Today we’d like to introduce you to Henry Wasonga Abuto.
Henry, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My story starts in Kenya. I was born there and spent half of my childhood there before we moved to Texas in 1998 when I was nine. I grew up in a very big and communal family, so events were constantly happening around me. I would watch my Mom plan and execute all types of events. As I got older, I became fascinated with taking a simple idea and creating something meaningful out of it. Through that, I developed a passion for details. I learned how to cook by watching my Mom. I would plan birthday parties and celebrations for friends and loved ones. In college, I would take over the common area/kitchen in my dorm and host dinner parties. I realized I had a passion for hospitality and an eye for quality things.
After college, I jumped into Corporate America for work. I did the 9-5 thing, but a part of me always knew it wasn’t going to be forever. In 2015, I decided to start ByWasonga (Wasonga is my middle name) as a side hobby. It was something I did when I had time. In the Fall of 2018, I made the decision to scale back from the corporate lifestyle and invest a little more time in ByWasonga. So I tried to split those two things 50/50. It worked fine for a while but by mid 2019, I knew it was something I wanted to give my all and go full time. I started getting myself out there more as an event planner and a caterer for small to mid size events. I also began consulting for small businesses in the areas of marketing and design.
As it exists today, ByWasonga’s simple mission statement is this: “Meeting everyday needs with meaningful works from the heart.” Whether it is planning a proposal or an engagement party, I pour my heart into each project. When I’m coordinating a wedding as a day of, I make sure every detail is executed to perfection. And when I cater, I prepare dishes that not only nourish the body, they feed the soul.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Anyone who has taken the leap to start a business knows that the road is definitely NOT always smooth. My friend Cameron is a genius of an entrepreneur and a few years before I launched ByWasonga, I saw him post something that said, “starting a business is not for the faint of heart, send me a priest!”. I laughed at the time, but after my first year of ByWasonga, I sent him a text telling him that I now fully understood what he meant.
The number one struggle is self confidence. Comparison and frustration can really make you doubt yourself and your abilities. When you launch something, you are betting on yourself. Four years into this, I’m not where I thought I would be. But that’s not a bad thing. I’m learning that I’m right where I need to be and that gives me room to breathe.
Time management and discipline are two things I’ve had to learn how to master. There are some very long days, but I have to be disciplined enough to know what I’m working towards.
The fear of inconsistent income was something that held me back at first and is something that still worries me. I don’t know what I’m going to make each month. I’m learning more and more to focus on the day at hand and trust that God will provide. He always does.
Please tell us about your business.
When it comes to events, no event is too big or small for ByWasonga. I start with your creative vision and turn it into reality. Themed parties, corporate events, celebrations, graduations, proposals, engagement parties, weddings, fundraisers and live music events are just a handful of the events I have played a part in executing!
On the catering side, I’m known for hearty meals and quality appetizers made from scratch. Maybe it’s from my time in corporate America, but I find myself catering mixers or parties for small-mid size businesses.
I have to say that I’m known for execution at a high. As my friend Tony says, “give me a challenge and I’ll meet it at the door. “I am a creative problem solver. I love giving people more than they imagined they would get. I enjoy engaging with my clients and creating a memorable experience, no matter the occasion.
What sets me apart from others is how open and accessible I try to be with all my clients. No matter how many things I have going on, I make sure each client knows that they have my focus and attention.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
HAHAHA, where do I begin?! I underestimated how much work it would be. I was a little naïve to think that just because I enjoyed something and was good at it, that it wouldn’t be difficult. I would have talked to more people in the industry to hear their stories. This venture is one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done, but it is without a doubt one of the most rewarding. Because of that, I always make myself available to answer questions from others entering this industry. There is room for all of us to succeed.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bywasonga.com
- Phone: 8178050667
- Email: abutohenry@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bywasonga/?hl=en
Image Credit:
McGowan Images
Landon Abel
Daniel Ryan Starke
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