Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Deana Janceski. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Deana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?
I studied Fashion Design in New York and thought that path was exactly what I wanted. Don’t get me wrong, the experience was one I will always treasure but deep down inside of me I knew creating garments wasn’t all that I enjoyed. I loved the fast pace environment, from multi-tasking, planning fashions shows, all the details and logistics that go into an event!
For as long as I can remember, I would always take some sort of initiative at a family or friends event by executing the décor, planning the layout and/or coordinating an event from start to finish. Being involved in those special moments was the spark that started my passion for event planning. I would constantly hear “Deana, you need to start doing events” or “Deana, why aren’t you doing this professionally”.
I had the privilege to plan and coordinate some big events for non-profit organizations with foreign presidents, dignitaries and delegates. What I was able to execute for hundreds of people, came naturally to me as if I was meant to do it. Even with these experiences, I thought since these were volunteer events, it was totally different from making a career out of it. Boy, was I wrong.
For years and I mean years, I would make excuses to myself on how this was just a hobby and how I could never make a career out of it. Well, God had other plans! Covid hit, the world shut down and our daily life did not look the same. I had to sit still and like most people, had time on my hands and lots of it. This was the exact moment when I knew that there was no more running away from my dream. I was about to take some serious action and share d2 Events with the world.
I started like anyone would, baby steps. I Googled and watched videos, I occupied my time with learning how to start a small business. You can’t learn it all through Youtube videos or reading articles, it’s also your personal experiences and finding what works for you. I had a great mentor who is in the industry that I was able to gain knowledge from on the business side of starting a small business as well as in the event industry. I am forever grateful for his time and knowledge!
I registered my LLC., launched my social media platforms, made my necessary documents and jumped right in. I knew this was the time where I had to try and no more wondering “what if”. When you truly have a passion for something and don’t view it as work, you are capable of so much more than you could ever imagine.
I didn’t have it all together when I launched d2 Events. I changed my logo a time or two and only had pictures of my work taken from my phone. I doubted myself a lot but knew that I put my whole heart into every event I laid my hands on. I treated all those events as if they were my own. With the support of family and friends, I put myself out there and landed my first wedding within a few months of launching d2 Events. It was a destination wedding in Mexico. Pinch me! Within 3 months of launching my business I exceeding my personal goal I had set for my first year. I have now done weddings, birthdays, corporate events, and other social gatherings. All because I finally said yes to my dream!
Regardless of where the event is, the budget or the exact details, it’s still someone’s most intimate moment that they are trusting me with. There is nothing better than making their biggest day of their lives, the best day of their lives.
With every event, I challenge myself a little more. We are all capable of making our dreams into reality. All you need to do is jump in and start!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I was born and raised in Macomb, Michigan. My parents came to America at a young age from Macedonia and came with barely anything. They restarted their lives here and worked tirelessly. I learned my work ethics from them and thats to work hard and give every day your all. So when I launched d2 Events, I was all in.
The easiest way to describe what I do is I bring my client’s visions to reality. Contingent on the event, I work together with my clients to gather all of their important details for their special day then I help execute their vision. From there, some of the services I offer are Full Planning, Day of Coordination, Event Design, rental items and other event specific services. Coordinating an event feeds my rush! I like to stay busy but with a purpose. Anything involving an event is my forte. Event designing is the way I am able to express my creativity. Event planning feeds my type A personality and event coordinating fulfills my leadership, take action trait. I love to come up with solutions utilizing my resources and thinking outside the box for my process when navigating my clients through their event.
At the end of the day, my clients come first and my reward is when they see their vision come to life.
What do you find most rewarding about being creative?
With every client I come across, each has their own vision and needs. This jolt of energy comes to me when after months or years of planning, coordinating, and designing that they finally see it all come to life. Events are not just about décor but so many moving parts, so many vendors, so many ideas come into this magical moment.
I have two most rewarding aspects when it comes to d2 Events. My favorite moment during the whole planning, coordinating, or design process is the big reveal. The moment my clients walk into the room and a sense of peace and joy overcome their faces. That’s what makes my countless hours planning and designing and paying attention to every detail all the worthwhile. My most humbling moments are the client referrals and reviews. There is nothing more gratifying then a previous client recommending you. A referral is what keeps a small business alive! I am so blessed to have my previous clients as my cheerleaders. From resharing my social media posts, writing online reviews, or telling their friends about d2 Events.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
This would probably go with my previous statement and that’s referrals! People want to have that reassurance and confidence that releasing control of this special event is put in the right hands and previous clients are the ones that confirm that. They are the ones that vouch for you and your brand!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: d2events
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/d2events.and.more
Image Credits
Photo credit include- Herbrand photography, Becca Tipton photography, Becca Gail photography