Today we’d like to introduce you to Monika Reyes.
Monika, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Growing up in a half Dominican, half Puerto Rican household, we always had some activity going on, and as I grew older, it was something that just stuck. I loved planning or helping anyone plan activities, but I loved the love that was felt at these events.
It got to the point that my friends’ family & even co-workers were always known as the “party planner” even though I wasn’t. While working with the Osceola school district for eight years, I coordinated plays, banquets, fundraisers, birthdays, and personal milestones for others. While doing this, I developed a passion, but passion for details & intimate gatherings.
But that’s isn’t where my business idea grew from. A year ago, I decided I wanted my high school sweetheart’s (my partner) birthday to be a week-long celebration, as his birthday is the 31st of December. Honestly, everyone is so worried about New Year they just cut him a cake.
So, I decided he deserved more. I planned each day to the tea. Mini gifts each day as he woke up, a private chef to our home one day, a picnic another day, a photoshoot another, and I decided to post this on my Instagram as the week went by. The feedback I received was incredible.
Other couples asked me to help them plan birthdays and anniversaries. Asked how I would top it next year, asking how much I charge, Vendors, etc. Honestly, that’s when it hit me, I DID NOT want to be a party planner, but I did want others to create memories. I am the biggest advocate for love!
Why not help people who want to show appreciation and love for another? That’s where The Date Night Experience was born. I created my brand to remind people how important it is to have that date with your partner, your kids, your best friend, but at the same time, take away the stress of planning and showing up as a guest to your event.
We are: On January 8th, we made a year in business; we are Officially LLC & Insured. We have grown so much when it comes to design and personalization & our date night family has grown.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth road, NOPE! But it has been worth it. I launched on January 8 and found out I was expecting my first child shortly after. I decided it would be best to put my business on hold. I wanted to enjoy my pregnancy to the fullest, and I was trying to figure out all my body changes simultaneously.
I didn’t advertise too much. I took maybe three events during my whole pregnancy. So, of course, the growth I wanted wasn’t happening later after having my baby boy. During Maternity leave, I wanted to make this business my full-time job. I began posting & growing my following, and We grew great for two months, and BOOM, we got hacked.
I lost my business and personal page, which made me do a major shift in the industry. I was very hurt initially, but I quickly remember it isn’t how hard you fall but how you get up. I couldn’t retrieve my page or all my old followers, so I started a new one I am grateful for because I love the new way we are growing.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in intimate planning services.
Such as dinners, picnics, paint nights, nightcap, and girl’s night/day. We are known for being a one-stop-shop. Although we take care of only the decoration & activity planning, we have partnered up with so many vendors in our area that if our clients do not know where to turn, we know where to point them in the right direction. And for that, I am most proud of.
My relationship with our partner vendors like Chef Eli from EZ Eats, and Wanda from Zoilys Cakes & Pastries are like no other. If I don’t help others in my community to grow, how do I ever expect to grow? What I believe sets it apart is that we specialize in your memory here in the date night experience! We aren’t a party planning service.
We are a date planning service; we are here to create memories for your loved ones. Whether it is your child, best friend, or a soulmate, our services can be molded to your ideal date.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
This business is my most significant risk. As of January, I decided to run my business full time.
Once returning from Maternity leave, I knew I no longer wanted to work a 9-5. I wanted to be my boss watch my child grow without asking for time off. I never viewed myself as a risk-taker, but I knew it was worth trying. Especially, when I felt like I was missing too much of my time with my little one. A saying I always say is that “you do not grow in your comfort zone.“
I view comfort as a drug because some people stay in the same spot for 10+ years, which may be okay for others, but that isn’t okay for me, at least not right now. So, if you want to grow, you must take the risk; it helps you to determine how much you can handle.
Pricing:
- Picnic starting price $175.00
- Dinner setup without chef Starting at $100.00
- Movie night brought to you Starting at $200.00
- Girls Night Starting at $150.00
- Night Cap starting at $100.00
Contact Info:
- Email: thedatenightexperience2021@gmail.com
- Website: thedatenightexperience.com
- Instagram: @The_date_night_experience2021
