Today we’d like to introduce you to Vida.
Vida, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Although I had obtained a bachelor’s degree in Music Business and was so sure that I was either going to be a music producer or work in the A&R department at a major record label company, my career began and took off with a small sports and entertainment group. Through that company, I had the opportunity to work hands-on for major events, such as the CIAA Basketball Tournament (Charlotte, NC), the Honda Battle of the Bands (Atlanta, GA), and the American Black Film Festival (ABFF- South Beach Miami, Florida). While gaining a wealth of knowledge in sales, sponsorship activation, client relations, operations, & graphic design, I realized that my true passion was event management.
When the recession hit, I had just become a mother to a beautiful daughter and was laid off in year 2009. While it was tough landing the next job, I decided to pursue my master’s degree in Business Administration right away. By year 2011, I still hadn’t landed the next job, so I decided to increase my chances by moving to Atlanta, GA. If nothing else, as my network expanded in Atlanta, the next job offers only got better and better. However, in the meantime, I wanted something for myself- something for my daughter- not only as our own safety net but as a legacy. As this ‘”something” manifested, it came true: [Est. 2011] D.R.E.A.M.- D.R. Events and Management (D.R. are my initials).
From that point on, I have been passionately providing quality services in event management and strategy management consulting. Over the recent years, I have also had the joy of festively decorating homes and businesses during the holidays. My passion for decorating during the holidays came from my mother, who has a December birthday and insistently decorates her home from top to bottom EVERY season. While adopting mom’s traditional decorating style, I have added my own flair of colorful patterns and accent decor that has become admirable year after year.
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?
It has definitely been a challenging road over the years. Some of the struggles were getting/ keeping referrals, having sufficient project funding, and BELIEVING my true worth. Some people will have an idea of what an event should cost, but totally disrespect what your service charge should be because they neglected the fact that the cost to plan and execute an event seamlessly is separate from the cost of items/ vendor services it takes to have an event. This was also a challenge with my holiday decorating services.
Nonetheless, once I consistently received great feedback of my work AND work ethic, I knew that I had to remain resilient in order to receive my true worth.
Please tell us about D.R.E.A.M.- D.R. Events and Management.
D.R.E.A.M. provides quality services in event management, strategy management consulting, and holiday decor.
For the event management services, I specialize in being able to make clients’ dreams and visions come true, no matter the type of event or request. What sets me apart from others is the fact that I have the corporate experience, enhanced by my own skills, creativity, luster, and not settling for any imperfections.
For the strategy management consulting, I specialize in identifying areas in need of improvement for businesses to increase revenue and exposure. Over the years, this has included improving operations for various restaurants/ lounges, and developing or revamping social media accounts for various businesses and non-profit organizations.
For the holiday decor, I specialize in using various color patterns, floral inserts, & other accent pieces. Some other specialties include wiring and blending skills, tree trimming, accent size pairing, custom tree toppers, gift wrap color pairing, and faux gift wrapping.
I am most proud of the following:
*Event Management:
– Destination wedding in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic in December 2018.
*Strategy Management Consulting:
– Strategizing posts on the Instagram account for singer, K. Michelle’s Puff & Petals restaurant during late summer & fall 2017, which resulted in a more organized analytics and increased revenue.
– Strategizing marketing content and revamping the social media accounts for non-profit organization, Atlanta All Stars Talent Show Network.
*Holiday Decor:
– “Mahogany”: the 9ft Christmas tree AND entire home that I decorated for a client in December 2018.
– “WanderLand”: the pink Christmas tree for singer, K. Michelle’s Puff & Petals restaurant in November 2017.
– Teaching “Modern Christmas Tree Decorating” classes at Michaels craft store (Alpharetta location), this holiday season.
– Decorating The Herndon Home Museum (Atlanta, GA) this holiday season.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from childhood is helping my mother decorate our family Christmas tree every year, and attending my family’s annual Christmas family reunion. My mother goes all out EVERY YEAR for Christmas to where her house looks and feels like a “catalog home”. Also, my family’s annual Christmas family reunion is the one time of the year, where EVERYBODY shows up to spread love, joy, and cheer. Not to mention, my mother is also responsible for starting this reunion over 40 years ago.
Pricing:
- Event Management Service Fee: Please contact for more information (+ $125 Consultation Fee)
- Strategy Management Consultation: TBD based on Project (+ $125 Consultation Fee)
- Holiday Decorating Services: Starting at $40/Hour (Does Not include Additional Charges that may be Accrued)
Contact Info:
- Phone: (770) 744-5256
- Email: dreventsmgt@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/dreameventsmgt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DREAMeventsMgt/
- Twitter: dreameventsmgt
- Other: https://www.michaels.com/classes-and-events/classroom#id=modern-christmas-tree-decorating-atl-alpharetta
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