Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Melissa Buffaloe. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Melissa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made?

The best investment I ever made was taking the time to expand my network within the industry. I feel like I wasted so much money at the beginning on online resources to generate leads…the return on investment just wasn’t there.

Instead, I began working with other wedding planners and attending networking events. It took time, but the connections I made actually working with and array of venues, caterers, photographers, DJs, entertainers, florists, etc really impacted my business. I would simply be myself and kick ass at my job. Vendors started speaking extremely highly of me and referring me business because they wanted to work together again. I owe my success to myself and those around me supporting my business.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I always describe myself as a very down-to-earth person. With parents from New Jersey and Mississippi I have a get-it-done mentality paired with a sweet girl from the south personality. I have a huge heart and I bring that to every aspect of my life including my business, my clients, and family.

I was given the task in my high school economics class to create a business. Name, pricing structure, marketing literature, etc…. that’s when Blue Moon Event Planning came about. Of course it was just a project at that point, but fast forward through graduating college with a bachelor’s degree in Production & Stage Management and Business Administration, then career behind the scenes in theatre, my friend and colleague approached me to coordinate their wedding. I ended up having a great time doing it so I started Blue Moon officially in 2014. I side hustled Blue Moon while being a full time Event Producer working on festivals and concerts until it was time to take the leap 2018 and go all in!

I take great pride in my work, taking care of clients, coordinating vendors, it’s more than a job, it’s my whole being. Working with me isn’t an average experience, I make it fun and enjoyable for you and your loved ones. My relaxed, calming energy sets the tone at the get go. What you see is what you get and I give you my all.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My energy, personality, and reliability are why I’m highly regarded in the event industry. Working with a variety of vendors giving me positive feedback consistently has been the most heart warming in my career. People know when they see Blue Moon Event Planning, that the event is in good hands and will be executed smoothly. The venue trusts their space is protected, the caterers are confident I’ll keep us on time for food service, the photographers and videographers understand I’m by their side to make sure we get the shots, and the DJs know I’m there to queue and get the party started!

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

I have to say my relationships with other vendors has been the most fruitful source of new clients. Their referrals illustrate their certainty in my ability to take care of our clients and most importantly, have a successful event. It’s important to know that being a good person and working well as a team goes so much further than you think.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bluemooneventplanning.com
• Instagram: @bluemooneventplanning
• Facebook: @bluemooneventplanning
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChBR-caFTM443nblq1wkfFg
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/blue-moon-event-planning-long-beach

Image Credits
Teri B Photography, Eve Rox Photography, Tara Deaton Photo, La Petite Photo, Simile Photography, Kenzie Kate Photo, Justin Jay Photography