We were lucky to catch up with Vivi Allende recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Vivi thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?

The biggest challenges to profitability in the UK events industry due to the current financial situation include rising costs, decreased demand for in-person events, and budget constraints.
These factors are exacerbated by economic uncertainty and the lingering effects of the pandemic. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
1. Rising Costs:
* Inflation and Supply Chain Issues:
The UK’s high inflation and ongoing supply chain disruptions are driving up the cost of venues, materials, catering, and other essential services. 
* Increased Energy Costs:
Energy prices have surged, impacting venues and event organisers, making it more expensive to run events. 
* Labor Costs:
Attracting and retaining qualified staff has become more challenging, leading to increased labor costs. 
* Marketing and Promotion: Promoting events effectively and reaching the target audience is essential, but it can be expensive and time-consuming. 
* Sustainability: Meeting sustainability expectations while managing costs is another challenge. 


Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

The initial idea for my business was and still is to create beautiful living spaces an affordable price, using the actual furniture, special objects and decorations that clients already have whilst creating a sense of new place and space, in to a minimal cost and time. I combine all kind of period and modern furniture and objects in my work, giving to my clients advice in how to style a space the best possible way in their homes with their own personality.

I am a Mexican born British Citizen, and I have lived in London for over 18 years. I started my business in 2013. I am a highly organised, pro-active and hardworking individual who thrives off interacting with clients in order to create their ideal interior and/or event in a diverse range of communities. 
My business has relied heavily on word of mouth within my local community and beyond and over the past several years has gone from strength to strength due to my positivity and creativity in the face of a range of challenges. For example, during COVID times when there was an absence of interior design work, I reformulated my business plan in order to provide picnic events for couples and families in outdoor spaces around Dulwich and some other areas in South London, which proved to be a very successful initiative.
 As part of my work, I aim to promote sustainability, for example, through recycling of materials for multiple events. I have had the fortune to work with a number of inspiring companies and restaurants, developing specific marketing events and campaigns. For example, for the Mexican restaurant Wahaca, The day of the Dead Festival, The Victoria and Albert Museum an the Southbank, I developed a concept to coincide with the ‘Day of the Dead’ celebrations and planned and implemented an interior and exterior visual displays and workshops. This required not only creativity and imagination, but an ability to plan effectively, stick to budget, and work with a number of different stakeholders to ensure the event was a success.
I am also very capable as part of a team. As part of my events business, I regularly work with other team members and collaborations with other creatives in organising and styling events ranging from weddings and birthday parties, festivals to more corporate events on behalf of companies and restaurants. 
On the corporate side where I work as an event stylist my recent clients include Fortnum & Mason, Wahaca, Nike, House of Hackney, Lanique, Southbank Centre and the V&A Museum.

I believe in giving my best, but also believe in being honest first. This job is very personal to me, so I always aim to make my clients feel comfortable by including them in the creative process from the start. By collaborating and working closely with each of my clients it allows to deliver a unique style that fits every briefing.

Interiors & Event Design has gone from being my interest, to my passion and my business.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Honestly Always. My rule #1

The most effective strategy to grow clientele is to build strong relationships with existing clients and leverage them for referrals, while also maximising your online presence and actively engaging with your target audience.

Some of the points that are important for me:
Build strong relationships:
Prioritize client satisfaction and cultivate trust through excellent service and communication. 
Encourage referrals:
Implement a referral program to incentivize existing clients to recommend my business to their network. 
Gather feedback:
Use feedback mechanisms to understand client needs and preferences, allowing for service improvements.
Utilise social media:
Engage with my audience on relevant social media platforms, sharing valuable content and building a community.
Network strategically:
Attend industry events, join relevant online communities, and connect with potential clients and partners. 

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My business has relied heavily on word of mouth within my local community and beyond and over the past several years has gone from strength to strength due to my positivity and creativity in the face of a range of challenges.
During COVID times when there was an absence of interior design work, I reformulated my business plan in order to provide picnic events for couples and families in outdoor spaces around Dulwich and some other areas in South London, which proved to be a very successful initiative.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ByVivi.Co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byvivi.co/
• Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/vivi-allende-839ab5129

Image Credits

I certified that I have all the rights for images and they all belong to ByVivi.Co