Today we’d like to introduce you to Precious Stevens.
Precious, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I know how overwhelming it feels to start your own business. I know what’s it like to wish someone would just hand you over a blueprint or show you the step by step process on how to start or grow your business. I have been right where you are when I started my very own first event planning business in November of 2016. I was so excited and I thought I had finally found something I was passionate about that I could build a business with. I was going to be the next Mandy Weiss and I had big dreams for the business. I knew I wanted to be taken seriously, so I thought I did all the right things from the beginning which was to build a brand with all the visually attractive stuff like a website, business cards, a logo, and business name.
Boy, was I wrong! I jumped in headfirst without doing any of the foundational groundwork. I thought I knew what I wanted to do but that changed fast! I had no infrastructure in place, didn’t know my WHY and had no clue what an ideal client was. All of a sudden I felt like someone stuck a pin in my balloon. I found out that I didn’t even like Event Planning!! I was discouraged, frustrated and I felt stuck. Does this sound familiar? I knew I was missing something but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. I started niching down exactly what I wanted to do. That’s when my lightbulb went off. I loved making people happy as well as making things beautiful which is what led me to event design but I knew I needed a plan as well as a purpose. I still didn’t know how I was going to make all of this happen but I knew I was destined to be a boss as well as an educator. I have always made an impact in other peoples lives so I knew I had to incorporate that into my business as well. I was so exhausted of watching all the YouTube videos, grabbing every freebie I can get my hands on, and sitting back watching other event pros go out and be great no matter what their experience level was. If only I had that frikken blueprint!
So, after spending months trying to figure this all out, I took some time off and really worked on organizational steps to building a successful business & brand. I’ve then compiled everything I learned and created my own programs to help other event pros eliminate all of the trial and error that I experienced. I gain so much clarity on just how I wanted to structure my business and really zeroed in on my zone of genius. I’ve invested in the proper coaching and business systems to fully automate my business and provided myself with the proper guidance and guess what else, the FRIKKEN BLUEPRINT! I was so lost before I made these changes and I’m so happy I did. My mission is to help other aspiring or existing event professionals build a profitable business so they can finally leave their 9 to 5 and live a more purposeful life on their terms. I will continue to serve women & small business owners in the events industry who desire to live a life beyond their wildest dreams!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Many of the struggles were due to a lack of knowledge and resources. I had no foundation or plan and was just winging it and attracting all sorts of clients. I didn’t care, to me, I felt busy. I was running into the cheap clients that want elaborate events but would haggle your prices. If only I could land higher-end clients where I could showcase my work, I thought that would be my ticket. I blamed everyone and everything without realizing it was me. I then discovered I was overworked and needed a change FAST! It all started with me, my messaging and my brand that lacked everything at the time. Once I began to take my business seriously and make the necessary investments to run an actual business, things begin to immediately shift.
The Posh Academy – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The Posh Academy is a learning platform where I teach aspiring or existing event professionals how to start or grow their business using the same strategies I used to perfect my messaging, price my offerings at a premium rate and discover how I will help my ideal audience.
I started this business to help those who were in the same boat I was when I first got started. I provide a roadmap to help them achieve their goals FASTER and ultimately leave their 9-5 for good.
I am most proud of the feedback I get from my tribe. They are so appreciative of the work I have done and will continue to do. It provides them hope that they aren’t stuck in an undesirable lifestyle. Having products and services that people actually want and NEED makes me feel like I have discovered my purpose.
What sets me apart is I develop my products and services according to what my tribe asks for. My whole company is based on serving my customers’ needs. I am not driven by a mapped out business plan. Having the ability to change lives and creating such an impact in peoples lives is how I managed my purpose-driven business and would want the model to remain that way.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My proudest moment was the day I left my home town and my job in 2018 and never looked back. My itch for entrepreneurship started with just a small wish to wake up when I wanted to. Truthfully, as small as that is, it still motivates me to continue on this journey because if I was able to work for a company every day for almost eight years, I owe it to myself to push it to the max every day so I can continue to wake up when I want.
I haven’t heard the sound of an alarm clock in over eight months and boy, does it feel good.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5607 Village Pkwy
- Website: www.preciousstevens.com
- Phone: 404-939-POSH
- Instagram: @theposhacademy
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/theposhacademy
- Twitter: @theposhacademy_
- Yelp: The Posh Academy
- Other: bit.ly/PoshonlineInstitute
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
