We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Akia Phillip. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Akia below.
Alright, Akia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about the best advice you’ve ever given to a client?
When it comes to booking event venues, the best advice I can ever give to a client is to read the contract provided. I always make sure each client gets a contract that spells out the rules and the things they’ve asked for on the event day. I ask them to take the time to help them go through the contract, encouraging them to ask any questions before they sign it. I stress the importance of checking everything before the event. The story I’m sharing here was a bit of a mixed experience, but it’s a lesson for everyone reading this about how important it is going over the contract provided by any venue.
The client was a third-party event planner. They sent a message inquiring about her client’s incidental deposit that was due 24 hours prior to the event date. I explained how to send the deposit, the client stated that they had not read the contract. Prior to sending the contract, we asked if they would like to add their clients name to the contract so they would receive a copy as well. The client declined. They stated that they signed it and sent it because they did not have time. I advised the client to read the contract as it has pertinent information about the agreed upon time and clean up policy, amongst other things. They stated that, hopefully they will have time to read it and that they remember what I told them about the cleanup policy. I explained to the client the importance of reading any contract and that as a business owner themselves, who writes contracts, that they should understand my point of view. My last statement was that it was highly recommended that you review the policy and review so there are no miscommunications. I thanked them by expressing, I appreciated their business and looking forward to doing more business in the future. We sent a courtesy text to reiterate the most important things to remember for the event as we do with all of our customers.
The client, who was an event planner working for someone else, reached out asking about the deposit due 24 hours before the event. I explained how to make the payment, but they admitted they hadn’t read the contract. Before sending the contract, we offered to include their client’s name on it so they would have a copy, but they said no, claiming they signed it without reading due to lack of time. I advised them to go through the contract, highlighting key details like the agreed-upon time and cleanup policy. They mentioned they might read it later, relying on my verbal instructions about the cleanup policy. I emphasized the importance of reading contracts, especially since they, as a business owner who drafts contracts, should understand my perspective. I strongly recommended reviewing the policy to avoid misunderstandings. Despite this, I thanked them for their business, expressing eagerness for future collaborations. As a standard practice. I sent a courtesy text to reiterate the most important things to remember for the event as we do with all of our customers.
The client’s event was allocated for 6-hour timeframe. The client sent another message via text that they would arrive an hour before the end of the event to clean up. The event ended with the caterer leaving last and all guest exiting the building. Our venue is a small intimate venue. We implemented a self-entry system that allows the client to enter and exit without having to be onsite. However, we can monitor remotely if needed to ensure the facility is being used accordingly. The client contacted us 1.5 hours past the end time that they were on the way to the venue to clean up. By this time, the venue was closed and no entry was permitted.
The client was made aware that their incidental deposit was forfeited and that they should refer to their contract under Event Schedule and Timing Agreement and Post-Event Cleanup Terms. I communicated with the client that we work with our clients to accommodate them when proper communication is given however this did not occur. Surprisingly, the client did not oppose the decision but instead embraced it taking full accountability and apologizing. They apologized for dismissing the various attempts I made for them to review the contract and stated that they would not make that mistake again in the future. We were able to have a positive conversation and both gained insight on the incident on how we will handle any future third party opportunities.
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?
As a seasoned nurse of 16 years, my career has been dedicated to caring for others, navigating the intricate web of healthcare with compassion and precision. Over the years, I have worked as a bedside nurse, ventured out as a travel nurse in different states, growing a perspective on how many healthcare systems operate, furthering my education, obtaining a masters in business administration, then transitioning in administration. All giving me a great experience and gratitude for the patients I have taken care of. However, in my journey, witnessing numerous lives undergo overnight transformations during my tenure as a nurse has left an incredible mark on my perspective propelling me to embrace entrepreneurship. Now, driven by understanding the impactful change often starts with a decisive “do it now” rather than a hesitant “wait”, has me looking forward to this new chapter.
Transitioning from healthcare to entrepreneurship is a bold step, driven by a desire to create an innovative event venue that that extends beyond the uncertainties of a hospital. Providing a space where joy, connection, and unforgettable moments flourish, leaving a lasting impact on individuals and the community. My background in healthcare has equipped me with a unique perspective, fostering resilience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of human needs.
