From teddy bear tea parties to charity fashion shows, Tia McLaurin knows how to plan the perfect event. A graduate of North Carolina State University, her degree in Sociology, all but spells social. That's why, in July of 2009, she launched The Perfect Plan, an event and event concierge firm located in Raleigh. Tia's heart belongs in North Carolina, with its rich history, amazing landscapes and fine southern folks. And who better to plan and throw a party than a true Southerner?

While Tia's goals include travel to six of seven continents (Antarctica being the exception), her goal to stuff the Grammy's and Academy Award "Bags 'o Swag" begins right here in North Carolina with The Perfect Plan.

Just as Tia's a native to the Tarheel state (but a fan of Duke where she teaches event planning classes for their nonprofit certificate program), Tia was, for all practical purposes, born into event planning. At the ripe old age of ten, she was tasked with the napkin fold and bow tie activities associated with various social events. If you've ever tried to tie the perfect bow, you know, it's a skill in and of itself.

From these humble beginnings and with her two best friends from sixth grade at her side, Tia has planned trips to see the greatest high-flying, basketball playing native North Carolinian ever (you know who he is) as well as events in Wilmington that drew crowds from across the city. She works to the sounds of Sade to Chopin, Handsome Boy Model to Shuggie Otis, where the music selection of the moment allows her to draw close to the goals of her clients and inspires her planning.

Got a challenge for her? Bring it on. This poker player can't be beat. Her name alone, translated to "fire" by a village in the Congo, reflects the passion and heat she puts to any project, including the highly successful cheerleaders she's coached for ten years.

Passion. Skill. Creativity. The Perfect Plan.