Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rae Coleman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Rae thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

I believe in giving more or going the extra mile for one set price at times. Not all clients have the means for 30,000 and above weddings or events, but still would like to have the quality for a lower price. I am not saying low ball yourself, but find a median and negotiate a price this is good for everyone. I like to make sure the client is happy and making sure the client is pleased with your work. In my industry some may say the client gets exactly what they pay for and in some cases clients are actually overcharged. If you don’t have the funds a consultant may tell you outright I cannot assist you with your event or wedding. recently I had a client in particular that I will not mention her name, but she has been a client since my business was founded. She was having a hard time and needed my assistance and also needed to have a payment plan. This meant she could not pay me in full right away. There have been times she could afford my services and others she could not. I never treated her any different and I wanted her to know that I valued her as a customer and appreciated all the times she could pay. One time is not going to change her being a loyal customer. This is the one time I was able to help her and make her event memorable. She wrote me a nice review and has since then booked me again.

Rae, 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?

My name is Rae Coleman. I am a certified planner, certified florist and I have a linen rental company. In addition to the linen company I provide event designs. I am 40 years young. I am a single mother to one teen. I am originally from Milwaukee Wisconsin but I grew up here in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. I come from a strong line of men in my family who were entrepreneurs including my late father, James junior, late grand father James Senior and maternal uncle. This made me also want to become a business owner. I learned about hard work and dedication at a young age. I started creating while just a young girl. I always have paid attention to close details even as a child. I am also able to duplicate clients inspirations often and this sets me aside from most people in my profession.I have made things just by looking at them. Sometimes never making the request before. I have a natural passion and eye for making things look pretty. When I say pretty I am to make a person’s vision come to life and clients are often overjoyed with emotions by the art I create. My art includes custom bouquets, unique centerpieces, and event designs. I worked in the nursing field for 17 years so I have excellent customer service and listening skills. I applied those skills to my business. I have been planning private events since my early twenties. I have also had the privilege of hosting my events around the city making a name for myself and hosting for others. I specialize in cultural events for all ethnicities. I am proud of the woman I have become and noone or any barriers were able to stop me from reaching my goals and dreams. I want clients to know that they will always have a long lasting memory of the experience we shared while planning, decorating ,or just a simple conversation. I am a phone call away and I always can be reached. I appreciate everyone I have come in contact and have learned things about myself as well as others.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

When I first started my business I had only a dream and thoughts of how I would create this business. I did not have any money but I knew I had the gift of gab, I have always been goal oriented, and I knew I wanted to work for myself. I wasn’t sure how I would get my name out there I just knew I needed to start. I had it in my mind and I set out to be known first. I went to any free event I could and then I went back to school for business. I also continued after my business degree to build my resume. I them added certifications. I began to network . I began to get clients from word of mouth and then slowly I began to get referrals for busniess. So I basically funded my own capital very slowly.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

My first large event was launched in 2011. I had a small child and I wanted to host events. Events without any funding. I was working a an intern for a known venue here in Pittsburgh and I was gifted the venue for the event once I stated what my plan for the event was. It actually may have been at an extremely low discount. What I did was market to other businesses and I had them help me market the event through social media, word of mouth, and selling tickets. I pulled in support from all over Pittsburgh. Organizations, ethicities, for profit, non profit, children, adults, seniors and more. you name it. It was a day of celebration, music, dancing,drummers food. line dancing, gele head wrapping, demonstrations. It was an all day event that I even provided daycare for. I tried to think of everything in one place. This is was first and one of the best events I provided for the community of Pittsburgh. I was proud and that was the start and one of the best highlights of my business. I still have most of these relationships today and I am so proud. This is a story I will never forget and I can share with my child.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @misscreativity13
• Facebook: Enhanced Creativity Event Planning
• Linkedin: Rae Coleman
• Youtube: @raecoleman3627

Image Credits
All photos taken by me except the professional personal photo. Corwin Hall of Perfect Image Photography