We recently connected with Sharon Fletcher and have shared our conversation below.
Sharon, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?
I remember coming across planning documents for the business dated back in 2009, while I was completing the business formation documents in December of 2016 to start Chic Collective Group. I was in what I called the “thick of life” in 2009; being a wife and mother, focusing on our six (6) children who ranged from ages 3 to 15 and working full-time. At that time, I remember saying to myself, “This just is not the right time! Where would I find the time to start and manage a business?” Almost every child was in school and active in multiple sports during the school year and summer and it was important to me to be available for our children. So, I waited for what I thought would be the “perfect time” to start the business. Truthfully, there is no perfect time to start a business! The dynamics of life will forever change when you aspire to do more. Life will never be comfortable when you are intentional with your choices to tread unchartered waters! Retrospectively and knowing what I know now, yes, I wish I would have started earlier; however, I choose to focus more on what I’ve learned and experienced, so that I can share that knowledge with others! I will be the first to say don’t wait, go for it now and while you are working on it; here are some resources that can help you along the way.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am an H-Town girl and I love my city! I grew up in Trinity Gardens, Kashmere Gardens and 5th Ward; graduated from Booker T. Washington High School / High School for Engineering Professions and earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Houston. I am proud to say that I earned my undergrad degree while being a mother of 5 with one on the way!
How did I get into the business? I blame my family! (Laughing) With a large close-knit family, I cannot count the number of times I was appointed as the planner and organizer of family gatherings and events. And then that spilled over into coordinating church events, like Ladies Day Programs, retreats, and youth activities. With those experiences and the desire to be a business owner since a young child, I learned that I had a real knack for event planning and management! It didn’t feel like work and I enjoyed it! So, in 2009 I started organizing my thoughts about the business which later turned out to be the blueprint for a business plan. At that time I knew absolutely nothing about how to start a business or write a business plan.
Chic Collective Group (CCG), is an event management and production firm that curates experiences, provides event planning, production, and design services! We provide quality professional customized event services to our clients that run the gamut of non-profit fundraisers, business and product launches, book signings, birthdays, weddings, etc. What sets us apart are client – planner relationships which can play a significant role in the success of an event, identifying and creating event elements that support the client’s vision, and our professionalism. Our goal is to ensure every client has the Chic Experience, transitioning their vision to a long-lasting memorable experience.
I am most proud of our recent work! You never know how good you can be at something until you are challenged! The Chic team planned and executed five (5) events over four (4) days in New Orleans, LA for a celebrity client. We were responsible for event installs, identifying qualified vendors, managing staff, coordinating volunteers, managing travel and logistics for special guests.
What I want people to know about me and my brand…. I want people to know that I am a proud wife and mother of six! My faith and belief in GOD are my foundation and compass for life. I love my city, art and music! I can never miss a good line dance. Because I come from very humble beginnings, experiencing life, and creating moments are very important to me, so traveling and spending time with my family are a priority. And living a limitless life shows my daughters and sons that they can do and be whatever they desire! And how to turn those dreams and desires to goals by writing them down and talking through them and then praying over it so God can provide direction. As a woman, who has sacrificed quite a bit, it is vital for me to provide advice and mentor young girls and share my experiences with other women, so they feel empowered to move forward! Legacy and generational wealth building is important to me as well, no matter how large or small, but understanding it is my responsibility to plant the seed.
Chic Collective Group is a luxe brand that takes care of its clients! Events are intentional moments meant to bring people together for a said purpose in the pursuit of one common goal! HAPPINESS! Whether it’s social or to impact lives, we want to create long-lasting memories! That’s the Chic Experience! I feel honored to be an event planner because I get to experience the joys of life often and do it with some pretty dope people! If God allows, we plan to celebrate our 5th year in business!
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
Upon completion of events, we send thank you notes and/or gifts within two weeks, so our clients know how appreciative we are for their support and them choosing us to serve them and share their time with us. In addition, we send every client in our database a holiday card each year, so they know we are thinking of them and their families. We know a client has many choices as it relates to how they choose to spend their hard-earned money, so we want them to know how much their business means to us.
Follow-ups through thank you notes/gifts also helps us meet one of the core Chic principles as we pride ourselves on great customer interaction and service. Appreciation gifts can include, custom glasses and mugs, pens and notepads, edible arrangements or simply a thoughtful note. Every business owner should allocate funds in their marketing and promotions budget for client gifts. It’s a thoughtful touch that builds relationships and provides value.
We also share updates about the business and client highlights via our quarterly email marketing campaign. This allows us to share the latest and greatest happenings in the business; along with a gentle reminder that we are here to serve their event planning needs.
We are excited this year to introduce and host our first client and vendor appreciation event as we celebrate five years. This celebration is intended to celebrate our milestone and appreciate our clients and vendors who we can’t do business without.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Referrals are the best source of new clients for us! Event planning is a personal hands-on business that is built on trust. Client-planner relationships are important to retaining and attracting new clients. Keeping your word and following through is the key to maintaining a viable relationship and opening the door for current clients to make those referrals. In addition to referrals, social media advertising, which is a work in progress for us, is a great way to expand reach to potential new clients, along with an updated portfolio to highlight work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chiccollectivegroup.com/
- Instagram: @chiccollectivegroup
- Facebook: @chiccollectivegroup
Image Credits
Rodney Glynn Photography, CMoshay Photography and Tony Fluellen Photography