While my passion for nursing runs deep, my current focus is on nurturing my business venture. This shift isn’t a departure for my love for healthcare but rather a conscious decision to cultivate and expand a business that holds the potential to leave a lasting legacy. As I embark on this new journey, my ultimate goal is to build something substantial and create a meaningful inheritance for my son.
I am Akia Phillip, RN, BSN MBA and Business Owner of Plush Events Venue located on 4087 ½ Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia, 19104 in the heart of University City of a blossoming neighborhood undergoing a vibrant transformation known as the Avenue of the Arts West. Nestled within the canvas of gentrification, blending historic charm with a modern twist our venue is one of the best new intimate venues that offers both an unique indoor and outdoor experience that holds up to 50 people with state of the art amenities.
Our versatile venue is the perfect canvas for countless events, catering to diverse occasions and celebrations. From lively birthday parties to heartwarming baby showers, our space transforms to accommodate the joy of gender reveals. We provide an ideal setting for educational classes, fostering a conducive environment for learning and growth. Fitness enthusiast can energize their routines with dynamic fitness classes, utilizing the open floor plan concept for invigorating sessions. We also offer celebration of life events
Our latest initiative to Plush Events Venue is now offering micro weddings by appointment only. We invite clients to walk into an intimate space that is fully decorated tailored for those seeking the perfect blend of elegance and intimacy ready to say “I DO”. Clients can have an outdoor wedding where love blossoms and have the option of have a reception indoors. This initiative is to give couples who want to have a budget friendly wedding without having a high expense giving more of a concentration on the marriage versus the wedding. We offer an Officiant who will complete the paperwork and commence the wedding and offer a 30 min pre-marital session if requested. We offer full wedding set ups for elopements, parties as small as 12 people up to 48 people. For more information, please visit our website and click on the wedding link plusheventsvenue.com.
Step into our awesome event venue that’s a modern contemporary space with sleek gray walls and elegant white crown molding, with LED party lighting built in, that allows you the option to customize it to match any color theme, setting the mood for a seriously unforgettable time. The whole vibe is timeless and chic with surround sound Bluetooth speaker system built in throughout the venue that’s easy to control with an I pad or any electronic device. You can be your own DJ, crafting the perfect playlist for your event or just vibing with some popular music apps. We offer a lush grass green wall, perfect for snapping those insta-worthy photos. Feel free to add a cherry on top of your event by adding on one of extra additions such as our signature swing picture prop, champagne wall, photo booth, luxury chair or our 70-inch Samsung smart tv allowing for great presentations or flashing those personalized messages to make your event stand out and more. We are inclusive with ADA accessibility, seamless Wi-Fi and a HVAC system creating a perfect balance of tech and comfort.
Our outdoor venue is also a vibe offering a serene experience with nature while hosting your guest. Clients have the option of choosing open space or making it more personal adding table and chairs. Our cement has stained flooring proving a unique and stylish finish and a 3D wall decked with flowers. It’s like bringing the outdoors in, making every event feel like a magical experience.
We offer consultations to all of our clients to help coordinate their vision for their event, offer decorating services and preferred vendors for the events
I am most proud of my venue’s ability to be versatile to clients in search of an intimate setting for their event. Whether it’s a cozy celebration, a heartfelt gathering, or an intimate affair, Plush Events Venue stands as a testament to our commitment to creating memorable moments, offering the whole package, blending tech savvy vibes with a touch of nature for an unforgettable time.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
We have a library for all clients who inquire and book with us. Although, we have leads who may have decided to go with another venue, we recognize that could be for several reasons, not necessarily meaning the person did not like our venue. To brand loyalty we send blast emails or text messages sending offers for any upcoming events a prospective or previous guest may be having. If a client or customer has booked with us in the past, we offer an additional percentage off or add towards their next booking. We ask all of our customers to rate us on google and write a review reiterating that reviews help us grow and also allows us to make changes that may be needed. Some of reviews we like to share and post testimonies on social media. We also show brand loyalty by sharing event pictures that our clients provide us with and use them for advertisement.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
We are still considered a new company and are exploring different strategies to grow but the most effective way so far has been social media. Posting daily is very effective and majority of our bookings come from online clients. Advertising on popular search engine’s are effective as well but we receive more inquires than bookings.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.plusheventsvenue,com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plusheventsvenue/?hl=en-gb
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akia.phillip