We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alison Chang. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alison below.
Alright, Alison thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
Let me take you back to the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey. After realizing my passion for event planning and wanting to create a company that could bring joy to others, I knew I had to take the leap and turn my idea into a reality.
It all started with a spark of inspiration and a clear vision in my mind. I spent countless hours envisioning what Alison Rose Events would be, the services we would offer, and the kind of experience we would provide to our clients. But, of course, turning that vision into a thriving business required taking action.
The very next day, after I made the decision to go for it, I dove headfirst into research. I spent hours studying the event planning industry, understanding the local market, and identifying my target audience. I familiarized myself with current trends, industry standards, and best practices to ensure I was well-prepared for the challenges that lay ahead.
Within the first month, I began building the foundation for my business. I registered Alison Rose Events as a legal entity and took care of all the necessary paperwork and permits.
Simultaneously, I created a detailed business plan that outlined my goals, strategies, and financial projections. This plan served as my roadmap, guiding me through the early stages of my venture. I carefully considered my pricing structure, ensuring that it aligned with market expectations and allowed for sustainable growth.
As I was preparing my business to launch, I had to be resourceful and creative. To showcase my capabilities and attract potential clients, I leveraged the power of social media. I created a visually stunning Instagram account, showcasing my design aesthetic and sharing inspiration with my audience. This helped me build an online presence and gain traction within the industry.
In order to gain experience and refine my skills, I offered my services pro bono to friends and acquaintances. By planning bridal showers, birthday parties, weddings, and other special events at no cost, I was able to gain valuable hands-on experience and build a portfolio of successful events.
Every day, I dedicated time to expanding my network and building relationships with vendors and venues. I reached out to industry professionals, attending networking events and trade shows to establish meaningful connections. These relationships would later become crucial in delivering exceptional experiences for my clients.
To ensure the smooth execution of events, I invested time in honing my project management skills. I developed comprehensive checklists, timelines, and client communication systems. These tools allowed me to stay organized, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and provide a seamless experience for my clients from start to finish.
However, as fate would have it, 2020 brought unforeseen challenges that tested my resilience and adaptability. Just as Alison Rose Events was gaining momentum, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, causing a wave of uncertainty and disruption in the events industry. Overnight, our plans for a breakthrough year were shattered as events were put on hold, canceled, or drastically downsized.
Despite the challenges, I remained committed to providing exceptional service and support to my clients. I offered flexible rescheduling options, collaborated closely with vendors to navigate the changing landscape, and implemented stringent safety protocols for the events that were able to proceed. This dedication to our clients’ well-being and satisfaction became the foundation of our business during those turbulent times.
Looking back on that transformative year, it was a whirlwind of hard work, dedication, and continuous learning. I was constantly researching, experimenting, and refining my approach. While there were challenges along the way, each obstacle was an opportunity for growth and improvement.
Ultimately, through careful planning, relentless perseverance, and a strong commitment to my vision, I successfully launched Alison Rose Events. Today, I am grateful for the amazing team I have assembled and the opportunity to create unforgettable moments for our clients. It has been a rewarding journey, and I am excited to see where the future takes us. 
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Let me introduce myself to those who may not be familiar with me and Alison Rose Events. My name is Alison Silvia Chang , aka Alison Rose. “Rose” was middle name before I changed my name after marriage, I was named after my great Grandmother Rose, who lived to be 105 years old! Pretty amazing.
I am the owner and creative force behind Alison Rose Events, a design and event planning company based in Los Angeles. My journey into this industry began with a deep passion for both fashion and creativity.
Having studied Fashion Design and Marketing in school, I gained a solid foundation in understanding aesthetics and client needs. My career took an exciting turn when I had the privilege of working at Vivienne Westwood, where I assisted in launching the brand’s first bridal collection. This experience allowed me to combine my love for fashion with the joy of planning weddings, sparking my decision to start Alison Rose Events in 2019.
At Alison Rose Events, we specialize in designing and planning unforgettable weddings and events throughout Southern California and beyond. Our services encompass every aspect of event planning, including conceptualization, design, coordination, and execution. We are dedicated to creating exceptional experiences that reflect our clients’ unique styles, personalities, and visions.
