Lakyn Johnson
Lakyn Johnson
Sales Manager
Location: Columbia
I was born and raised in Blythewood, South Carolina and graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management. While in college, I worked for the venue my family owns here in town called, The Farm at Ridgeway handling all the books and weddings. This is actually how I found out about Southern Way!
I actually started as an intern for Southern Way in 2015 while in college. I worked in various positions being able to see an event come full circle. Every day during my internship I had the opportunity to work with different departments to prepare for the events that weekend. I would start out with the sales team at the beginning of the week and then help the logistics team pack all the display pieces, equipment, etc. for the events. Then, I would help in the kitchen to prep food for the events. On Saturdays, I would work an event from beginning to end. I truly think this helped me to have such an appreciation for every single department and the role each of them plays in every event we execute.
Once I graduated, I was offered a full-time position with our company. I am currently the Sales Manager for our Columbia location.
I’m truly passionate about this industry because you have the chance to be a part of one of the happiest days of people lives. It is truly such a joy to see a smile on our clients faces at the end of the event. I have to say rehearsal dinners and weddings would be my favorite events. I just love all the special moments that are a part of both of these events and all the details that go into making them memorable. I also really enjoy showing venues space! I have the chance to meet a lot of people every day. I love getting to meet to people and chatting with them about their special event.
There are so many things that I love about working at Southern Way. I have to say one of my favorite things about Southern Way is the people I get to work with every day. It truly feels like one big family! Southern Way has taught me about thinking on my feet since there are many of changes that can happen at an event. Such as inclement weather, where the ceremony was supposed to be outside but due to the rain, we had to adjust the ceremony to under the tent or inside the building. This is just one of many examples.
When I’m not working, I love spending time with my husband Hampton and our sweet Golden Retriever Duke. I also love spending time at the beach!