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Meet the curator of holiday magic, creating holiday cheer all year long.

By: Teia Burroughs

If you ask LaDonna Thomas when Christmas begins, don’t expect her to say December. The celebrity event planner, known for creating jaw-dropping holiday decor for stars like Offset, Trina, Ari Fletcher, and Shaquille O’Neal, lives in a state of year-round sparkle — and she’s inviting you to join the magic.

This July, LaDonna is flipping the script on summer boredom and giving the city of Atlanta a reason to deck the halls early. Her signature event, A Very Merry Summer, isn’t just about ornaments and oversized bows — it’s a two-day masterclass designed to transform holiday cheer into a scalable, profitable business. Yes, you read that right. Christmas decorating isn’t just for December anymore. According to LaDonna, it’s a multi-million-dollar industry hiding in plain sight — and she’s ready to teach you how to grab your slice of the pie.

Taking place July 11–12, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Atlanta Airport, this high-energy, hands-on conference is LaDonna’s love letter to creativity, entrepreneurship, and, of course, holiday joy. It’s also a nod to National Anti-Boredom Month, encouraging attendees to shake off the routine, take a risk, and tap into their inner designer.

We sat down with the “Magic Maker of the Season” herself to talk legacy, leveling up, and why Christmas trees might just be the most unexpected path to building generational wealth.

Let’s get to know LaDonna Thomas

SHEEN: What inspired A Very Merry Summer? Why now?

LaDonna: Honestly? It’s been a long time coming. I’ve always been a Christmas girl — I grew up decorating with my grandmother, who had that house in the neighborhood with lights, wreaths, reindeer, the works. It was a tradition, but also a passion. Fast forward, and I turned that love into a business. I started getting DMs like, “How do you do your trees?” “How did you get the Atlanta airport as a client?” So I decided to stop running from the idea and create a masterclass. It’s time to share what I’ve learned.

SHEEN: You work with some of the biggest names in music and entertainment. What’s it like decorating for celebs?

LaDonna: People think it’s about being flashy, but it’s not. Celebrities want you to respect their space, be discreet, and deliver excellence. I’ve learned to stay humble and treat everyone like family. When you’re authentic and professional, those relationships last.

SHEEN: Let’s talk about business. How can something like holiday decorating become a full-time career?

LaDonna: That’s the magic! People assume it’s seasonal, but it’s not. We decorate for Valentine’s Day, Easter, Juneteenth — you name it. I keep one of my trees up year-round and switch it out every season. The class teaches you how to do that, how to market it, and how to charge what you’re worth. From in-home installs to commercial jobs — there’s a lane for everyone.

SHEEN: What are people going to walk away with from your masterclass?

LaDonna: A clear, strategic action plan to launch or scale their business. Real skills — hands-on design, tree building, and how to pitch clients. But also confidence, clarity, and community. You’re going to be doing the work. Making bows. Building trees. Creating content you can use for your portfolio. And you’ll leave knowing that you belong in any room you walk into.

SHEEN: What role does stepping outside your comfort zone play in all this?

LaDonna: It’s everything. You’ve got to stop playing small. I had to get out of my own way. You don’t need to have it all figured out — you just need to start. Get around people who are leveling up and let that energy fuel you. One holiday tree led to me being booked by Offset. You never know what one decision can do.

SHEEN: What would you say to someone who loves decorating but doubts they can make money from it?

LaDonna: First, silence that self-doubt. Find a mentor. Surround yourself with people doing the impossible every day. Just because something hasn’t been done in your circle doesn’t mean it’s not possible. I’m living proof that it is.

SHEEN: Final question — will there be Christmas music?

LaDonna (laughing): Absolutely. Temptations. Mariah. Boyz II Men. We start the day with upbeat tracks to get people going, but once the decor goes up, it’s all sleigh bells and soul. I want people to walk in and feel like they’ve stepped into December. In July.

Want In?

A Very Merry Summer runs July 11–12, 2025, in Atlanta. If you’ve ever dreamed of building a business from your creativity or simply want to be immersed in a space filled with joy, glitter, and game-changing gems, this is your sign.

Whether you’re a designer, dreamer, or Christmas lover like LaDonna, this masterclass promises more than tree trimming — it’s about finding purpose in your passion and building a business that shines all year long.