We were lucky to catch up with Chevonda Reed recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Chevonda, thanks for joining us today. Taking care of customers isn’t just good business – it is often one of the main reasons folks went into business in the first place. So, we’d love to get a conversation going around how to best help clients feel appreciated – maybe you can share something you’ve done or seen someone do that’s been really effective at helping a customer feel valued?

For every client that comes to me I do a bio on them when consulting with them about their event, and I always do something extra to surprise them unexpectedly. So, whether it is a personalized centerpiece, additional service free of charge, etc. I always make sure to go the extra mile to make them feel appreciated for selecting me as their vendor of choice.

Chevonda, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I started my love for creating floral designs and hosting events for myself, my family and friends. And even though my family and friends would tell me how good I was and that I was missing my calling I still wouldn’t step out of my personal circle until one day a friend pushed me to create a centerpiece based off of memory. He had me to look at a new piece of furniture that he purchased and said I need a piece for the living room table, here’s $100, and I need it by today! I looked at him in shock and was like wait, what do you mean today? But I created one of the most beautiful pieces to this day because of my friend pushing me out of my comfort zone. After that I knew that whatever challenge or request that came my way I could create it or bring it to reality.

My services consist of Floral Designs (Faux and Natural), Event Planning and Coordinating, Event Designs and Decor. I handle budgeting, logistics, client needs, and all aspects concerning the event planning process from start to finish.

I am most proud of the relationships that I have built with my clients along the way, the friendships and repeat business that developed from the events. I pride myself in being able to be budget friendly for most clients, being upfront and honest about demand and needs. Being prompt and timely with providing services and a quality product to my clients that they can have beyond just the event.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Even though family is important and a great way to get your business out there, don’t limit your resources to just them. I had to learn to not undermine my value and always offer a discount to them because they are “family”. Just like they are willing to pay others full price they can do the same for you. I will offer once a year “donation of services” within a certain price range, outside of that I have gotten away from discounting my value.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I started with creating a Facebook Page and Instagram page off of my personal page and shared with all my personal connections. Then made sure to be consistent with posting products and services to keep my pages relevant. Ran offers or specials to increase visibility and donate services once a year. And encouraged friends and family to share my pages with their connections.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.ellegantdesignsbychevy.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EllegantDesignsbyChevy/