We recently connected with Alexis Karis and have shared our conversation below.

Alexis, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

Absolutely! Naming a business is a deeply personal journey, much like crafting an event that resonates with an individual’s soul. My foray into the event planning world began under the moniker Brick and Ivy. I chose this name because it echoed the timeless, elegant, and foundational essence that underpins every fairytale wedding. The brick represents strength and stability, while the ivy signifies growth and interconnectedness. These elements epitomized my approach to wedding planning, focusing on building strong, enduring relationships and allowing love to weave its way through every event.

However, as time passed and my expertise expanded, I realized that my passion wasn’t limited to weddings. The world of events is vast, each occasion having its unique rhythm and story, from corporate events to life’s milestone celebrations. It was time to evolve, to embrace a broader spectrum of events. And so, Karis Concepts was born. ‘Karis’ encapsulates grace, kindness, and joy. It symbolizes the heart of what I bring to every event – an understanding of its spirit, a commitment to its success, and the joy of seeing dreams come to life.

Rebranding to Karis Concepts was more than just a name change; it was an affirmation of my commitment to craft events that are as unique as the stories they represent, be it a wedding, a corporate gathering, or a celebration of life’s many moments. The journey from Brick and Ivy to Karis Concepts has been incredible, and I am excited to continue weaving stories, memories, and experiences for all my esteemed clients.

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?

Of course! Let’s embark on this journey together, where I share the heartbeats and brushstrokes that have painted my narrative as an event planner.

Life has an uncanny way of nudging us towards our true calling. While I was knee-deep in procurement for a prestigious jewelry brand, the winds of change began to swirl around an unexpected conversation. An old friend, also a colleague, was preparing to tie the knot. Amid our workday exchanges, I casually voiced a budding curiosity about wedding planning. Little did I expect her to circle back a few weeks later with an invitation: to serve as her day-of coordinator.

Without a hint of hesitation, I took the plunge, armed only with enthusiasm and a browser history chock-full of wedding planning tips. That day became a testament to my ability to thrive under pressure, pivot swiftly with solutions, and curate an event that ran with clockwork precision. The experience was transformative – the thrill, the fulfillment, the joy – I knew I had found my calling.

Riding this wave of passion, I launched my own venture in December 2019. I ventured into the digital realm with an Instagram profile and membership on The Knot, using photographs from that debut wedding to showcase my capabilities. The authenticity of my work resonated, resulting in 10 bookings in a mere two months. But as we’re all acutely aware, 2020 threw a curveball none of us saw coming – the global pandemic. As a nascent entrepreneur, I found myself not just navigating the complexities of business but also the unprecedented challenges of a world in lockdown.

My roots in Procurement and Strategic Sourcing became my compass. The skills I honed – from contract reviews, vendor liaisons, rigorous communication, to timeline and budget management – naturally dovetailed into the intricacies of wedding planning. But beyond the technicalities, I relish the canvas this profession offers to my creative spirit. It allows me to dive deep into the stories of the couples I work with, weaving their intimate details into the very fabric of the events I design.

My unique blend of corporate acumen, married (pun intended!) with genuine warmth and understanding, sets me apart. My clientele, primarily working professionals, find solace in the structured, professional, yet deeply empathetic planning process I offer. Life is unpredictable, and I pride myself on flexibility, always prioritizing love and genuine connection over all else.

In essence, I bring to the table a symphony of professionalism and passion. My journey from a candid conversation to standing tall in an industry I deeply respect has been nothing short of magical. I am most proud of the authentic relationships I forge, the memories I help craft, and the love stories I get to narrate in my unique way. To all my potential clients and followers, know this: with me, you aren’t just planning an event, you’re scripting a memory, and every detail will echo with love, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building an audience on social media began with a clear understanding that the process would be a gradual one; a venture built brick by brick with consistent effort and a true representation of myself and my brand. You see, when I started, the imposter syndrome was very real. I constantly found myself in the whirlpool of self-doubt, questioning if I was “good enough” to carve out a space in a platform bustling with seasoned professionals.

