We were lucky to catch up with Tyler Reid recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tyler, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you scale up? What were the strategies, tactics, meaningful moments, twists/turns, obstacles, mistakes along the way? The world needs to hear more realistic, actionable stories about this critical part of the business building journey. Tell us your scaling up story – bring us along so we can understand what it was like making the decisions you had, implementing the strategies/tactics etc.

Eminent Events constantly strives to scale up in all circumstances because we know that the journey is what really brings out the best in us. In the beginning phases of my business, I wanted Eminent Events to be a solid reflection of myself which would include (but not limit to) how family oriented I am and how modern my approach is when booking new clients and events. When clients solidify my services for their wedding or event, they join the “Eminent Family” which is meant to be a clear distinction of just being a client. From our site visits, vendor meetings, to our planning meetings, I am intentional about making the feel of our interactions be genuine, real, professional, and undoubtedly fun! From working to decide the pros and cons of potential vendors, perfecting the planning budgets, event design, all the way down to the day of itinerary, we work to ensure you’re treated like family. We make sure to welcome transparency, emotions, and more so that the feelings are all there throughout your entire process. Before all of this there was a huge gap in how I envisioned my approach to secure new clients. It went from slideshows and online brochures (which were not satisfying) to where I am now which is being myself 100%. Honestly, I’ve come a long way as I am super satisfied with how we approach new clients.

I believe that your process is your process. Do what’s best for you and your own self. I had to go through obstacles to experience this for myself and I had times when I would look for help and nobody had answers for me, so I had to do research to get clarity on things. Take some time to yourself to write out your plans and expectations, you’d be surprised at what you come up with!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I got into the business of Weddings & Events just after graduating from Savannah State University back in 2016. I was fortunate enough to have a Dean of the department my degree was in that took me under her wing to provide me with the right track upon leaving the University by the Sea. I immediately started working alongside one of Atlanta’s top wedding planners (a mentor to me now) which gave me a great deal of knowledge that I still use to this day during the implementations of weddings & events I am fortunate enough to plan. My mentor gave me so many tips, tricks, and gems that I am forever grateful to have.

The services I focus on are Luxury Weddings & Events and Destination Weddings. Throughout my journey I knew that I needed another source of reassurance for potential clients to inform my clients that I have seasoned expertise in weddings & events. I am honored to hold the title of A Certified International Wedding & Event Planning Professional. (IWEPP) What sets me apart from other planners is the way I welcome my clients to the Eminent Family! I have put together a special box that includes little trinkets and branded materials that are sure to make any client smile. The thought behind the things I put into the box set the bar for how their experience will be with us. Additionally, my ability to reach social media platforms is like no other! I have found that reels on Instagram really help drive traction to build camaraderie around Eminent Events. I want my audience to know that I am not like other planners, I am so much more than meets the eye.

I am most proud of my business marketing and content I post continuously. I created my business from ground up including the marketing behind it. (Surprise! I’m also a graphic designer) I create all of my content so that I don’t have to outsource for it. The thought behind my business logo, brand mantra, vision and mission really took a while to create because I was seriously intentional behind the perception of Eminent Events. You can always visit me online to learn more at www.eminentevents.com .

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Funding a business can really take a toll on someone if you aren’t careful about how you approach things. I was fortunate enough to let my 9-5 fund my business! I was very strategic about how I allocated funds to ensure my business could stand on it’s own two feet. I am forever grateful that I never had to stress about how I was going to fund my company because I am gainfully employed but if you’ve got existing bills, you’ve got to really keep things together so that you don’t go into a deficit. And there were times that I really felt like I could potentially go broke, but with the trust and faith of God, all things work out in his favor (and mine). I couldn’t be more proud of this empire I am continuously building.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

This is a really good question!! I believe there is no other like social media! Instagram and Facebook (for quite some time) were the number one sources that allowed me to gain clients. However, my website is now cutting a close ratio to beating out social media as this gives potential clients a deeper look into who I am and how I plan weddings & events all over the globe. Initially, I was a little skeptical about creating a website, but I knew that at some point it would be professional to make to gain those clients I envisioned having along the way. But I had no content to post which yet again, put me in a bind. So I sought after hosting a styled shoot which really catapulted me to gain my first official clients. I couldn’t be more proud of the team that helped me along the way to get there. I am forever grateful for them all.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.eminentevents.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/eminent.events
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EminentEventsPlanning/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdQrsMqxzNLwL7P71B7PDw
• Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/eminentevents/

Image Credits

• Stanlo Photography
• Photography By Daniel Lee
• Lance Piri Studios
• Forever Photography ATL
• Visuals By Bruno