Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ryan Abney. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Ryan , thanks for joining us today. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today
My advice for those starting out is “You can do anything, but you can’t do everything”.
This piece of advice is important for new entrepreneurs that are putting pressure on themselves to do and be all things. Please remember, slow and steady.
Also, this advice comes in handy when entrepreneurs (new and seasoned alike) begin to have imposter syndrome thoughts or comparison fatigue. Embrace the gifts of your fellow creatives and build quality partnerships. It is easier together, than alone.
Ryan , 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?
It’s pretty easy to pinpoint where my love of entertaining comes from. My mother had entertainment down to a science. She was a woman who loved a good get together, with great food and lots of laughter. When I was young, I used to set up these grand tea parties. The major difference being I had to include real tea and finger foods, no pretend events for me; because the details matter.
A love of planning and organization have always been a part of my life. This love became my career choice. I launched RA Event Design in 2012 after leaving my corporate job. I am a wife and proud mother of a teenage daughter. We have a toy poodle named Meadow that has us all at her beck and call.
I love trying new restaurants, live theatre, and traveling. In my free time, you can find me reading, playing board games, or scheduling my next travel destination.
I am passionate about and committed to the love of people. I call myself a connector, because I enjoy bringing people together. I have experience working with a variety of planners/designers and have created a style that is unique. I specialize in personalizing diverse events for each client and handling event situations with grace. No matter what may come my way, I will have solutions; delivered with calm.
My signature is creative and intentional designs with attention to detail and a structured logistical event flow.
I recently added a concierge service, which is another layer of being a connector. I have worked with many businesses over the years and want to provide a service that allows clients access to these connections without the stress of making them. We have all experienced a circumstance when we need a referral for someone who does the thing we are looking for, within our area, meeting the price point, and having a quality reputation. I want to provide those referrals for clients seeking to hire small businesses within the hospitality industry. This is the vision for Ryan Abney Event Concierge or RA Event Concierge.
In addition, I launched Curated (The Collection). Curated has both a gifting and hosting category. The Gifting category is a collection of items that both celebrate small businesses, their products, and the recipient themselves. Curated is about how people feel when they receive these boxes. Unique, Special, Valued. Each inclusion is carefully selected to align with these statements — “Curated by Us, For You”. The Hosting category is a collection of elements styled for intimate dinners and in home events. We have partnered with a collective of businesses to produce a customized tablescape for entertaining and social gatherings. Curated, gives you not only the tools and products, but also a guide and instructions for an easy setup and celebration.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I am pushing boundaries as a woman owned Black business in the wedding and event industry. There are not many Black women owned businesses operating full time in the events industry. This industry has historically been dominated by men, followed closely by white women.
So no, it has not been an easy road. I would not change any of my struggles over the years; as they have greatly shaped how I manage the company. I attempt to approach difficulties with grace and understanding. I also believe in supporting other women owned businesses and highlighting their products whenever possible.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Every small business has their story, their reason, their people.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
These are mine.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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It began as a way for me to continue doing what I loved, but be home with my little one. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I left my corporate job when I was 7 months pregnant, because I wanted to be home with my daughter during her young years. My wonderful husband was in full support of my need to be there, so the decision was made, and I became a stay at home mom. I lost my mother in my early 20s, but I fondly remember her being there for me when I got home from school. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I also remember the businesses she and my father started and that entrepreneurial spirit. I launched this company when my daughter was 9 months old and only took clients that afforded me the luxury of only missing bedtime a couple times a month. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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My husband never pushed me to be on the fast track, but respected how I needed to make this happen. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Fast forward and I now have a teenager and a growing business. She sees my drive to succeed (measured by my own definition of success) and that makes me proud. My husband and I have brainstormed, launched, pivoted, and shuttered several businesses over the years; but we always grow from each experience. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I am a Black owned woman business. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I am RA Event Design.⠀
Contact Info:
- Website: http://ryan-abney.com/
- Instagram: @raeventdesingn // @curatedthecollection
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raeventdesign // https://www.facebook.com/CuratedtheCollection
- Other: https://ryan-abney-event-design.square.site/
Image Credits
Ellie Frances Photography Liv in the Moment Photography Miss Lyss Photography