But it was then that I realized the importance of being authentic. To truly connect with people, it was essential to be myself unapologetically, showcasing not just the polished final outcomes, but also the process, the learnings, and sometimes, the bloopers. I embraced the narrative of realness, letting my personality shine through my posts, and sharing my journey candidly. It was about creating a space that resonated with not just the triumphs but the trials and tribulations of the event planning world.

As time went on, I observed that people gravitated towards authenticity. They appreciated the real, down-to-earth insights and the behind-the-scenes glimpses that made the grand events relatable. The more I trusted myself and the process, the more my audience began to grow. It was almost like a snowball effect; starting off slow but gathering momentum with time, transforming into a community of people who related to my journey, my experiences, and my stories.

But beyond the posts and stories, what really fostered this growing community was engagement. I made sure to be present, to respond to comments, messages, and to also engage with other creators. It built a sense of camaraderie and a network of mutual appreciation and support.

To anyone embarking on building their social media presence, here’s my heartfelt advice: trust the process. It might seem slow at the start, a small stream trickling, but with consistency, authenticity, and a positive attitude, it will grow into a steady river. Remember that everyone starts from zero; what really matters is being yourself and showcasing your unique perspective.

In a world where there’s a constant influx of picture-perfect portrayals, dare to be yourself. Share your journey with kindness and positivity, and you’ll find that there are people out there who resonate with you, who see the world through a lens similar to yours. And slowly, you’ll build not just an audience, but a community, a family woven together with threads of shared experiences and kindred spirits.

So, step out there with a heart brimming with enthusiasm and a spirit unafraid to be itself. You have something special to offer, and there are people waiting to connect with the authentic you. Keep faith, stay kind, and watch your little space on the internet flourish into a garden of positivity and mutual growth.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building a strong reputation in the event planning market is undeniably a journey of dedication, consistency, and positive relationships. In my experience, fostering good relations with vendors has been instrumental. It’s a fine dance of being kind yet assertive, demonstrating professionalism while also being personable, and most importantly, being genuinely understanding and patient.

I’ve always approached vendor relationships with a commitment to understanding and kindness. In this industry, it is imperative to remember that behind every service, there is a person who might be going through their own set of challenges. So, I make it a point to always show up with a smile, a gesture that can not only lighten their day but also foster a warm and collaborative environment. It’s this approach that has slowly but surely helped me build lasting relationships grounded in mutual respect and understanding.

Furthermore, I cannot stress enough the power of starting each day with a sense of purpose and positivity. Taking the time each morning to get ready and step into the day with a confident and happy demeanor has not just been beneficial for me personally but has extended to my professional interactions as well. It cultivates a vibrant energy that is felt by others and truly sets a harmonious tone for the day’s work.

Over time, I’ve found that this simple yet effective practice has become a cornerstone of my growth in the market. When you show up as your best self, it allows you to forge relationships that are not only professional but also deeply human.

And finally, sprinkled throughout this journey has been an unyielding spirit of gratitude. The act of expressing thanks, be it big or small, has been a catalyst in building a reputation of being a considerate and gracious planner. It’s these small acts that echo loud in the halls of reputation, etching your name as someone who is not just good at what they do, but is good to work with.

To sum it up, building a reputation in the market is a tapestry woven with threads of kindness, understanding, confidence, and gratitude. It’s about showing up as your best self, ready to face the day’s challenges with a smile, while continuously nurturing relationships that stand on the foundations of respect and mutual growth. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I wholeheartedly believe that it’s this blend of professionalism sprinkled with personal touches that continues to aid my growth and presence in the event planning market. It’s a journey I am proud of, and a philosophy I am excited to carry with me as I forge ahead!

Contact Info:

• Website:www.karisconcepts.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karisconcepts/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karisconcepts
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUKExlKYam6YsLARYINn_oQ

Image Credits
Emily Chappell Photography Shannon Skloss Photography