Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bashan McLeod. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Bashan, appreciate you joining us today. One thing we always find fascinating is how differently entrepreneurs think about revenue growth and cost reductions – both can be powerful ways to improve profitability. What do you spend more of your time and energy on?
I’m a firm believer in Go Big or Go Home! I started off strong with my business. Once I made the decision to officially start I immediately bought inventory. It was necessary to have a base for what I wanted to do. Specifically for event decorators – having fresh equipment is a must. People want the “new new” lol.
I have to make sure that I have access to rent and or purchase what’s needed for my clients. By doing this I have been able to grow my revenue faster than cutting costs ever would’ve. Also, by networking with other event designers and sharing inventory, I found that I no longer needed to buy inventory I could rent it for a fee or do even exchanges with other decorators.
Had I not invested in myself or my business I would not be where I am today!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Bashan McLeod. I was born and raised in Baltimore, MD. I have been a decorator for 5+ years and a self-taught balloon artist with a knack for custom DIY crafting and decor. At EventBay, we specialize in creating beautiful and unique Social Engagements and Parties for the different milestones in our client’s life. As a full-service decorating company, we provide a multitude of services ranging from Balloon Decor, Linen Rentals, Pipe & Draping, Throne Chair Rentals, Candy Tables, Centerpiece Rentals, and everything in between.
We will coordinate and collaborate with our clients to produce an unforgettably beautiful event that will be tailored to them and their vision. During our initial consultation, they have the opportunity to look through our portfolio, learn more about our services and ask any questions they may have. Once we determine what services are needed through this consultation, a proposal will be created and customized especially to their needs.
What I want potential clients to know is that we take every event personally – as if it were going to be for our own friends or family. We give 100% each and every time and our favorite line is, “If we can’t do it, no one can”.
How’d you meet your business partner?
I have the pleasure of working with my husband as my business partner. Initially, he was not on board with this business venture. He thought it was just a hobby for me, and he is not into decor or “being crafty” as he would call it! But he saw my passion and my determination to gain clientele and be successful so he felt he had no choice but to join me. It started off small, with him just blowing up balloons for me or helping to pack the car with my items for the next event. But now we are both committed to this business through and through and I don’t know what I would do without him.
How did you build your audience on social media?
This question is a bit tricky because I don’t think I’ve completely mastered social media. When I started my business I didn’t think I would have to become a full-on “influencer”, so learning the ins and outs of how it works was put on the back burner.
However, I have grown my followers naturally by simpling being myself, networking with others in my industry, and following other entrepreneurs. I try my best to post content that is true to myself and my business. I am doing more reels than picture posts nowadays because that is where I get the most views. I also have Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Tiktok so I can keep up with the latest trends.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theeventbay.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theeventbay/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEventBay1/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4FehBOFBG8YJWKC_hCdCoA
- Other: Tiktok – https://www.tiktok.com/@bayken42?lang=en You can also find us on Official Blackwall Street. Just search for EventBay