We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Merlyn Donatien a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Merlyn, thanks for joining us today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

Though I was always planning a bridal shower, baby shower or wedding for my friends or family, planning never felt like something I was going to choose as a career. From the beginning it’s been my passion. I always enjoyed seeing the joy on everyone’s faces after an event and that was rewarding enough for me and still is. When I decided to do this as a business instead of a hobby, I felt nervous not knowing where this path would lead me. I took a certification course for wedding planning at a local college. The day before my final exam I went to the beauty salon and to no surprise I was working on wedding programs for a close friend’s wedding. My stylist was used to me always bringing something event or wedding related to work on. So, we chatted about the upcoming wedding for a bit. As my stylist had me sit under the hooded dryer, one of the other clients asked me what I was working on. I showed her the programs and she asked if I enjoyed planning weddings. We chatted for a few minutes about weddings and shortly into the conversation she asked if I could plan her wedding. It truly was a simple as that. I remember thinking to myself if I had any doubts before the I don’t have any doubts now. She told me about her colors, 250+ guests, 40+ bridal party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, princesses, princes, flowersgirls and more). I felt both excited and nervous because this time it wasn’t for a friend or a family not to mention just starting it was also going to be my biggest wedding. So many thoughts raced through my mind….a stranger who didn’t know me personally was going to trust me with one of the most important days of their life. Though we chatted on so many details of her day, I set up an official meeting with her to go over the contract and details. I still remember driving to meet her and still wondering is she really going to sign the contract, is this really going to happen. It will never be a day I forget; it was from that day that I realized I was meant to do this.

Merlyn, 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?

Officially I have been planning events and weddings going on 11 years. Unofficially I was planning since I was in middle school, lol. My first baby shower was for my aunt, my first godson. I’ve planned and designed conferences, baby showers, birthdays, marriage proposals, weddings and more. For any and every event I put my heart and soul into it, and I treat them as my own. Many of my weddings as I watch the bride and groom exchange their I Do’s I shed a tear of joy because whether I knew them a month or a year there is a certain reward seeing the couple you worked with so happy on such a special day and knowing that they trusted you with that day. The more special ones are the clients that I’ve helped get married, planned their baby shower and just continue to return. Or the children that I have seen grow up every year that I have planned their birthday. Or the baby shower’s that I then get to plan the First-Year old birthday. I have 1 family that I have planned 3 of their weddings and without a doubt I know if they have another wedding they will contact me again. Honestly the list goes on, if there is one thing I am most proud of, it is the returning clients. They trusted you before and they know they can trust you again. Whether it’s a wedding or event with 5 guests or over 1,000 I truly enjoy planning every detail.

Flawless Events is an event and wedding planning firm servicing South Florida and has traveled across the Caribbean such as Haiti, St. Lucia, Grand Cayman, and more. Putting the finishing touches on décor and handling vendors is all in the job description. My team and I work with each client to plan a hassle-free and enjoyable guest experience whether it be an event or a wedding. Aiming to lessen the load of planning, Flawless Events works tirelessly on behalf of clients to ensure each vision becomes a reality. The dedication to creative solutions and attention to detail are valuable skills that my team and I promise to utilize. Guiding couples by the hand through the whole process, the stress of organizing a special occasion is alleviated from day one. Couples can be sure the team is one step ahead of every little worry at all times.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

To be honest, the good old fashion way… not by marketing emails. But sending them messages directly. I keep in touch with many of my clients. There’s just something special about receiving the first baby photo or hearing the news of being pregnant especially from my wedding clients. I remember when the pandemic first hit. I messaged so many of my past clients and without hesitation all of them responded back and also wanted to know how I was doing. And I also believe this is why so many of our clients are so loyal.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

One other comment I hear a lot from clients and vendors is that I have an amazing team. I will not get tired of hearing this. They are as driven and passionate about every event as I am. I’ve had vendors ask how do I keep them, to be honest it’s all about respect and I lead by example not by telling them what to do. They take pride in all that they do. Some events are challenging whether it be Mother Nature or vendor issues behind the scenes, etc, I am there to support them as much as they are there to support me and because of this they will without a doubt stand with me at all times or stand for me if I get pulled away. Managing any team is not an easy task but keeping the morale up by treating them with respect goes a long way.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.flawlesseventsfla.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flawlesseventsfla/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flawlesseventsfla/
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flawlesseventsfla?lang=en

Image Credits
Headshots: The Forefront Media Group
Event: boho (red and beige)- The Forefront Media Group
Event: Teddy baby shower- Miakkom
Wedding: Purple- Skye Dazzle Photography
Wedding : Flemings Photography