We recently connected with Tequia Lester and have shared our conversation below.

Tequia , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How has Covid changed your business model?

With over 15 years as CEO of “Its All About You Birthdays & Events” a full service event planning company, we were brought to a halt along with most of the world when Covid unexpectedly hit. We were on lockdown and only essential workers were called out to work. I was used to prepping for parties during the week and hosting fabulous events on the weekends. The shutdown left me restless and complacent understanding that my business was a luxury and not a necessity. I was looking forward to getting back out and creating again. After the lockdown was lifted many people were itching to start celebrating again even while still social distancing. I had a repeat client reach out to me who wanted a celebration at home in her backyard due to the fact that most venues were still closed at the time. She chose to have hibachi style food and wanted the entire experience. We set up her backyard like the traditional family style seating around the flattop grill. Because this was our first big event in over a year we left no stones unturned bringing the restaurant to her home…literally. After receiving such an amazing amount of positive feedback, I knew that I was onto something great. “Mobile Hibachi Atlanta” had been born. So, I guess you can say my newest ‘business baby’ was born as a result of Covid.

Tequia , 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?

I guess you can say even with my initial event planning business IAAYB & Events had a crazy beginning as well. After getting laid off from a customer service position and at home for over a year, I became anxious to figure out what was next, what new job I would take on. The problem was, that the job I had gotten laid off from was great and I was a bit spoiled. So my standards were pretty high and nothing seemed to fit lol. Also during this time, I had thrown my oldest daughter an “over the top” birthday party. One of my close friends whose daughter attended the party was impressed and complimented me on how amazing the party was as well as how detailed it was. She mentioned that was not the norm and suggested that I look into doing it full time by opening up my own event planning business. After much much much research, I decided to take a leap of faith and jumped. Although, I had no real knowledge of the ins and outs it felt natural. It felt right. The themes and ideas came with ease (not to say it was easy…by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done) but I knew that this was my God given talent and was excited to get in it for the long haul. After that, I dedicated myself to a lot of researching, networking to find the right vendors , figuring out my niche and my ideal clients. At the time, there was no big social media presence. No Instagram and Facebook had just became the new thing. Other than Pinterest there was no real blueprint or inspirations to obtain assistance from. I spent many long nights on the internet figuring out timelines, pricing, staff expectations, profit, inventory, marketing, how to attract my ideal client and more. The more parties that I booked, the more I began to tap into my talent. I realized that although I loved creating a beautiful event, I wanted each client to have an amazing experience. I wanted them to leave having wonderful memories to cherish for a lifetime. I’ve always been the ‘life of the party’ type of person so that was the easy part . I told myself, just show up and be yourself. My brand would be known for the experience, and it worked. I booked several celebrity clients and was featured on Married to Medicine my first year in business. My brand expanded pretty quickly and I became booked most weekends. As I grew over the years and expanded, eventually I knew that staff would be needed to offer multiple events simultaneously. My staff had to be outgoing, quick on their feet, detail oriented and hard workers. I began offering more services other than just birthday parties. Weddings, corporate events, charity events and more. There is so much going on in the world with just day to day stress for a lot of people. With our events, our goal for the client and their guest is to forgot all the craziness and to enjoy the celebration while living in the moment. To see people smiling, conversating and carefree makes my job so worth it. I love being able to offer a full service experience. The majority of my clients simply just show up. I’ve created an amazing ‘friendor’ list making my business a one stop shop. Wether the client needs entertainment, hostess, catering, or whatever we can take care of it all. This allows the client the freedom to utilize one source and not have to deal with having find several different companies to bring their idea to life. I am their ‘easy button’. Then the ‘Mobile Hibachi Atlanta’ brand was born and has taken off. Because I already had the main focus to my brand as ‘The Experience’ that spilled over into hibachi. I recognized that there are plenty of great chefs here in Atlanta so I had to ask myself…what would make my hibachi company stand out? What makes me different from anyone else. Of course great quality food was at the top of the list but what else? Paired with great customer service, friendly hostess, and the a wonderful experience that would be my signature. We offer full service decorations, entertainment from saxophonist, fire throwers, magicians and more. Seeing as I was always an entertainer, I decided to add on some fun family style games creating my own Mobile Hibachi experience. To date, I am most proud of my resilience and my ability to grow with the times. Always keeping my eyes and ears open ready for new fresh opportunities.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Great customer service and by providing the service that is promised. Unfortunately, in todays time a lot of small businesses don’t understand the value of customer service. It starts from the minute you answer the phone, respond to an email etc. You only get one time to make a first impression. From the moment you are in contact with the potential client they are forming an opinion. I have systems set in place to respond within a timely manner while adhering to business hours. I also choose to return calls when I’m able to offer my undivided attention. Schedule zoom calls when I’ve properly prepared for whatever it is that we will be discussing and have a well executed idea to present. Then once they become my actual client, I understand that communication is key. If something happens and needs to be addressed or alerted to the client it’s done in a professional timely manner. It may sound like a cliché but I firmly believe in treating people how you want to be treated. Also, how do you want them to feel after they engage with you? Once the event is over we send a Thank email as well. Just like any relationship, it’s the small things. Taking the time to create a space where each client feels valued and appreciated is major. The majority of my clients are quick to refer my company to their close friends and family. I also have a lot of repeat clients who literally call me for any type of celebration that they are having. Good customer service goes a long way.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Be the example! Be firm but fair. Set realistic expectations but also give them proper training first. My staff understands that the client is the most important person during their event. I’m big on them being in tune with the client making sure that they receive great customer service. Reward your employees when they exceed what is expected. Everyone wants to feel validated and recognized for their hard work. I pay my staff their worth and in return they are very loyal. I’m a very easy boss but can be a bit of a perfectionist they definitely understand when it’s showtime it’s all business. From start to finish business is business. I am able to leave my staff and know that as a representation of my brand they will not disappoint. Demand respect and give respect in return. It’s a two way street. It’s a partnership even though I’m the owner. It can’t be a one man show. I need my team to be successful and offer multiple events at a time. My staff understand my expectations and show up ready to create a great experience for the client.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://questions921.wixsite.com/iaaybandevents/about
• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/itsallaboutyoubirthdays
• Other: TikTok @thepartyguru1

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