Megan Graham: Life's a party

There’s a party going on around here …

If not, then give Megan Graham a few minutes, and she’ll have one planned. What more would you expect from a woman who remembers every detail of the Strawberry Shortcake party she orchestrated for her very own 9th birthday?

In June, between jobs in the nonprofit world, Graham began Soirée Signature Event Design, which provides as much or as little help needed to have an event. Her brother-in-law, Graham says, was the one to suggest she parlay her interests in planning parties into a part-time business.

“The world was really my oyster at that time,” she said. “And so I thought, ‘What do I have to lose?’ ”

Since then, business has steadily increased, mainly by word of mouth. “Luckily, I’ve had a couple of friends who took a chance on us,” Graham said. “I’ve been fortunate that at each party, I’ve booked at least one more. That just confirms that I’m right where I should be.”

The El Paso native and Texas Tech graduate moved back to Lubbock a couple of years ago after a hiatus in the Hill Country, where she earned a master’s at Texas State University. It was in fact, a trip to the grocery store that left her pining for the wide-open spaces and friendly faces of West Texas.

Graham moved back to Lubbock a couple of years ago and has worked in development for nonprofit organizations since. She currently is the development coordinator for the Legal Aid Society of Lubbock. The organization provides legal assistance in family and elder law for low-income clients in 12 counties.

“I don’t do the real work,” she said. “But I’ll throw a party to get the money that’s needed so those on the front lines can make a difference.”

Graham also is heavily involved in the community, serving as president of the Junior Women’s Club and on the board of several other organizations including Young Professionals of Lubbock.

“I’ve always been involved in the community,” she said. “My mom instilled that in us. She taught us that in order to receive you have to give.”

There’s a saying that timing is everything, and Graham truly believes it to be true. “Two to three years ago, me doing this would not have been an option,” she says. But life unfolded nicely bringing her to the point where she could launch her lifelong dream.

So whether it’s for a cause or just plain fun, Graham’s up for a party.

“I really feel blessed and believe that God has given me this talent,” she said. “It would be unacceptable for me not to use it.”