We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Altonia Fowler Dugar. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Altonia below.

Altonia , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I acquired my skills in event production through a combination of volunteering and on-the-job experience. Looking back, there are several strategies I could have employed to expedite my learning process.

First and foremost, I would have actively sought out mentors or experienced event producers who could provide guidance and share their knowledge. Learning directly from seasoned professionals can significantly accelerate skill development.

Additionally, I would have invested more time in attending workshops, seminars, and industry conferences to stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in event production. Networking with peers and experts in the field can open doors to valuable insights.

In terms of essential skills, I believe the ability to anticipate potential challenges and being meticulously prepared are paramount in event production. Attention to detail is also critical, as even the smallest oversight can lead to significant issues during an event.

However, one obstacle I encountered during my learning journey was the limited input I had as a volunteer. While volunteering provided hands-on experience, it often restricted my decision-making authority. To overcome this, I would have proactively sought opportunities to take on more responsibility within the volunteer roles or looked for internships or part-time positions that offered a more active role in event planning and execution.

In summary, my path to becoming an experienced event producer involved volunteering, but I recognize that there are ways to expedite the learning process, such as seeking mentorship, attending industry events, and actively pursuing roles with greater responsibility. The key skills of anticipation, preparation, and attention to detail have been instrumental in my success in this field.

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

I’m delighted to introduce myself and share my journey in the events and beverage industry.

I am the CEO of 202 Media & Events Concierge and serve as the Director of Events Management. Additionally, I am the CEO of Bee’s In The Trap Lemonade & Fruit Tea. My journey into these industries has been shaped by a combination of family influence and a passion for creating memorable experiences.

Growing up, my mother was known for hosting fantastic gatherings and events at our home. I was fortunate to be immersed in this environment, learning the art of event planning from an early age. I became adept at orchestrating parties and gatherings, which laid the foundation for my career in events management.

One of my earliest responsibilities at these events and during Sunday dinners was juicing lemons for lemonade and fruit tea. This simple task sparked my interest in crafting delicious beverages, and I saw an opportunity to turn this passion into a business.

This combination of event planning expertise and a knack for creating exceptional beverages led to the establishment of Bee’s In The Trap Lemonade & Fruit Tea. We specialize in providing on-the-go lemonade cocktails and mocktails, offering a convenient and refreshing beverage option for our customers.

Under the umbrella of 202 Media & Events Concierge, we have successfully produced a range of events in Georgia, including Covington Conyers Community Day, Oktoberfest, Funnel Cakes with Santa, First Fridays Networking Mixer, and The Lupie Chick Brunch. These events have allowed us to showcase our event planning and management skills, creating memorable experiences for our clients and attendees.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

The journey of funding my business, Bee’s In The Trap Lemonade & Fruit Tea, began with a modest initial investment of $50. This capital was a lifeline, and it came from a co-worker who believed in my vision and was willing to support me in getting started.

With that $50 in hand, I immediately put it to good use by purchasing the necessary supplies. These supplies were the backbone of my business, as they enabled me to craft and serve the delicious lemonade cocktails and mocktails that have become our signature offerings.

As the business began to gain traction and generate profit, I implemented a strategic financial approach to ensure its growth and sustainability. I divided the profits into three equal parts, each serving a distinct purpose:

Supplies: One-third of the profit was reinvested into purchasing more supplies. This ensured that we could meet the increasing demand for our beverages while maintaining consistent quality.

Festival and Permit Fees: Another one-third of the profit was allocated to cover festival and permit fees. Participating in festivals and securing the necessary permits are essential for expanding our reach and legally operating the business at various events.

Banked Savings: The final one-third was set aside in savings. Building up this financial cushion allowed us to have a financial safety net for unexpected expenses, business expansion, or reinvestment in the future.

This financial strategy has proven effective and sustainable, as it allowed the business to grow steadily while maintaining financial stability. It ensured that we could continue to participate in festivals, improve our products, and save for future opportunities.

Today, this approach remains a fundamental part of our business model, and we continue to reinvest in supplies, cover festival-related expenses, and save for the future. It’s a testament to the importance of smart financial management and the support of a co-worker who believed in the potential of our business.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When the pandemic hit, it had a profound impact on the events industry. Event venues were closed, gatherings were restricted, and the very nature of in-person events changed dramatically. As the CEO of both 202 Media & Events Concierge and Bee’s In The Trap Lemonade & Fruit Tea, I faced a unique set of challenges and opportunities.

One of the key aspects of my business involved event planning and management through 202 Media & Events Concierge. However, with events not happening and restrictions in place, I had to pivot and shift my focus to ensure the sustainability of the business.

Here are some of the pivots and adaptations I made during this challenging time:

Online Ordering and Delivery: Recognizing the shift in consumer behavior toward online shopping and food delivery, I implemented an online ordering system for Bee’s In The Trap. This allowed customers to safely order our lemonade cocktails and mocktails for delivery, adhering to social distancing measures.

Enhanced Sanitation Procedures: I took sanitation procedures to a higher level to ensure the safety of both customers and staff. This included rigorous cleaning protocols, the use of personal protective equipment, and contactless delivery options.

Going Cashless: To minimize physical contact, I transitioned to a cashless payment system. This not only enhanced safety but also streamlined transactions for customers.

Individually Wrapped Straws: As an additional safety measure, I provided individually wrapped straws to further reduce the risk of contamination.

These changes allowed Bee’s In The Trap to adapt to the new normal and continue serving customers safely during the pandemic. But the story doesn’t end there.

As the situation evolved, I saw an opportunity to merge both businesses, 202 Media & Events Concierge and Bee’s In The Trap, to create a unique synergy. Under this merged approach, we started planning community-focused events where Bee’s In The Trap served as the beverage sponsor. This not only expanded the reach of both businesses but also allowed us to bring people together safely in a socially distanced manner.

This pivot showcased the ability to adapt to challenging circumstances and find innovative solutions to sustain and grow a business during a global crisis. It also emphasized the importance of flexibility, creativity, and seizing new opportunities when they arise.

In summary, the COVID-19 pandemic forced me to pivot and adapt my business strategy, ultimately leading to the merger of my event planning and beverage businesses. This adaptation allowed us to continue serving our community, bringing people together, and offering a unique and safe event experience during uncertain times.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.beesinthetrap.com
• Instagram: @_beesinthetrap
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beesinthetrap.llc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/altonia-fowler-dugar
• Other: TikTok @_beesinthetrap