Madamé Dubois, a design-led event and destination planning company founded in 2023 by Kelliojor Awoh, operates at the intersection of creativity and precision. The brand began with an intimate proposal and quickly expanded to executing full weddings, establishing a global footprint in Qatar, Portugal, London, South Africa, Mauritius, Morocco, and Manchester. Awoh, who serves as Founder, CEO, and Creative Director, discusses how the company prioritizes guest experience in every celebration.
Brand Philosophy and Approach
Madamé Dubois is an event planning production company focused on experience, moving beyond typical event planning. During consultations, clients learn that the brand emphasizes experience over mere decoration. Awoh notes that the term luxury has been overused, but Madamé Dubois ensures clients see value in every aspect of their event, from venue selection to entertainment. The brand is heavily invested in entertainment, believing it drives engagement more than static decor.
Storytelling as Core Inspiration
At its heart, Madamé Dubois is driven by storytelling. Each event is intentionally curated to reflect the client's personality, vision, and emotional journey. Rather than following trends, the brand crafts distinct experiences where every detail—from spatial design to guest interaction—is thoughtfully considered. This approach consistently delivers polished, intentional, and deeply engaging events.
Founder's Background
Awoh grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, on Victoria Island. After high school, she studied PR and Advertising at Babcock University. Raised by a single mother who worked as an event decorator and wedding cake baker, Awoh was exposed to the events industry from a young age. She lost her father at age six.
The Birth of Madamé Dubois
The brand was never part of Awoh's plan. She discovered event planning when she helped a friend coordinate a wedding proposal after the original planner failed to show up. She successfully salvaged the situation and was asked to plan the wedding. Within the first eight months, Madamé Dubois executed two destination weddings—one in Mauritius and another in Morocco—and the business grew rapidly.
Abuja Wedding That Went Viral
One recent wedding in Abuja became a global highlight. The brand focused on personal elements, such as the client's hobby as a car dealer. Instead of static car displays, cars were driven in and out of the venue, creating a theatrical experience. The event featured performances by Seyi Vibez and Young Jonn, with appearances by Seyi Tinubu and Seyi Vodi. Guests saw luxury cars integrated into the stage design, with artists arriving and performing around them.
Overcoming Venue Challenges
The client wanted to incorporate his cars but didn't know how. Many venues in Abuja turned them down, fearing damage. Eventually, Transcorp Centre approved after discussions with its president, Owen Omogiafo, who knew Madamé Dubois's reputation. The hall was booked for days for rehearsals to ensure safety.
Beyond Weddings
While weddings are a selling point, Madamé Dubois also handles birthdays, children's parties, and corporate events. One of the brand's first events was the Dangote refinery launch. Destination weddings are particularly popular because they offer better value for money compared to Nigerian weddings, which are extremely expensive.
Navigating International Events
The first destination events were challenging due to time differences, but the team adapted through research. They understand the economic differences between countries, helping clients choose affordable options. Awoh emphasizes realism, advising clients to plan within their means to avoid financial strain.
Client Relationships and Personalization
The brand builds personal bonds with clients, understanding their hobbies and preferences to create events that reflect their personalities. Most clients are based in London, Canada, and America. Every event tells a story through decor, plating, food, drinks, and entertainment.
Demands of Event Planning
Awoh finds event planning interesting and rewarding, despite stress. Seeing everything come together and receiving positive feedback is gratifying. She believes passion is essential, as the industry has changed; planners now charge fees rather than percentages due to high budgets.
Core Responsibilities
An event planner handles 95% of the event, including creative design, theme development, vendor sourcing, itinerary management, and guest experience. Personal items like aso ebi and souvenirs are left to clients. The brand ensures no two events look alike.
Handling Emergencies
Awoh emphasizes crisis management, staying calm when clients panic. She assesses risks before events and trains her team to think of solutions. Past emergencies include sudden rain, vendor scams, power outages, and lost wedding dresses. In one case, a photographer's cameras were stolen in Mauritius; Awoh found a rental camera to salvage the situation.
Destination vs. Nigerian Weddings
Awoh prefers destination weddings for their structure. Nigerian vendors often lack organization, arrive late, or have untrained staff. Event centers prioritize profit over service. In contrast, destination vendors are licensed, have health and safety policies, and manage hazards professionally, making planning easier.
Brand Uniqueness
Madamé Dubois thrives on experience, creative storytelling, and overall ambience. The brand's strength lies in transforming ideas into well-executed experiences that resonate long after the event.
Personal Life
Awoh describes herself as introverted. When not at home, she is often at church. She enjoys traveling, experiencing new cultures, and trying different cuisines, especially restaurants during holidays.
