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

Amanda, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Starting Events by Amanda (EBA) was a huge risk. But let’s take it back to the beginning:) growing up I was an athlete, my parents are so amazing and I am so forever grateful for everything they did for me. Growing up I played volleyball. My parents paid for the best programs, took me to all the local camps, literally drove me 2 hours to practice back and forth 3 times a week so I can play for the top travel teams in Philadelphia. They did it all! All for a volleyball scholarship. My middle school and high school career was filled with volleyball and rewards so I knew I wouldn’t have trouble in that department while searching for colleges, My grades on the other hand was not it. I struggled with school. Private touring, extra time in class during tests etc! So when it came to colleges my selections were limited, which we would already know that. I quickly found a passion for sign language in high school, it came easy to me and I soon became pretty fluent. My family and I were excited to see me excel in something other then volleyball. We definitely took full advantage! We started searching for schools that had amazing volleyball programs but also sign language programs ( at this point I wanted to be a teacher who taught deaf education) we landed on two schools one in Chicago and one in Saint Augustine! We never heard of Saint Augustine so when we visited both schools and programs – Saint Augustine blew our breath away. Can we guess where I ended up? I accepted a scholarship to play volleyball at Flagler College and accepted the duel enrollment program of elementary education/ deaf education! As the years went by I enjoyed my time at Flagler. Met my bestfriends and my GPA was the highest it has ever been! I decided my school was more important and unfortunately left playing ball my JR. Year. With that being said I had some time on my hands to get a job :) so I started what I already knew. Hospitality! Growing up my mother was the queen of hospitality and my father is still a rockstar running his own law firm! When I was in high school I worked in restaurants, working my way through Buss girl, hosting, serving and then bartending! I had a blast! So of course naturally I decided to start there. I went and applied for a serving job and boom got it on the stop! My senior year came around and decided to switch restaurant jobs. This job took my to the next level! After I graduated college I struggled to find happiness in what I thought I wanted to do and it slowly faded away my want to be a teacher, work a 9-5 and everything. Initially my parents were super disappointed! Right clearly? Of course for me leaving volleyball to now not doing what I went to school for which my parents paid a lot of money for! Again Flagler is a private school and I was out of state tuition. The scholarship helped but D2 schools don’t give out full rides. So I became the disappointment of the family. I kinda just went ahead and enjoyed being 22-24 I then realized what am I doing with my life! So the restaurant I worked for had a catering company. So I asked to work a couple events and they said yes immediately. I soon became on the best leads for weddings. I took charge, was organized, I have this contagious smile, and the owners of the company were extremely impressed with my skills! I then moved my way into the corporate office working on these events. This is when it all clicked for me. Working these weddings and events I saw these “wedding planners” doing everything wrong. They were messy, unprofessional, confused, scatterbrained etc! I said to myself Wow I can do that was better! So where do I start? At this point 2016 the rules were different you didn’t have to have a license or liability insurance and all of that. So I decided I should maybe join a company a see where I stand there. I joined a local wedding company here in Saint Augustine for about 6 months and just like I thought I knew I could do this way better. That’s exactly what I did I had nothing! So I went for it! Sink or swim and see where I end up! I started a name, an instagram and facebook page. The restaurant I worked for helped me a lot with my first couple clients. While working in catering I was able to jump in and do both and the owners were okay with that! My first year of EBA I had 15 weddings, half were free lol and the rest I charged Nix to none we all have to start somewhere and that was my risk! 2017 I scaled to 20 weddings, 2018 I had 30, 2019 I had 50 and 2020 was a struggle with Covid but the last two years of 2021 and 2022 have been my best years yet! It’s. A process, it takes time. Now I am 31 years old and my life has never been this fulfilling. I love what I do, I enjoy what I do each and every day, you need to have a certain exterior to be in this industry it’s pretty cut throat honestly! I tell people all the time, do it start something sink or swim try it! It’s definitely not made for everyone but so is any career! Just take the risk :) I believe I started this journey for myself at the exact time. I got into the industry when it really was starting to become up and coming for Saint Augustine being a destination place for tourists and for weddings! I finally got my license and insurance for my business in 2018. I wanted to really make sure in 2016/2017 that this is what I wanted to do before really go all in and creating a name and brand for myself! Now all venues require a business license and proof of liability insurance! My parents can finally they are proud of me and my success. Yes it took sometime but I knew deep down it would all be okay! Positive vibes and a well liked personality will take you far :) enjoy the ups and down and work hard and always go for it! Thank you so much for going down this little trip of memory lane with me Xoxoxox EBA

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?

Hey friends! Welcome to my world! EBA has been my baby since 2016. Invest in the way you want to be treated in this process! For some this process only happens once 🙂 and it’s time to show that! We as planners are here to help you, guide you, befriend you, create memories for you and give you the best time of your life! TRUST US, BELIEVE US, ACCEPT US! Invest in your planner and there won’t be any wondering “what if” .
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My dates fill up faster than most 🙃 And I don’t take on every wedding that comes through my inbox! I need to choose you as well! EBA does not take on clients because they have to fill a requirement through the venue and searching for anyone to fill that role…. Nope! MOVE ON y’all aren’t for us! We want our clients to invest in the process and not just another check mark on there list 🙃
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Y’all want the truth, a friend, a cheerleader, your sounding board, your confidant, your hero, your personal assistant, your dance partner, your saving grace, I am here for you! You hire me, you trust me period. I got you, and I am here for it all!
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Xoxoxoxo Amanda
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www.eventsbyamanda.info

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Choosing my clientele wisely! Not saying yes to everyone that comes through my inbox! Being selective so I can gain the right traction I want for my brand!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My hard work, nonstop work ethic, my outgoing personality and my ability to light up a room :)

Contact Info:

• Website: www.eventsbyamanda.info
• Instagram: Eventsby_amanda
• Facebook: Events by Amanda

Image Credits
Lunic Visuals Colin and Lakin Nicole Villar Michael McDaniel Emily Mathewson