Celebration is at the heart of everything Opemipo Akinrilola does. Rooted deeply in her Nigerian culture, the idea of celebrating oneself and others holds immense value to her. When the pandemic disrupted physical gatherings and community celebrations, Opemipo saw a problem she was determined to solve.
Opemipo’s background in wedding and event planning gives credence to the joy she finds in helping others celebrate life’s meaningful moments. She searched for ways to continue spreading joy despite the barriers of isolation. From this vision, A Plus Event Surprises was born.
Humble Beginnings
A-Plus Event Surprises got its start offering chocolates and wines, things she found around the house. Her goal was simple but powerful: to deliver joy directly to people’s doorsteps during a time when connection felt scarce.
The early days were challenging, marked by dedication, hard work, and a lot of determination. Opemipo personally went door to door, distributing flyers at local churches, grocery stores, and community centres. It was through these grassroots efforts that she landed her very first customer, laying the foundation for what A-Plus Event Surprises would eventually become.
Celebrating the Individual
Today, A Plus Event Surprises has evolved into a full celebration experience. Starting with balloons, Akinrilola’s joy fueled her further, adding personalisation, then a saxophonist. Apparently, “the feedback just kept getting more positive.” Each new gift idea was thoughtfully developed to honour the individual receiving it, creating a genuinely personalised experience.
In our interview, she talked about the expression on a person’s face as they receive personalised gifts. She describes it as a step away from the commercialisation of gifts and the embrace of celebrating an individual
Despite the struggles she has faced in bringing her vision to fruition, Opemipo remains steadfast and passionate. She has turned “broken homes into happy homes”, having a significant impact on the individuals she works with. Her work is a testament to celebration and cooperation.
Recognition and Gratitude
A-Plus Event Surprises has experienced its own celebrations recently. Opemipo’s passion and hard work were recently recognised at the BIPOC Foundation’s Excellence Awards Gala, where A Plus Event Surprises was named one of the Top Ten Black Businesses. This acknowledgement not only boosted her visibility but also increased demand for her unique services.
Opemipo openly credits the BIPOC Foundation for providing crucial support through mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. She describes BIPOC Foundation as “a voice… a platform of hope… a big deal” and an essential advocate for entrepreneurs within the BIPOC community.
Building for the Future
From assembling gift baskets in her home to receiving notable recognition at the BIPOC Foundation Excellence Awards, Opemipo’s journey exemplifies determination, creativity, and resilience. Driven by a clear vision and grounded in her love for celebrating people, she continues to seek new ways to spread joy.
As she looks to the future, Opemipo remains focused on growing A Plus Event Surprises further, exploring innovative ways to connect and uplift communities. Her journey demonstrates that when celebration, authenticity, and dedication meet, the result is a thriving business deeply cherished by the community it serves.
