Hannah Shaddix Perry (’19) – Perry Parties and Event Services

Sometimes, non-traditional paths lead to entrepreneurial success, which was certainly the case for Hannah Perry. A native of Alexandria, Alabama, she was working full-time at Cheaha Bank in Jacksonville when she decided to attend Jacksonville State University (Jax State) to pursue a business management degree.

"Jax State is a university for students of all ages and in all seasons and stages of life," says Perry. She recalls professors who happily accommodated her full-time work schedule. "There were a few classes I needed to attend on campus. One specific professor, who also had a background in banking, allowed me to arrive a few minutes late to a 4 p.m. class because he understood I worked full-time and didn’t get off work until 4 p.m. That meant more to me than he knew because had he not allowed this, I wouldn’t have been able to take the course."

A self-proclaimed conservative when it comes to taking risks, Hannah might have never taken the leap into business ownership. However, her husband Cody had different ideas. Just four years after completing her degree, his parents' business became available for purchase, and Hannah and Cody decided to buy it. "In May of 2023, our journey began with Perry’s Party and Event Services, LLC. Our inventory includes large tents, tables, chairs, inflatables, waterslides, a stage, and tons of unique items for all sizes of parties and events."

Hannah acknowledges that stress is part of any job, especially the job of a business owner, but she claims it is also the most rewarding experience she’s had. "Every day I think about how grateful I am that this is my actual job!"

Hannah credits her coursework at Jax State with providing her with the valuable management and finance skills that she needed to succeed in multiple work environments. "Even before starting our small business, I utilized those skills in the banking industry for years to succeed." Since their start in 2023, Perry’s Party and Event Services has completed multiple jobs for events at Jax State, which Hannah says has been particularly rewarding. "I consider it a privilege and blessing to do business with my alma mater. Those are full-circle moments."

She also offers advice to students and potential students of all ages: "Do the career that makes you enjoy getting up in the mornings. If you want to own your own business, do it. Take risks. If you want to climb the ladder in a corporate setting, do it. Life is too short to be miserable. Bet on yourself!"

Perry’s Party and Event Services can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and their website.