Today we’d like to introduce you to Tonda Thomas.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve ALWAYS had the dream of being an entrepreneur! I’ve had a passion for helping others for as long as I can remember! My journey began when I finally decided to take a leap of faith toward the pursuit of what really sets my soul on fire, which was planning events!
Over the last 18 years as a certified event planner, I’ve been creating beautiful milestones and memories professionally with my experience in both hospitality management and hands-on. I have a background in business management for operational management. I’ve worked on some of the biggest corporate functions, managing VIP experiences for over 400 employees, and I’ve planned special birthday parties for fewer than 10 guests, delivering an unforgettable evening for each person.
My motto is, “Do what you love, love what you do.” The most common phrase I hear from people when I tell them what I do is how much fun the job must be, and that’s WHERE I want to focus. Being an event planner is fun and filled with high-intensity all rolled into one! Loving how others feel at events is what motivates me. That’s exactly why I LOVE what I do!
As an event company, I’ve always wanted to create something that would make a significant difference in the way people do organizational events. I think I’ve accomplished that! Simply put, I am passionate about special events and serving our clients. That is the one difference that makes all the difference at Laya Events!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As a small business owner, the road to my success was challenging at times. In January 2021, CareerCast pegged “event coordinator” at #5 on their list of stressful jobs. When I signed up for a career in the event planning business, I was prepared to kiss a big chunk of my free time goodbye.
For me, the things that bring me the most joy are also the ones that scare me the most. There were/are days when I say to myself, “Why am I doing this?” “What are you doing?” But the truth is, there is so much opportunity out there. A critical step to pushing past fear is acknowledging its existence, and I’ve learned over the years to stop doubting yourself and selling your accomplishments short; to reach my highest potential; and on top of that, to know that I can! So, I’ve been working vigorously on shifting from a “But, why me?” kind of attitude to “Heck, why not me?” I found my formula for work-life balance and it has been absolutely beneficial to my personal growth and progress in my business.
I’m a firm believer that you really do have to go through a period of feeling confused, feeling stuck and fearful in order to find that desire and that burning sensation inside of you that drives you to go after what makes you happy. Through the years and the struggles of operating my businesses, I have remained steadfast in my one true mission – to always provide the signature standard of Laya Events service and to deliver dreams, great event planning, and solutions to each and every client.
We’ve been impressed with Laya Events, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My name is Tonda Thomas, and I am the Lead Consultant and owner of Laya Events. We are an all-inclusive event business located in Pinson, AL. that offers wedding and event planning services in Jefferson, Tuscaloosa, Shelby, Walker, St. Clair, and surrounding areas. We also travel and provide virtual event planning in all 50 states.
Laya Events is dedicated to providing a custom and personalized experience that delivers unforgettable and memorable moments. We provide services for a myriad of events, including but not limited to weddings, social soirees, corporate events, private parties, and luxury picnics. We’ll be adding a party bus to our list of services offered soon.
Loving how others feel at events is what motivates us. That is why “special events” are very personal. Our relationship with you is built on a foundation of trust and framed with treasuring your event experience as if it’s our own. Our goal is to always deliver a WOW factor and create a wonderful experience where your guests will be talking about your event for a lifetime!
Laya Events believes in giving back to the community and industry through volunteering, sponsorship, and creating standards of excellence while raising the bar of professionalism.
Our mission at Laya Events is to execute innovative events that meet our clients’ needs and desires while creating priceless memories!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My advice for finding a mentor or networking is to pursue both. Having both a mentor and being a part of a network is beneficial to me because I realized early on, when starting my businesses, that in order to be successful I have to surround myself with people I trust, with complementary skills and knowledge I can bounce ideas off of. Mentors are the compass that points you toward success.
My mentor expands my viewpoint, helping me to see multiple perspectives to solve problems and, from my experience, gives me the ability to collaborate and workshop ideas with a trusted source.
The power of networking is a phenomenally important business strategy where like-minded entrepreneurs and seasoned businessmen and businesswomen form professional relationships.
Females About Business Networking Group (FAB), founded in 2016 by myself, officially launched in March 2018 as an outlet for women to inspire and support one another, committed to changing the way women network.
In establishing a supportive, non-competitive community, FAB provides social events that connect other women entrepreneurs to support, motivate, and explore synergies to advance professionally and personally in life.
My goal as the founder of FAB is to help women to achieve professional success and provide opportunities for women to connect, collaborate, and lift other women up by creating a more proactive way of communicating and networking while cultivating and celebrating their ambition. I believe that choosing collaboration over competition is ultimately the choice to believe in yourself and your talents and give yourself a full-bodied chance to succeed.
With nearly 4 chapters nationwide and 69 members that have joined FAB, we’re strong and growing! We are better together!
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Image Credits
Tyra Grayson
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