We recently connected with Tina Sheets and have shared our conversation below.
Tina, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today The first dollar you earn in a new endeavor is always special. We’d love to hear about how you got your first client that wasn’t a friend or family.
My very first client was my daughter’s preschool teacher, and when I found out that she got engaged, I offered to do her wedding for free in exchange for being able to use her images for marketing and media.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a wedding and event planner and have been in the industry for a little over 10 years. I started my business after a messy divorce had me starting over and looking for a career that would allow me the flexibility I needed to be a single parent while also finding a way to support the two of us. I took $500 and formed my business and hit the ground running trying to network and meet anybody that I could that would give me insight or give me a chance. Fast-forward 10 years later, my business now brings in over six figures annually and my business is on the preferred vendor list at some of the most sought after venues in Charlotte and the surrounding areas.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I think always being willing to go above and beyond for my clients and maintaining composure and professionalism has allowed me to build a solid reputation in the industry. Our job is hard. We are often juggling multiple clients as well as multiple needs of our clients. We often become counselors, financial advisors, Designers, people wrangles, and the person that everybody looks to when we need to make a last-minute change. Being able to stay calm poised and kind even in a high stress moment has enabled my business to grow and at the same time maintain a solid reputation.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
I think something that non-creatives would struggle to understand is that as a creative you are constantly selling yourself and what you bring to the table. In my specific role as and event planner we have a ton of intellectual property through years of experience, learning from our success and our failures. It’s that intellectual property that builds confidence in my clients in knowing that they have hired the right person to do the job. I think it is also important to remember to always present yourself professionally and put your best foot forward in any room you enter. You never know who your next client might be or who you might cross paths with that can propel your business forward. It is because we are constantly selling ourselves and don’t have a tangible product to sell, that the way we present and carry ourselves contributes to building that confidence level with our clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.simpleaffairevents.com
- Instagram: @ASimpleAffairEvents
Image Credits
Casey Hendrickson Photography
Demi Mabry Photography
Florals Springvine Design
Clux Florals
Duke Mansion
The Grand Bohemian Charlotte
Marianne Tayloe Cake
Seating Wall Oxum Designs
Lounge furniture Avery James Events