We are
LaJoy Creative
A Collective of Creative Experts.
Experience Architects.
Storytellers for Organizations Doing GOOD.
Formerly known as LaJoy Plans, we are a Washington D.C. and New York City-based events and creative services firm led by CEO and Founder Melva LaJoy Legrand servicing clients globally.
Our Values
Purpose is our Superpower
Every project, partnership, and decision we make is guided by a deep commitment to purpose. We align with clients who are values-driven, mission-minded, and doing work that matters. When there’s heart behind the goal, we’re all in.
Relationships Root Us
We build relationships with clients for the long haul. For the past two years, 95% of our clients renewed for more than one year. This means that each creative partnership is meant to last and grow—we value our check-ins, feedback, and opportunities to learn and truly become an active extension of our clients’ strategic priorities.
Excellence Over Ego
We’re not here to impose—we’re here to elevate. Every creative decision we make will be rooted in your voice, your values, your mission, and your goals. We will listen to you closely, reflect deeply, and deliver work that feels like it’s fully in alignment with your organization’s unique personality.
Joy Is Our Juice
We show up with energy, excellence, and a spirit of generosity. Because when the vibe is good, the work is even better. Communication is clear and kind. Grace is the standard. Precision is the baseline. And joy? That’s essential.
Meet the Team •
Meet the Team •
Meet the Team • Meet the Team •
This is
MELVA
FOUNDER & CEO
LAJOY CREATIVE
“Our work is guided by our desire to use our collective creative talent to spread hope, good, and positivity in the world on behalf of our treasured clients.”
— Melva LaJoy Legrand
AWARD WINNER, THOUGHT LEADER, SPEAKER
• 2025 Inc. Female Founders Honoree
• Smart Meetings 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year
• Biz Bash Magazine Top 500 Event Planners
• 2022 Global Events Industry Council Award Winner
Chief storyteller, rooted in service, powered by joy, French by marriage, and forever living out her late father Melvin's legacy. Melva is a self-made, 10x award-winning entrepreneur recognized for her work in the Live Events industry, as well as causes rooted in social equality as it pertains to women, health, and race & identity. She is a public speaker, event producer/director, and community leader.
*CLICK PLAY ON THE VIDEO BELOW TO DISCOVER MELVA’S WHY*
Recognized nationally for her thought leadership, Melva has used her social impact to speak on topics surrounding Sexual Assault, Alzheimer’s and Dementia, and Entrepreneurship. She has been featured in Forbes, The Washingtonian, Black Enterprise’s Sisters Inc., Authority Magazine, and The Black Wall Street Times, among others, speaking on issues like the gender pay gap, leadership rest, being an effective leader, event preparedness, and managing a healthy work/life balance.
Outside of her professional realm, Melva is known for her love of people, high energy, culinary event experiences, unique laugh, creativity, and tenacious work ethic. When not planning events, Melva splits her time between D.C. and Paris or enjoying trips with her beloved husband Emmanuel.
Meet More of the LaJoy Creative Team
Diana Lu
Event Partnership Specialist
Teach-savvy, nature lover, world explorer, with a natural ability for research analysis, Diana has been the secret weapon behind some of our most complex creative projects for the past six years. Diana is responsible for identifying the values-aligned creative partners and venues for the majority of our client projects. Onsite, expect Diana to have her clipboard, high standards, and a readiness to ensure your event runs without any glitches.
Brittany Slade
Event Planner
Fashion-forward, die-hard romantic with a genuine passion for people, anything beautiful, new experiences and, yes, the occasional dance floor, Brittany approaches event stress with warmth, ease, and confidence that comes from her 10 years of experience. Catch Brittany working the green room, managing registration, and always open for a hug onsite.
Nadia Lobo
Event Planner
NYC-based, MBA-armed, Miro-inspired painter, yoga practitioner, and exceptional international wedding planner, Nadia brings a level of design, calm, and refinement to all of our events. Nadia co-leads a diverse portfolio of client projects that includes content development, committee, venue, and talent management. Cool under pressure, easy to work with, Nadia is the planner-to-know in the tristate area traveling wherever the LaJoyapshere needs her special touch globally.
Angelina Hagstrom
Executive Production Assistant
Wicked obsessed, former professional dancer, and backpack lover, Angelina is Melva’s sidekick and keeps all of the production trains running. Whether it is a cue sheet, load-in schedule, or pre-recorded announcement, it likely has had Angelina’s touch. Based in Boston, traveling to your next production worldwide, count on her to produce your event while building a personal connection with you.
Laura Romaine
Manager of Business Development
Southern belle, heart of gold, equity warrior, and, yes, a one-of-a-kind business development manager with over 15 years of experience in a variety of roles within the hospitality industry including venue manager, meeting planner, and experience curator. Known for her authenticity, Laura prioritizes relationship building and allows the LaJoy-of-it-all to happen naturally. Laura is always present, always real, and inspired by organizations that are doing transformative work.