Today we’d like to introduce you to Annalysa “Lee” Coleman.
Hi Annalysa “Lee”, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story has really been about following my passions, even when they’ve taken me in completely different directions. I’ve never believed that I had to choose just one thing to define who I am.
Professionally, I found my purpose in education. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Literature and later my master’s degree in School Counseling. In 2019, I began my career as a high school counselor at Pleasantville High School, where my role has grown far beyond traditional counseling. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to support students academically, socially and emotionally, while also helping them navigate college, career and life after high school. I’ve served in several leadership and student-centered roles, including Early College Counselor, class advisor, pageant coordinator, student council advisor and assistant cheerleading coach. I also currently serve as President of the Cape Atlantic School Counselor Association, which has allowed me to advocate for and support other school counselors throughout the region.
But education is only one part of my story. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial and creative side. In 2012, years before becoming a school counselor, I created 707 Entertainment Group. What started with nightlife and event promotion grew into a business centered around event coordination, marketing, branding, entertainment and photo booth services. Through 707, I’ve had the opportunity to coordinate and contribute to everything from nightlife and celebrity events to corporate, community and private events.
For a long time, I looked at education and entertainment as two completely separate worlds, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized they actually represent the same thing about me: I love creating experiences, connecting people and helping others succeed. Whether I’m helping a student figure out what comes after graduation or bringing an event to life, I’m happiest when I’m able to make an impact.
Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition for the work I’ve done, including being honored by the Pleasantville Chapter of the NAACP for entrepreneurship and being recognized as a Front Runner New Jersey Top 30 Under 40 honoree. Those moments have been meaningful, but I’m most proud that I’ve continued to evolve without feeling like I have to fit into one box.
Where I am today is really the result of saying yes to opportunities, being willing to reinvent myself, and understanding that purpose doesn’t always have to look like one career or one title. I’m an educator, counselor, entrepreneur, event professional and community leader…and every part of that journey has helped shape the woman I am today.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Building 707 Entertainment Group has probably taught me just as much about perseverance as it has about business.
One of the biggest challenges has been building something without always having the support or resources that I needed. I didn’t have investors or a large amount of capital behind me. A lot of times, if I wanted to produce an event, purchase new equipment or expand what I was offering, I was literally saving my own money and reinvesting it back into my business. There weren’t many handouts or people opening doors for me, so I had to learn how to create opportunities for myself.
Networking became a huge part of that. I’ve had to become comfortable reaching out to people I didn’t know, introducing myself, pitching ideas and building relationships from the ground up. Sometimes the resources or connections I needed weren’t available in my immediate circle, so I had to think bigger. I started networking with people in other cities and even other states, finding creative ways to make connections and get the results I needed.
Being a woman in a male-dominated side of the entertainment industry has also presented its own challenges. There have definitely been times when I’ve had to work harder to establish myself, make sure my voice was heard and prove that I belonged in certain rooms. But those experiences also helped me become more confident in what I bring to the table.
There were plenty of moments when I could have stopped because things weren’t moving fast enough or I didn’t have the resources I wanted, but I learned how to work with what I had. I learned how to network, negotiate, be resourceful and, most importantly, bet on myself. Looking back, I think having to build without a blueprint, major financial backing or a huge support system is a big part of why I value everything I’ve been able to accomplish with 707 today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about 707 Entertainment Group?
We offer event coordination, day-of coordination, wedding planning, nightlife promotions, DJs, photography, photo booth services, marketing and more. We work with everything from weddings, birthdays and private celebrations to corporate and community events, nightlife and large-scale entertainment events.
I think what sets 707 apart is our versatility and our ability to create an experience, not just provide a service. Also, our professionalism. I’ve built relationships with talented professionals in different areas of the industry, which allows clients to come to us with an idea and have us help connect the pieces to make it happen.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the growth and longevity of 707. After more than a decade, the business has continued to evolve with me. We’ve expanded our services, worked with some amazing people and organizations, and built a name that people recognize and trust. 707 has now collaborated with celebrities, government officials, schools, the local community, and more.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My biggest advice is to never limit yourself. Some of the opportunities I’ve had today are things I never could have imagined when I first started. I never thought I would be coordinating events with celebrities or sitting in certain rooms, but I got there because I was willing to put myself out there and try.
Network and don’t be afraid to reach out to people you don’t know. The worst someone can say is no, and you’d be surprised how many people are actually willing to help, offer advice or make a connection. Sometimes you have to stick your neck out there, even when you’re nervous.
I would also say stay organized, write things down, stay consistent and always remain professional. Pay attention to what’s happening in your industry, watch trends, learn from your competition and constantly think about how you can improve what you’re offering. Most importantly, self-reflect. Not everything you try is going to work, and that’s okay…figure out what you can do better and keep moving.
If there’s one thing I wish I understood earlier, it’s that no dream is too big. Don’t disqualify yourself from an opportunity before you even give someone else the chance to say yes.
Pricing:
- The Photo Booth is $500 for 4 Hours.
- All event services are tailored to the customer’s needs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.707entgroup.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leeorleelee
