Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in event planning but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Aurice Guyton, Founder of Aurice Guyton Events, located in San Francisco, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
At Aurice Guyton Events, we help companies meet their goals through the implementation of a well-planned and highly organized event. We have a passion for creating events that will leave lasting memories, and our goal is to always overdeliver. We provide full-service planning for every type of event, but our main clients are small non-profit agencies and membership associations. Combining our in-house creativity, eye for detail, and execution expertise with our trusted vendors, we offer a one-stop shop from concept through execution. Our clients come to us to plan their annual membership conference, fundraising gala, client appreciation event, board retreat, and many other events for their members.
Tell us about yourself
A rural village might not seem a likely place for event planning to spark a light in someone, but that is exactly what happened to me when I lived in Belize as a member of the Peace Corps. It was there that I planned my first event – a nationwide product launch to help raise money for the village school. The Prime Minister of Belize was the keynote speaker. The planning of the event was unique and proved that I was born to be an event planner.
Planning from a small village in the interior of a small country came with some special challenges. For instance, there was weak cell service in the village, so at times, I had to take a bus for nearly an hour to a city to use the internet and source almost everything for the event production. The success of that event and ensuing media attention fueled my passion for event planning. I am motivated everyday by my clients, who constantly refer me to the networks. That tells me I'm doing something right.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As a business owner, I consider my ability to employ people as my biggest accomplishment. Being able to provide job opportunities to individuals not only helps them in their personal growth but also contributes to the economy. Giving a chance to someone that may have had difficulty securing a job because of their past is incredibly fulfilling. Knowing that I am providing a stable source of income and contributing to the betterment of the community gives me a great sense of pride and satisfaction. In addition, employing people allows me to delegate tasks and responsibilities, which frees up my time to focus on other aspects of growing and developing my business.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about being a business owner is the long hours that come with the job. You are responsible for everything that goes on within your company, and there is always work to be done. You're in charge of sales and marketing, finance and invoicing, troubleshooting IT issues, managing contractors or employees, writing up and sending out contracts, and then there's client work. This means that you might find yourself working 12 or more hours a day and on weekends and holidays, so it's essential to squeeze in self-care days. Book a massage or take a yoga class, but you have to make sure you take care of yourself to avoid burnout.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be consistent
- Be consistent
- Be consistent
"Success isn't always about greatness. It's about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come." - Dwayne Johnson
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://auriceguyton.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/auriceguytonevents
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auriceguytonevents/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuriceGuyton
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/auriceguyton/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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