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Meet Tamesha Rouse of Simply Elegant Events

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamesha Rouse.

Tamesha, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
In 1997 as a senior in high school, a friend of the family was getting married and she asked a good friend and me if we could help her out. The small tedious jobs that she first gave us turned into more task orientated positions. Working diligently and productive on our tasks caused her wedding to be a success and from then we were known as the ‘event coordinators”. We created “Glorified Events,” a full-service event planning company. However, being so young and at that time having no business concept, we did events for fun, not valuing our time nor talent. We wanted to continue to do what we loved but knew that we could no longer compromise. We needed to be taking seriously.

We created a business plan, worked in hospitality, took business classes and became certified. Out of humble beginnings, Ooh So Fabulous Events was birthed! From that day forward, we took the city by storm. We did events in other states and countries (Canada). We would execute approximately one hundred events a year. From meeting planning to corporate events, nothing was too little or too large. Our pink and black attire with high heels were all the rage. If people didn’t know our names, they would say, “you know the pink and black heeled girls.”

After a decade or more of doing what we loved best, our lives changed. Marriage, children and greater job opportunities presented themselves. My business partner moved to another part of the country and for the first time in my life, I was alone. I first felt inadequate. I didn’t think that I would be able to continue this journey that I love so much. Then I had to remember that I was a child of God and nothing was impossible. I felt totally empowered again, just like I did after my first event. So I flattened my heels, changed the colors and created Simply Elegant Events. I felt like a butterfly coming out of her cocoon and flying high.

As the Senior Event Coordinator and Event Logistics Director of Simply Elegant Events, I work with some amazing clients, vendors and venues. In 2013 I branched out to offer event and logistic consultation to event spaces, churches and companies. As a contractor, I am to use my expertise and experience to help other companies grow!

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?
There were a lot of potholes on the way! Growing up in Detroit and being a young black woman in an industry that, when I started 20 plus years ago, was predominantly white. When you talk about shade, I think the whole tree was thrown at me. “Where did she come from” “Who does she think she is” “I know that this black girl doesn’t have anything that we need to be scared of.” were some of the crude remarks that I overheard. I remember once hosting a large fireworks event at a prestigious venue. They didn’t take me seriously, as if I couldn’t have as much money as they say that was needed. They kept asking who the owners were. They couldn’t believe that I was the owner and Black.

If racial tension wasn’t enough, after years of being in the spotlight, other event companies and planners started “hating.” Sad to say that these were my own African American sisters. I have never been the one to tear down, bad mouth or compete with my peers. There was enough business out there for everyone. I even mentored up and coming businesses to show them the ropes. It’s funny now that I look back and laugh about some of the hateful lies that were told about my business. I’m thankful that I just let those things roll of my back, but it gave me the motivation that I needed to keep going and growing!

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Simply Elegant Events – what should we know?
Simply Elegant Events provides full-scale professional event management and planning services for a range of events. Located in Detroit, Michigan and covering the entire Greater Metropolitan Detroit area, we provide professional coordination of stylish weddings, lavish parties, and special events.

Our goal is to make the event a perfect reflection of our client’s unique themes and ideas while executing every detail to perfection. At Simply Elegant Events, we believe that each event is unique! We provide personalized planning, creative design and endless possibilities to make you feel like a guest at your own event. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of professionalism and service. Our team has the resources to respond to your every need and bring your event vision to life.

We pride ourselves on our organization and swift response times. With us, your planning process will not be overwhelming or stressful; it will be fun and exciting! We can offer you the peace of mind and stress-free planning you deserve for this special day. No matter the size of your event, we are at your service. At Simply Elegant Events, our concern is your satisfaction. We offer total or limited coordination and planning services for weddings, corporate events, birthday parties, celebrations and any event you may need assistance with. I am the Senior Event Coordinator and Event Logistic Director.

The things I am most proud of: I am most proud of having a debt-free company, of teaching my daughters about business at an early age so they can keep the legacy alive. Of being part of other young, black, talented female entrepreneurs, What sets us apart from others is that it’s not just about the event or the money. We get to know people and develop long-lasting relationships. We have done weddings and retired parties for the same client.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Courage! I wish I would have had this at the beginning of my career. There was so much fear. Fearing that I would fail was the worst. Even if I failed forward, that would have been a learning lesson. I would say that failing is the key to succeeding. Mistakes are teachable moments. If you look at failure and mistakes as lessons to learn from, this will encourage you to keep trying to succeed.

If you have Courage, you can step out of your comfort zone, step out on faith, step up quicker then others who play it safe. I stopped second-guessing myself. It helped me develop the right mindset when it came to reaching my goals. I stopped being afraid to try.

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