We recently connected with Eva Clark and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Eva thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How do you think about vacations as a business owner? Do you take them and if so, how? If you don’t, why not?
As a travel enthusiast and someone who deeply believes in experiences over things, I am a firm believer in the power of vacations. I’ve learned the hard way that all work and no play leads to burnout. People who are tapped out aren’t producing their best work or showing up for their loved ones as they normally would. Everyone needs to carve out time to unplug and nurture themselves. Contrary to popular belief, vacations don’t have to be expensive; even a weekend in the mountains can do wonders for your soul.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?
I’m a married mom of three daughters, rooted in the southeastern US with healthy branches extending to Europe.
I had my first experience with event planning while working for a university hospital in Portland Oregon just out of college. A few years later, in 2003, I decided to open my own business which was initially wedding invitations. A few years later, it organically morphed into wedding planning. In 2015 I started offering full planning (only) and began prioritizing destination weddings.
As a boutique planning company, I work with just six couples per year, which allows me to be very hands-on during the planning period. When couples hire me, they get me (not someone else) till the very end.
As a seasoned planner, I know what red/orange flags look like when it comes to hiring partners as well as what questions to ask. One may be surprised how so many obstacles can be overcome by asking the right questions. That is just one of the countless reasons that enlisting the help of a professional planner is vital.
Odd as it may sound, I still cry at weddings. Love in action is such a powerful thing to witness especially from within the inner-circle.
My event design approach is elegant and innovative but not fussy. I want every event I produce to play up the natural elements of the surrounding landscape, as well as a representation of the things that my client loves. I love working in spaces that have a story to tell, which is probably why I’m so darn infatuated with weddings abroad. An honest day’s work in a space that’s 600-years old is such a treasure.
For me, the best days are the ones spent with my family. Of all my accomplishments, I consider my three daughters to be what I am most proud of. Their honesty, humor and support means the world to me.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Making my existing clients happy with the service I provide is key when it comes to growth. Most of my business is word of mouth meaning my prior brides/grooms are talking me up to their friends or peers. Aside from that one of the best investments I’ve made in my business is to enlist the help of a PR Firm.
Confidentiality is vital as well. Over the years, my team and I have witnessed some unsavory and even scandalous behavior behind the scenes. The fact that those details don’t surface ensures that people know they can trust me and my team.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
My story is no different than most successful people; behind the glamorous facade is a lot of hard work and tenacity. My name is on every event I produce and I don’t take that lightly. Part of keeping my brand and legacy strong is in making thoughtful choices when it comes to collaborations as well as knowing what to say “no” to.
Given that my market is global, I like to think that hiring local talent, versus American partners, has led to a greater respect for how I do business in other countries.
Contact Info:
- Website: evaclarkevents.com
- Instagram: @evaclarkevents
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/eva-clark-events
- Twitter: @evaclarkevents
Image Credits
Bottega53 VUE Photography, Perry Vaile Harwell Photography, Alicia White Photography