We recently connected with Shaun Rajah and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Shaun thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights 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?
If I could go back in time, I do wish I had started my business sooner. However, I firmly believe that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and make things happen. We all have our unique journey on this earth, and every moment is an opportunity to create the life we envision.
When I started my business, I was at a crossroads in my life and career. I had accumulated valuable experiences and skills, but I felt there was something more I wanted to achieve. It was a time of personal reflection and a drive to take a bold step towards my passion.
Starting my business sooner would have given me more time to grow and learn, potentially accelerating my success. It would have allowed me to take advantage of earlier opportunities and navigate challenges with more resilience built over time. However, life often presents unexpected changes that make us realize the importance of prioritizing health and family.
Looking back, while I do wish I had embarked on this journey earlier, I also recognize that the timing was right for me. The experiences I had before starting my business were invaluable, shaping my perspective and approach. They equipped me with the wisdom and strength needed to handle the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
Ultimately, whether you start sooner, later, or at the exact right time for you, the key is to take that leap. Embrace the journey, learn from each experience, and remember that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. Life’s twists and turns often bring clarity, helping us prioritize what truly matters: our health, our families, and our passions.
Shaun, 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?
For those who may not have read about me before, my name is Shaun Rajah, and I am the Owner and Principal Planner of Events by Shaun Rajah, a bespoke events and wedding firm that focuses on personalized service.
I was raised in Kuala Lumpur and graduated from the prestigious Institute Vatel in France with a degree in hospitality management. With over 20 years of experience in the hotel industry, my career journey has taken me from the grand dame of Chicago, The Drake Hotel, to the No. 1 hotel in Chicago and No. 7 in the U.S., The Langham Chicago. This transition has equipped me with invaluable insights and expertise in event planning and hospitality.
Events by Shaun Rajah offers a range of personalized services, from meticulously planned weddings to bespoke corporate events. Our primary goal is to solve our clients’ needs by creating unique, unforgettable experiences that reflect their vision and style. What sets us apart is our commitment to personalized service, creative solutions, meticulous attention to detail, and comprehensive planning.
In summary, Events by Shaun Rajah distinguishes itself through:
– Personalized Service: We maintain personal contact with every client to ensure that each event is tailored to their unique vision.
– Creative Solutions: We offer innovative ideas and solutions to make every event stand out.
– Meticulous Attention to Detail: We ensure that every aspect of the event is flawlessly executed.
– Comprehensive Planning: From initial concept to final execution, we handle every detail to create seamless and memorable events.
I am most proud of the trust and satisfaction we have earned from our clients. Seeing their joy and satisfaction is the most rewarding part of my job. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that Events by Shaun Rajah is dedicated to bringing your vision to life and creating unforgettable experiences for you in Chicago and around the world.
We are excited to bring our expertise and passion to every event we plan, ensuring that each one is as unique and special as the clients we serve. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about us. We look forward to creating something extraordinary together.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Right Place at the Right Time:
– Being in the right place at the right time played a significant role in my career. My experience at prestigious hotels like The Drake and The Langham Chicago provided me with the perfect platforms to hone my skills and make valuable connections.
Choosing Friends and Peers Wisely:
– Surrounding myself with supportive, knowledgeable, and inspiring friends and peers has been crucial. They not only provided guidance and mentorship but also opened doors to new opportunities.
Honesty and Kindness:
– Being honest and kind to everyone I encounter has helped build trust and foster strong relationships. Integrity is a cornerstone of my approach, and it resonates with clients and colleagues alike.
Passion for My Work:
– I genuinely enjoy what I do, and that passion naturally shines through in my work. When you love what you do, it reflects in the quality of your service and the satisfaction of your clients.
Timely Responses and Proactive Management:
– Staying on top of things and responding in a timely manner is crucial. It ensures that clients feel valued and that their needs are being prioritized. It’s important to make each guest feel that they are the only ones that matter to us at that moment.
These principles have collectively helped me establish a strong reputation in the market, creating unforgettable experiences for my clients and earning their trust and loyalty.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
The best source of new clients for me has undoubtedly been my former clients. Word of mouth is incredibly powerful in this industry. Satisfied clients who have experienced our exceptional service and personalized attention are eager to share their positive experiences with friends, family, and colleagues. This organic form of marketing has been invaluable, as personal recommendations often carry more weight and credibility than any advertisement could. Our commitment to creating unforgettable events and ensuring client satisfaction naturally leads to these valuable referrals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ShaunRajah.com
- Instagram: EventsbyShaunRajah
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555414287372&mibextid=JRoKGi
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-rajah
Image Credits
Photo 1 : Colin Lyons Photography
Photo 2 : Cristina G Photography
Photo 3 : Colin Lyons Photography
Photo 4 : Carasco Photography
Photo 5 :
Photo 6 : Daniela Cardili Photography
Photo 7 : Gerber & Scarpelli