Jocelyn Avery is no stranger to the event planning industry. From an early age, she shadowed her mother the late Beverly Battle, while decorating events, designing wedding gowns, and wedding cakes. Little did she know at that time, this would be her life’s passion. While following in her mother’s footsteps, Jocelyn learned the art of being detailed and always striving for excellence. From her college dorm, she planned one of-a-kind, over the top events for various colleges on the east coast. Quickly she developed a reputation as the go to person for memorable affairs.
After graduating from college with a B.A. degree in Psychology and Special Education, Jocelyn decided not to pursue a career in Special Education and chased her dream of becoming an event planner. Within two years, Jocelyn received numerous certifications in wedding and event planning and graduated from George Washington University in Event Management. In 2017, J. Avery received 2 additional event management certifications and in 2020 became certified in divorce mediation.
For seven years, Jocelyn worked as a catering manager and director of catering for two of Washington DC’s finest hotels. There she gained the necessary experience to become one of the leading planners in the industry. With the guidance of her father, Joseph Battle, entrepreneurship wasn’t far from her reach. In 2002, Jocelyn leaped out on faith and started her own event planning and production firm. Since, she has planned hundreds of weddings, galas, corporate and social events from coast to coast to include the USA, Africa, Paris, Nevis West Indies, London, Jamaica, St. Marten, Bahamas, St. Thomas, St. John, Punta Cana, Cancun, Tulum, Bermuda, Aruba, San Juan, Barbados and Cruise ships.
From her humbled beginnings, Jocelyn continued to expand her brand and launched her floral design studio in 2005. In 2006, she was celebrated for opening the very first wedding chapel in the DMV, Le Petite Wedding Chapel. Within three years, over 285 couples wed.
Jocelyn is often called the “diva of event planning”. She is known for her posh and lavish design style. Her luxury events are masterfully curated to ensure that each event is unique and specific to each clients’ style and taste. Jocelyn ensures that every client will have a personalized experience and finds value in their planning service. Her high standards and excellence is exhibited in even the smallest details. Jocelyn says, “We are here to make every client’s dream become a reality. We only get one shot. The most rewarding moment in the planning process is to see the client’s expression on the day of the event. It’s priceless!”
Over the past two decades, Jocelyn has continued to build her empire and pays it forward by mentoring aspiring event planners. She coaches potential venue owners and manages several event venues.
Jocelyn is the Author of her first coffee table book “Behind the Mask”, Coping during the Pandemic.
In 2023, J. Avery launched her luxury transportation company, Transport Executif.
Her philanthropic work is known across the country, as she leads alongside her husband their non-profit organization, SO OTHERS MIGHT SLEEP. During the holiday season, Jocelyn donates 55 hotel rooms to the homeless and provides meals, clothes, toiletries and toys for their children.
Jocelyn is a mentor to the youth and women in the homeless shelter. During the summer, she leads with her daughter, the LEVEL UP Entrepreneur and Leadership Bootcamp. Within a 5-week period, Jocelyn helps the youth identify their passions and turn them into profit. With her daughter Sajelle, they have proudly helped all of the youth in their camp establish profitable businesses.
Jocelyn’s passion and life’s work is helping others. In addition to working with the youth, she creates programs for the homeless shelter. She prides in the success of her ASPIRE Career and Personal Development Program for women in the shelter. ASPIRE is an 8-week program that teaches women basic life skills, financial management, personal development, vocational skills, job search and interviewing skills, and housing. At the completion of the program, the women graduate and use what they have learned to secure housing.