What sets us apart from others in the industry is our unwavering commitment to personalized service and attention to detail. We understand that every event is a reflection of our clients’ personal style, and we go above and beyond to ensure that their vision is brought to life flawlessly. Our collaborative approach allows us to build strong relationships with our clients, working hand in hand to create a truly memorable event that surpasses expectations.
One of the main problems we solve for our clients is we are a one stop shop. We design in house and produce displays using preferred vendors at a much lower cost than hiring externally. We team up with the right vendors that will match our clients personal style and budget, while providing a guiding hand throughout the entire process, from the initial concept to the final production.
What I am most proud of is the strong network of connections I have formed within the industry. Over the years, I have had the privilege of collaborating with incredibly talented photographers, amazing florists, and quality/reliable rental companies. These partnerships have allowed us to bring our clients’ visions to life, creating breathtaking events that exceed expectations. Furthermore, the relationships I have built with past clients are invaluable. Their continued support, word-of-mouth recommendations, and kind referrals have been instrumental in the growth and success of Alison Rose Events. It’s truly fulfilling to know that our work has left a lasting impression, and we are honored to have earned the trust and loyalty of our clients.
To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that at Alison Rose Events, we pour our hearts and souls into every event we undertake. We are passionate about making dreams come true and delivering exceptional service. We take pride in our ability to create visually stunning and meticulously executed events that leave lasting impressions. When you choose Alison Rose Events, you are not just hiring a planner; you are partnering with a team that genuinely cares about bringing your vision to life and ensuring your special day is everything you imagined and more.
Any fun sales or marketing stories?
Planning an event with Good American in March 2023 was a truly a favorite and remarkable experience for Alison Rose Events. Collaborating with the Good American for their inaugural panel, “Every Body,” held at the prestigious Soho House in West Hollywood, was an incredible opportunity to contribute to a meaningful conversation on diversity, inclusion, and representation in the fashion industry. Guided by the visionary co-founders Emma Grede and Khloé Kardashian, alongside the esteemed model Ashley Graham, our team meticulously coordinated every aspect of the event, ensuring a seamless and impactful experience. From crafting an engaging program to managing logistics and design details, we worked closely with Good American to bring their vision to life. Witnessing the panel unfold, with thought-provoking discussions and powerful insights shared, was both inspiring and rewarding. The event was a testament to the importance of embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity in the fashion world, and we are immensely proud to have played a role in such a significant occasion.
Our collaboration with Good American on the “Every Body” panel has further fueled our passion and purpose at Alison Rose Events. It has reminded us of the very reason why we embarked on this journey—to merge our love for fashion and creativity with the opportunity to make a positive impact and bring joy to people’s lives. We aspire to continue working alongside industry leaders who understand the importance of diversity, inclusion, and representation, as we strive to create immersive events that celebrate individuality and inspire positive change. By intertwining our passion for fashion and event planning, we aim to leave a lasting impact on both the industry and the lives of those we have the privilege to serve
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I believe there are several key factors that have contributed to building our reputation within our industry. First we are commitment to delivering exceptional service and creating memorable experiences for our clients. We prioritize building strong relationships, actively listening to our clients’ needs, and turning their event dreams into reality. Our meticulous attention to detail, creativity, and dedication to going above and beyond have earned us a reputation for excellence.
Secondly, word of mouth has been instrumental in our reputation-building process. Positive recommendations and referrals from satisfied clients and industry professionals have been crucial in expanding our reach and credibility. We deeply value the trust placed in us and consistently strive to exceed expectations, generating positive word of mouth that further solidifies our reputation.
Lastly, our strong network of connections we have cultivated within the industry has been instrumental in building our reputation. Collaborating with talented vendors and other industry professionals has allowed us to create extraordinary events that stand out. The relationships we have formed enable us to deliver top-notch services and access resources that elevate the quality of our work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alisonroseevents.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisonroseevents/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlisonRoseEvents/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/alison-rose-events-culver-city-2
- Other: https://www.stylemepretty.com/vendor-profile/alison-rose-events
Image Credits
Photography Credits: Gloria Mesa Photography Hannah Greenwood Photo Foolishly Rushing In Katie Edwards Photo Scott Clark Photo Pierre Snaps