Life & Work with Zunaira Kanwal

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zunaira Kanwal.

Hi Zunaira, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I create beauty for celebrations. I became stay at home mom eight years ago. I was working as an Oracle Functional Financial Consultant. My priority was to raise our children and focus on their learning and building a moral character.

I have always loved painting, creating arts/crafts projects, decorating, designing, and baking. So, I was really into celebrating birthdays, cultural events, having family and friends over and impressing them with my unique talent.

About two years ago, we planned on celebrating our kid’s birthday. Since we were expecting families out of state and even out of the country, we decided to host it in an event hall. I had contacted a few local event stylists but the ones with good reviews were fully booked. So, I decided to do it myself.

From dessert chiara arch to mini treats, favors, cakes, table settings, centerpieces to backdrop focal point decorations and much more and it was a hit. Everyone encouraged me to pursue this professionally.

I am planning on going back to my business administration career in the near future, but event planning and styling will always be my favorite thing to do.

Lastly, I would like to highlight the biggest part of my “do what you like” personality trait, “my husband”. Having an impeccable support system helps a lot. Without his unwavering support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Bringing in *quality* clients is the toughest part. I think all of us dislike the idea of turning potential clients away and if you proceed, then both parties will be disappointed with the whole process. In the end, they won’t be getting what they want, and you’ll be overworked and underpaid.

I have seen people have to update their contracts and rebrand because of some of the negativity, which wasn’t really their fault.

The hurdles make for better business in the long run. You realize through practice who you truly want to provide services for. Sometimes we have to turn away potential clients in order to protect our brand and a profit margin.

Networking with other vendors and venues will help counteract these hurdles, also to make sure every touch point is easy for the clients. From website, inquiries to digital contracts and online payments.

Just Don’t give up!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Taking an idea on paper and converting it into reality is amazing! Seeing the client create memories with my abilities makes me content. Their admiration to the overall presentation is a different type of high.

I have worked with many charitable organizations to decorate and organize their events. This is one way I can give back to my community, so why not.

I am thankful to my parents for teaching me the true value of humanity. Decorating refugee homes, knowing their little ones will be enjoying this colorful furbishing or coordinating a fundraiser for flood victims and making people come together to work for a good cause is a proud moment.

Meeting new people is definitely one of the many virtues I love about working in events industry. I got to meet many amazing souls from clients and beyond. I love what I do i.e., “helping others”. If you have a vision, then go for it but be mindful of people around you and their feelings. Always be there to help and you will see new doors of success opening.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Support by sharing and referring. Word of mouth is an organic way of marketing. We offer event planning, styling, and decorations for social and corporate events alongside personalized items, dessert/savory table setup services.

I have a very creative side of me I wanted to embrace. I love all the details that go into planning any event. I am organized, a good listener, communicator and I love when my clients are happy at the end of the project.

Volunteering your time and skills to give back to your community is always a wonderful gesture. As co-founders of non-profit organization “Saiyed Foundation”, we thrive to collaborate with other nonprofit allies. “How can we help” is our reflection. If we can be of any assistance or anyone needs further information, we will always be here.

Stay connected through social networking platforms. At Ozel, we continuously support local businesses to keep the local economy healthy. Feel free to reach out if you are new in this business and need any kind of help.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ozeltreasures
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ozeltreasures