Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Kirkland.
Amber, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Our humble beginning was in college in 1991. We were asked to plan and decorate an event on campus in honor of the African American students who were members of the National Society of Black Engineers and the Black Unity Congress. After planning and designing a successful event, we were asked to lead all of the organization’s events on campus going forward. We planned and designed our first wedding in 1994 and we have been spreading our love for floral and event styling ever since! We officially launched The Velvet Touch Events in 2001 and it has been an absolute pleasure serving our clients throughout the years.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
We have been through many personal struggles and challenges throughout the years but our business has continued to strive and use our challenges as opportunities to grow and push forward.
In 2010, we had a small office within a larger office building. We used this office to meet with our brides as well as store some of our more popular inventory items. In December of 2010, we received a call that the entire building caught fire and the building was completely engulfed in flames. We lost our office and all of the contents that day. While that was one of the most devastating moments in our business history, only six months after the fire, God allowed us to secure an office that was three times the size of the original office and our sales nearly tripled in 2011 as well. We truly believe everything happens for a reason and we are thankful for each and every success and tragedy that we’ve experienced. It only made us stronger!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
The Velvet Touch Events is a floral and event styling suite, specializing in providing unique and extraordinary designs that are centered on our client’s style and personality. We pride ourselves in providing an event experience that has never been seen before. We believe in setting trends and not following them. We love breaking the “rules”!
What were you like growing up?
I am a creative nerd and an extroverted introvert. LOL. I am an engineer and program manager by trade but I love creating things from scratch. I have always loved math and science but would spend hours with my Dad creating art projects, mosaics and wall murals. I would take a radio apart just to see the inner workings and then challenging myself to put it all back together. So many memories and so much fun!
Pricing:
- Tier 1: Standard ($40-$60 per guest)
- Tier 2: Premium ($60-$100 per guest)
- Tier 3: Platinum ($100+ per guest)
** 100 guest minimum **
Contact Info:
- Website: https://the-velvet-touch.com
- Phone: 8442445420
- Email: info@the-velvet-touch.com
- Instagram: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=8&ved=2ahUKEwi43Zepgo3mAhUDS6wKHdpwCXEQFjAHegQIARAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Feventsbyvte%2F%3Fhl%3Den&usg=AOvVaw2Ta6yQhuB8UzB2d8u0lIXi
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/eventsbyVTE/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/eventsbyvte?lang=en
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/eventsbyVTE/
Image Credit:
Shaleena Cole with LeoSage Images
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