I am today without my team and supportive husband. Without them this company isn’t possible by any means. It wasn’t easy at all and we didn’t have other companies here locally to ask for guidance or help. It took a lot of research, dedication, determination, and even start up money to get to where I am in business today. Overcoming challenges took a lot of prayer and patience. With these vehicles the number one issue at times can be maintenance. Therefore, you build the relationships and partnerships with other companies that can help you and be on call when necessary. Overtime you understand what is needed in order to survive and overcome the routine challenges of your field. The lessons learned over the years is that sometimes it takes losses and failures to really appreciate where you came from years later as you look back over your journey. The lessons help and allow us to grow, improve, and ultimately help others along the way also. I want others to learn from my journey so they know what not to do and have a smoother path than we did. I want the world to know that as a female and even as a female of color there is absolutely nothing you can’t do.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Although I’m not from Atlanta, my bestfriend went to college at Spelman therefore she would actually be the person to show me the hotspots. During her time there around the early 2000’s I visited there quiet often to party with her while she was in school. Therefore, we would first load up one of the buses filled with all types of drinks and fun decor to pick us up and then hit the streets. We would hit mid-town for some shopping and probably hit the Varsity for some food. After that I would let her lead the way.The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to Shoutout my mother Eddie Jefferson! She is “Mother Goals” for me! She instilled in me what it looks like to be educated, confident, successful, hardworking, and humble all while being beautiful inside and out. I watched her lead by example daily growing up! Not to take from my dad but it’s the momma for me! Lol! She has always encouraged me to go after anything I set my mind to and has always been a major support system. I never once heard her say that a party bus was a crazy idea to pursue. She listened and sat back and watched without judgment. Also, Shoutout to my husband Agyei “Jay” Lanier. He gets the ultimate credit and is the major reason behind my entrepreneurship and even having this business. He had the vision that helped guide me! Without him none of this would be possible!
Website:https://www.partylifebus.com/
Instagram: @partylifebushttps://instagram.com/partylifebus?igshid=urb50fv3ljuk
Image Credits
Charles Beason
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