Madamé Dubois is a design-led event and destination planning company founded in 2023 by Kelliojor Awoh. The brand began with an intimate proposal, which quickly evolved into a full wedding, and has since established a global footprint in Qatar, Portugal, London, South Africa, Mauritius, Morocco, and Manchester. Awoh, the Founder, CEO, and Creative Director, explains how Madamé Dubois prioritizes guest experience, movement, and engagement within each celebration.
What Makes Madamé Dubois Unique?
Madamé Dubois is an event planning production company focused on experience. Rather than typical event planning, the brand emphasizes creating value for clients. Awoh notes that the word 'luxury' has been overused, but Madamé Dubois ensures every event provides real value. The experience goes beyond decor and food, encompassing the journey from entering the venue to entertainment, which keeps guests engaged.
Inspiration Behind the Brand
At its core, Madamé Dubois is driven by storytelling. Each event is curated to reflect the client's personality, vision, and emotional journey. The brand avoids replicating trends, focusing instead on distinct experiences where every detail, from spatial design to guest interaction, is thoughtfully considered. Madamé Dubois operates at the intersection of creativity and precision, delivering polished and engaging events that leave a lasting impression.
Background of the Founder
Kelliojor Awoh grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, on Victoria Island. She studied PR and Advertising at Babcock University. Raised by a single mother who was an event decorator and wedding cake baker, Awoh was inspired by the industry. The brand Madamé Dubois was conceived after she helped a friend coordinate a wedding proposal, which led to planning the wedding itself. Within eight months, she had executed two destination weddings in Mauritius and Morocco.
The Abuja Wedding That Broke Social Media
For a recent wedding in Abuja, Madamé Dubois focused on personal elements, particularly the client's hobby as a car dealer. Luxury cars were not just displayed but driven in and out, creating a theatrical experience. The event featured performances by Seyi Vibez and Young Jonn, with appearances by Seyi Tinubu and Seyi Vodi. The cars were integrated into the stage, with artists performing around them. This unique approach made the event a global highlight.
Challenges and Solutions
Securing a venue for the car showcase was difficult, as many venues in Abuja turned them down. Eventually, Transcorp Centre approved after discussions with President Owen Omogiafo, who knew the brand's reputation. The team booked the hall for days for setup and rehearsals to ensure safety and prevent damage.
Beyond Weddings
While weddings are a selling point, Madamé Dubois also handles birthdays, children's parties, and corporate events. One of their first projects 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 Global Destinations
Despite challenges like time differences, Madamé Dubois conducts extensive research to understand economic differences across countries. They advise clients based on budget, ensuring realism and avoiding overpromising. The brand maintains a bond with clients, creating personalized experiences that reflect their hobbies and tastes.
Event Planning as a Career
Awoh finds event planning interesting and rewarding, though it can be stressful. She emphasizes that passion is essential, as the industry has become more expensive. Planners now charge fees rather than percentages, as clients spend up to 300 million naira. An event planner manages 95% of the event, including creative design, vendor sourcing, and guest experience.
Handling Emergencies
Awoh stresses the importance of crisis management. She assesses risks before events and encourages her team to think of five worst-case scenarios to salvage situations. Examples include sudden rain, vendor scams, power outages, and lost wedding dresses. In one case, a photographer's cameras were stolen in Mauritius, and Awoh rented replacements to ensure the event proceeded.
Nigerian vs. Destination Weddings
Destination weddings offer more structure, with vendors who are organized and trained. In Nigeria, vendors often lack permanent staff, leading to poor guest experience. Destination vendors have licenses, health and safety policies, and know how to manage hazards, making event planning easier.
Brand Identity and Personal Life
Madamé Dubois thrives on experience, storytelling, and creative ambience. Awoh describes herself as introverted, enjoying time at home and church. She loves traveling, experiencing new cultures, and trying different foods.
