We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stephanie White a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Stephanie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
As a Business Owner of an Event Planning Business, I knew that it was important for me to separate myself and my business from other Event Planning businesses in the Washington, DC Metro area. Back in 2012, I was talking with a friend of mines and by now I had been in business for 6 years, what this friend said to me, help ignite an idea of me putting on my own Bridal Show Expos. Not only would I supply brides and grooms with vendor resources, but I would also supply education to brides and grooms on what they will need to plan their wedding. My wheels began to turn and on January 27, 2013, I produced my first Bridal Education Workshop. “Educating Brides and Future Brides to be on Everything Wedding”. I had varies vendors speak to brides on how and what to look for when booking your wedding vendors. I incorporated everything from Cake Tastings, to music, to Gift Raffles. This event continued to grow and I added something NEW for attendees each year. By year 3, I had added Bridal Gowns and a bridal fashion show!! The brides wanted to see Bridal Gowns, so I gave the people what they wanted! I do a lot of networking with varies bridal vendors, so I always have what I need to execute an event. I have also been fortune to produce Bridal Fashion Shows on LIVE Television.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Stephanie White and I am the owner of Stephanie White Events. I’ve been in business for almost 18 years! I got my start back in 2006 when I worked as a Bridal Hostess at Martin’s Crosswind in Greenbelt, MD. I’ve advertised for 6 consecutive years in Premier Bride Magazine, I’ve been featured on Great Day Washington LIVE TV Show as well as Let’s Talk Live with Julie Wright. I’ve planned over 60 events, ranging from Destination Weddings, Fundraiser Events, to Fashion Shows. I knew that I had a passion for planning events when I realized this was a “JOB” I would do for FREE! I have sponsored and helped put on varies shows with other Show producers local to Washington, DC. I have an internship program and I am always willing to help a client. The services I offer include, Full and Partial event planning services, one-on-one Consultation appointment services, Emcee services, Wedding website creation services, etc. Please check out my website for more services that I offer. My website is www.stephaniewhiteevents.com. People are extremely busy and as an event planner I provide a service of helping the client plan an event that they do not necessarily have time to plan. One thing I want people and potential clients to know about me is that as a planner, as your planner, I will provide top notch services to include around the clock contact and communication for your upcoming event!
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
As an Event Planning Business Owner, there is not much overhead cost. There are varies cost for computer, office supplies, etc. but no office space cost, or major material cost. I pretty much started my business with a computer and Free resources to market my busy, and a lot of Word of Mouth!
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Keep your team involved in all processes and incorporate team building exercises to keep high morale. It’s important to let your team know that you appreciate them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.StephanieWhiteEvents.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/stephaniewhiteevents?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieWhiteEvents?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-c-white-m-s-003355a
- Twitter: eventsbysteph
Image Credits
Don Napoleon