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

Mikesa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?

I’ve been around large volume events for as long as I can remember. I’ve always been intrigued with taking a single thought and crafting a plan to create the desired result. A spirit of excellence and integrity has allowed me to flourish in an evolving industry for over a decade. The steps that I followed that allowed me to launch my business were the following: ingenuity, fearlessness and GRIT. Today’s society has glamorized everything other than the hard work necessary to to sustain in the event planning industry. I did the work that most wouldn’t do, volunteered and played the long game to establish a reputation that serves me well. Event planning comes naturally to me. I can look at an empty space and automatically know what to do next. My client can tell me their idea and within minutes, I can create the shell of their event. I am purposed for event planning and marketing, it is my talent, and it is my gift to the world. What I had to figure out in the early stages of my business was the backend logistics such as: invoicing and standing firm on pricing. The hours that go into planning and post event wrap up is more than what meets the eye. Knowing how to take the client’s vision and assembling a team that can best serve that particular client is an underrated skillset. I tell my clients “You don’t know what you need, until you need it and it’s not there.” Hire a skilled planner and take a load off!

Mikesa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I absolutely adore all things creative. I love my client’s reaction to the finished product. My clients have learned from me and vice-versa, I value their business and the word of mouth. I got into the industry was by simply following my family to work. I am the third generation of event planners and overall production managers. I’ve seen industry trends fade over the years and the thing(s) that have remained the same is: maintaining excellence and integrity in all that you do. I have an affinity for live music and production due to growing up around the concert promotion industry. I am passionate about local artists and overall artistry. It is my honor to reassure my clients through some of the most nerve-wracking and important days of their lives. I’ve been everything from a coordinator to a shoulder to cry on and I don’t take the title lightly.
I leave no stone unturned, so booking with me comes with post event wrap up as well. The same attitude that I display when securing clientele is the same attitude that I display after the event – which is professional and timely service. While providing event management, I pride myself on is crisis avoidance. It is my duty to be able to foresee any possible crisis and have the necessary contingency plans in place to ensure the day goes smoothly. One of the projects that I am most proud of is the podcast that I implemented as a marketing strategy for a previous mayoral campaign to reach millennial voters. Bridging the generational gap across the board is my intention when working with a diverse group of individuals.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I knew the endless possibilities and the importance of social media influencing earlier on in my career, When social media took off years ago, you couldn’t tell me that e-commerce would surpass the grunt work. If you have a product to sell and it’s marketed correctly, you’ll make money in your sleep.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Most of the business I’ve gained has been through word of mouth. Word of mouth can kill your business. I go the extra mile for my clients to ensure the following: client satisfaction, repeat business and securing new clientele. Integrity is everything and maintaining my clients trust is my top priority. I protect my reputation and my clients reputation by any means necessary.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://upscaleeventsmarketing.com/
• Instagram: upscaleeventsllc
• Facebook: UpscaleE&M
• Linkedin: Mikesa Scales
• Other: 205.419.7196

Image Credits
Brian Pride with @brianpridephotography MUA :Kim Summers @kyss2makeup