Today we’d like to introduce you to Emerald Able Searcy.
Hi Emerald, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
For the last 15 years ever since my first event (my sweet 16), I have loved the idea of hosting and throwing parties. If you ask any of my family or friends, they will tell you Emerald loves planning and will throw a party for any reason small or big. It actually wasn’t until May 2023, after the arrival of my sweet son (Princeton), that I decided to step out on faith and pursue my dream of being an event planner full-time so that I could quit my job and be home with my family more. Fresh off of maternity leave, I launched my business Elegant Soirees Event which has my initials from my new name after marriage (Emerald Searcy). I booked my first event the same day I launched, which was a blessing from them; it was such a fast process from July 2023 all the way up to now October I have been booked for over 50+ events, and it’s such a blessing. I truly enjoy seeing the reaction to my client’s faces when they walk into their event and see everything come together. It’s such a rewarding feeling to know that I played a part in creating a special and memorable experience for them.
One of the things I love most about being an event planner is the opportunity to use my creativity and attention to detail. I believe that every event should be unique and reflect the personality and vision of the client. I enjoy brainstorming ideas, designing layouts, and selecting decor to bring a client’s vision to life. It’s like putting together a puzzle, except instead of pieces, I’m fitting together different elements to create a cohesive and visually stunning event; being an event planner is not just a job for me but a passion. I genuinely love what I do, and I am grateful for every opportunity I have to create beautiful and unforgettable experiences for my clients.
Alright, 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?
It’s been rocky at times. The financial strain was initially difficult, as my husband and I had to fund the startup of my business ourselves; there was no loan, no small business grant, just our paychecks and the faith of a mustard seed to know God would allow us to not go into debt. However, as my business has expanded, the burden has eased, and I have been able to increase my inventory, and the financial strain has been lifted some.
My team consists of myself, my mom, my husband, and a few friends and family members. Every weekend, we transport and carry all the inventory in and out of venues using a U-Haul, which can be tough. However, I am extremely grateful to have a supportive village that believes in me and my dreams and is always willing to help in any way possible. Their support has been invaluable on this journey.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an event planner who specializes in kid’s parties, weddings, baby showers, and corporate events. I’m known for my organization of events and the quality of making so many events breathtaking.
I’m most proud of myself for starting my own business and becoming my own boss at 26. Not many people can say that, so I’m very proud of everything I have accomplished so far on this new journey. I wouldn’t be here without God’s help.
I believe my spirit and energy to give people an unforgettable event is what sets me apart. I’m not just in it for the money; I’m in it to genuinely make people happy, and I’m so thankful that my clients trust me and give me full creative control and work my magic.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I believe in definitely finding people who are in the same field, I have not been scared to ask other events planners who are in the same line of work questions on (building clientele, how to price, and where to get the best products for clients. They have luckily been so nice to me and have given me any advice I may need to help my business thrive. I believe really marketing myself and keeping my image of my business very clean and elegant looking has attracted people to my business. I record excellent content at all my events so all viewers can truly feel as if they are at the event themselves.
Pricing:
- Baby shower event planning + rentals begin at 2,00”
- Bounce house rentals begin at 250$
- Ballon garlands start at 350
- Backdrops start at 150$
- Wedding planning and day of coordinating starts at 1500$
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elegantsoireesevents.com
- Facebook: Elegantsoirees events
Image Credits
Antoineleverphotography
