Today we’d like to introduce you to Neena Manley.
Hi Neena, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started working in the events industry in 2014. Originally, beginning the journey as a wedding officiant. I earned my wedding officiant certification to wed family members and friends. As time went on, many people around me were starting to get married and requesting me to officiate their union. That is when the idea of turning it into a business came in. I solely worked in officiating for several years after. Over the course of those years I met many event planners along the way. During numerous events, prior to coming in and officiating the service I would watch the planners prepare, plan, and coordinate the service. At some point the idea of “I can do this too” came to mind. From there, I started shadowing other local event planners and then I went and got certified for event planning in 2018. Once I received my certification, the same planners I would shadow I started working with as a co planner for events they had booked. I was also starting to take on my own clients along the way. Shortly after, I created my event planning company Flashy and Classy Event Co. in 2021. I wanted to create a business model where I combined both services for the wedding/ events industry into one, while still maintaining my services of where I started out with officiating.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I really wish that I could say that it has been a smooth road, but it has not. I faced several obstacles along the way such as being in an oversaturated market where competition is extremely high, in the beginning having to discount services excessively to receive business, dealing with potential clients that ghost you along the way, clients that want to under pay you for your services, difficulties finding qualified assistants, vendors not supporting each other and working together efficiently during the events. Unfortunately, the list could continue to go on.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am known for displaying an elegant style and charisma to event planning. I am very proud of the journey of event planning that I decided to branch out into. I specialize in the motto of making your dreams a reality. In each event that I have had the opportunity to work, I have always no matter how difficult or what may appear as far fetched the reality may be give them highlights to make it come true. I would say what sets me apart from others is not only my experience, but the actual passion that I pour into each project. Along the way not only is my role their planner or officiant, but I always end up being their confidant and friend. Each relationship to me is special because they are trusting me with enhancing a lifelong memory for them, and that task I personally take to heart. I would have to say I am most proud of the conclusion of each wedding day that I have completed because I can look back over the time that I spent with the couple and getting to know them. Then that moment they are walking down the aisle to each other in front of their friends and family it’s gets me every time! For me, it is knowing that I delivered the expectation they wanted on their special day and that goes for both officiating or planning a service.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People are always invited to work with me by reaching out to me and my team on our website or social media pages! I am always looking for new collaborations and business partners they too can feel free to reach out to me. Anyone can support by liking my company’s pages and content, referring me to colleagues, friends, or family to officiate for them or plan/coordinate their events, following my business page, and of course just sharing whether in person or virtually online!
Pricing:
- Always contact for pricing
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.flashyandclassyeventco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flashyandclassyeventco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flashyandclassyeventco
- Other: https://linktr.ee/everythingneena
