Today we’d like to introduce you to Dieudonne Thomas-Wilson.
Hi Dieudonne, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always had entrepreneurship in me, but the right moments had to come along for it to be manifested. My story is one that’s true to the saying, “necessity is the mother of invention. In the early 2000’s while living in Miami, FL, most of my girlfriends were getting married and later started families. I was the single friend who was left with the responsibility to help plan their weddings, baby showers and other life celebrations. Funny thing is, most of their guests thought I was a hired professional. From there, I was finally hired to plan my first professional wedding. Fast forward to 2005, when I relocated to Orlando. At that time, I was working a 9-5, but polishing my event planning skills and networking with local industry professionals. After a few years, I began the leg work to establish my wedding and event planning company, Immaculate Events. That foundation proved to be my saving grace when the 2008 financial crisis happened. I knew that I could not depend on corporate America to secure my career and professional future. So, I decided to combine my management skills and creativity to work Immaculate Events full time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not always been a smooth road. Like in any business, there are challenges. Particularly in the beginning because I was funding the business before I started booking clients. The Orlando market is saturated with event professionals, I had to figure out who my ideal clients were, how to attract them and maintain that niche. I made a decision to be authentically myself, true to my creative ideas and originality.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the founder of Immaculate Events, wedding planner and party designer based in Orlando, Fl. I specialize in creating modern chic celebrations for fashion-loving, well-traveled busy professionals, entrepreneurs and creatives. I’m known for implementing elegance and timeless style in every detail of our events. What I’m most proud of is producing more than 100 amazing event experiences, some of which were featured in bridal magazines and blogs. Offering a hands-on and personalized planning process has established my reputation amongst returning clients, who continue to refer their family and friends.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Relationship development is important in business and life. Building relationships in and out of the events industry has been key in my growth as an entrepreneur.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@immacevents.com
- Website: www.immacevents.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/immaculateeventsllc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImmaculateEventsLLC
Image Credits
Photo Credit: Antoine Studio and Nova Imagery Orlando
