Today we’d like to introduce you to Donesha Anthony.
Donesha, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I moved back to my hometown of Orlando, FL after graduating from Florida A&M University in the Spring of 2007 with a BS in Business Administration to pursue a career as a District Sales Manager. For six years post-college, I experienced a series of lay-offs and became more and more unfilled in my career. I was struggling to truly identify my passion which made it impossible to be satisfied in the workplaces.
I frequently volunteered myself to close friends and family who depended on my creativity, organization, and network of resources to plan and execute their special events. In 2014, I was asked by a family member to step in as the Day of Coordinator for her wedding, and I was a natural! While working a full-time job in 2016, I started D’Perfect Touch Weddings and Events. My business grew faster than I originally planned. I transitioned as a full time EntrepreneuHER in 2018.
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?
The hardest part was actually making my mind up to start my business. Many people spoke life into my future before I was ready to own it. I got in my own way. I had to re-program my mind. I was afraid of not having a steady income, health benefits for my family, and giving up material comforts. I was afraid to fail. In addition, I did not grow up knowing any business owners. The idea seemed very unattainable.
I put my pride and fears aside. I started turning my worries into prayers and got to work! God opened doors that made it undeniable that I was walking in my purpose. I was a college-educated woman working full time and took side jobs working for other local planners making $9/hour. Most people may think that is crazy. I was paid in-experience, and that was priceless. For two years, I was a one-woman show. I was the planner, customer service consultant, marketing agent, accountant, social media specialist, and web designer. I did it all! God placed people in my life that had walked the path I was pursuing. They gave me advice and became a sound resource to my success. Getting where I am today came with tears, fears, sleepless night, negative bank accounts, and big sacrifices…but GOD! I never lacked. My company even transitioned from a home based/remote business to a brick and mortar location during the pandemic. God provides. My days are never the same, and I LOVE IT! I no longer dread Mondays and countdown to Friday. I live my best life every day!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about D’Perfect Touch Weddings and Events – what should we know?
D’Perfect Touch Weddings and Events is an award-winning wedding and event planning, coordination and design firm based out of Orlando, FL. The DPT experience consists of creating timeless memories, pleasant guest experiences, and a smooth event flow. We are committed to ensuring every detail unfolds beyond our client’s expectations from concept to clean up. We pride ourselves in establishing meaningful and lasting relationships with our clients and vendors in the industry.
Every year we work with couples, clients, and businesses to organize weddings, special events, conferences, etc. We are honored to have a 5-star review rating from past clients and to be highly referred by local industry professionals, corporations, and the everyday working-class families. Overall, we are a well-respected black and woman-owned event planning business.
What sets D’Perfect Touch Weddings and Events apart is our authenticity. We do not try to be anything that we are not. We genuinely want what is best for each potential client that reaches out to us. Most of the time we are a good fit, and sometimes we are not. Either way, we send them off with helpful insight and knowledge that will likely make their planning experience easier. People pick up on our culture, and they trust us.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
There is no force more powerful than a determined woman and I am proud to work in a female-dominated industry. I get to see women in power and leadership every day. The biggest opportunity for women in-general is to remember that supporting another woman’s business does not diminish your own. For example, if someone reaches out to me to inquire about my planning services and I am not available, I don’t let the lead die. I refer that client to another planner. In fact, I usually extend two recommendations. Just because I do not get the business does not mean I cannot forward the opportunity to another planner.
My advice to other women, particularly young women interested in starting a business, is to define YOUR OWN GOALS and work towards them daily. Be a student to your industry. Respect those that came before you and be humble enough to learn from others. Do not be intimated by another woman’s success. BE INSPIRED by their ability to master their craft. God will make room for your gifts, so celebrate others when they win. Lastly, reach back to pull someone else forward in the game because that is the only way to keep the cycle going.
Contact Info:
- Address: 11 N. Summerlin Ave
Suite 285A Orlando, FL 32801 - Website: www.dperfecttouchevents.com
- Phone: 407-283-7525
- Email: info@dperfecttouchevents.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dperfecttouchevents/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dperfecttouchevents/
Image Credit:
Daylin Lavoy Photography
Photography by Najah (headshot)
Emily Prada Photo
Jacques D. Productions
Geraldine Jeannot Photography
Photos by Titus
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