Today we’d like to introduce you to Bernadette Birch.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The creative genius behind this innovative Event Management company is Bernadette. After years of climbing the corporate ladder in sales and marketing, I found my true love in event planning and management. I am an Indianapolis native that supplanted to Atlanta at the age of 3, so I pride myself on having a great sense of southern hospitality and can make things happen at the speed of the Indy Raceway. I definitely consider myself as a “Georgia Peach” and have always possessed the passion for planning events, whether it has been planning a trip abroad, baby showers, birthday parties, and even special events for clubs and organizations. After graduating from Alabama A&M University, I embarked on my quest for success. While climbing the corporate ladder, I always dreamed of one day owning my own business. Because of my love of all things fabulous, I experienced my Oprah “A-ha” moment, after planning numerous special events for family and friends at no cost. It was then that I realized I had discovered my true passion in event planning!
After years of attending and critiquing events, traveling to various new cities and countries, daring to try restaurants and volunteering in Atlanta’s Community, I believe I am adequately equipped to become the event planning aficionado I was destined to be. Affectionately known as “Busy B”, I have been told that I have a special gift for planning events. I truly understand the importance of experiencing new things so I can capture special moments for my clients. My true passion lies in making lasting memories and maximizing the possibilities of the present.
Out of all of my incredible accomplishments, my greatest memory to date has been taking the step of faith to start my own Event Planning business…Over & B’yond Events.
Has it been a smooth road?
After I decided to take a “Leap of Faith” to create my own Event Management Company, I was faced with roadblocks. When I started event planning in 2011, I began doing pro-bono events and even bartered to gain notoriety. Some of my potential clients didn’t want to pay or just didn’t have the money I was requesting to have a successful event. I started second-guessing myself and thought I should go back to school to excel in my corporate career. I decided to obtain my MBA degree. Shortly after, I became pregnant with my son. I attempted to push through but after facilitating a client’s wedding, I could not endure standing on my feet for long periods of time so I decided to take a break until after my son was born. When my son turned seven months, I decided to kick FEAR in the butt and pushed through to brand myself by getting my website off the ground, became active on social media, obtained my business license and officially blossomed as a thriving business in 2018. I attended my friend, Angela’s grand opening at JW Event Suite as a preferred vendor and from there, my business has taken off with referrals and my social media platform has garnered positive attention. I have organically grown my Instagram business page to over 900 followers and strive to continue to grow “Over & B’yond” further than what I could ever imagine. This has been a patient process, but it feels good that I continue to make strides with my goals and aspirations for my business. Anything worth having is worth working for and I will.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Ever since I was a little girl, I would always be in awe of parties, events and holiday mornings with my mom. She would go above and beyond to create the absolute best atmosphere that made us enjoy celebrating every aspect of life. I remember thinking as I grew up, “I hope everyone gets to feel this way.” Fast forward to now, my specialty is to go “Over and B’yond” to make your event dreams a reality. Our Event Management company goes the extra mile and “B’yond” the call of duty. We focus on your vision and create a plan together to ensure that your experience will be full of laughter, stress-free, creatively unique, and provide memories that will last a lifetime.
Over and B’yond specializes in creating unforgettable memories for Corporate Events, birthday parties, baby showers, weddings, bridal showers and much more with customized packages including Complete Planning and Coordination, Month of Coordination, Week of Custom Vendor Recommendations and Week of Coordination.
Visit www.OverAndByondEvents.com to get additional information on my customized packages.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes, Atlanta is a great place for business. People always say, “Girl, Atlanta has a lot of Event Planners” and my favorite response is “There is enough food for everyone to eat” Atlanta is thriving and continues to welcome entrepreneurs to make their mark. I am currently working home-based throughout the Metro Atlanta area. My business is growing rapidly and I would eventually like my own intimate event space.
This place would be an atmosphere for clients and guests to feel at home while celebrating their most memorable moments. Leasing a space that is intimate and suitable would be a short-term goal for the business but as the business continues to grow, my overall goal is to eventually have a brick and mortar. I will research the market to locate competitors in the area and analyze opportunities for event planning services over a time period.
7 Tips For Aspiring Event Planners- “If you don’t have a seat at the table, bring your own chair.”
-Get to know local vendors
-Identify ways to build partnerships with other event planners and vendors to offer your clients more value
-Set up alerts and check websites for opportunities to network
-Refine pricing structure and fees as time progresses
-Speak with other business owners, compare notes, solve problems and share inspiration
-Find a mentor in the Atlanta area who could help introduce you to leaders in the community
-Revisit your business plan and goals regularly
Contact Info:
- Website: www.overandbyondevents.com
- Phone: 770-988-4496
- Email: bernadette@overandbyondevents.com
- Instagram: @OverAndByondEvents
- Facebook: Over & B’yond Events
Image Credit:
Nathan Pearcy
Robyn Elicia
Prim & Proper Photography
JoJo Photography
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