Today we’d like to introduce you to Antionette Kirkland.
Antionette, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have always had a passion for parties. When my oldest son LJ was younger, I would do the absolute most on planning his parties. I loved to customize as much as I could. I planned my bridal shower and my wedding. I knew the way I wanted each event to look so I made it happen. Once I had my youngest son Kai, I was able to bring what I called fun back out of me. Now parties are even more grand and I love it! I started with balloon decor, then I went to yard signs and now I offer Softplay, luxury picnics, and more. I have always been slow to move on this passion. I don’t think I realized what it was to me until I turned my passion into my baby, my business!
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?
I went through other businesses before I actually found my niche. I had a hair bow and tutu business for a short time. Maybe a year or less. I believe I was successful enough but trying to hand-make things while working full time with a child in sports was so tiresome. I gave up. I also tried being an eyelash tech. Let’s just say that wasn’t for me at all! Lol I lasted a few months. It was so tedious and I wasn’t very patient. It took a while for me to find what I truly enjoyed.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Bankruptcy Specialist at JP Morgan Chase. I have been employed there for 8 years. This is my full-time job and I love having my multiple sources of income so I don’t see me leaving anytime soon. I am proud that I have great tenure at one of the top banks in the U.S. I am a person that will research something and put my mind to it. If I say I want it I am going for it full throttle, no matter what the task may be.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Being a small business owner is about taking risks. You will never know if you will succeed or fail unless you try. It’s scary out there trying to get people to hire and trust you. Not everyone is in the business of providing the best customer service possible, so I get it in a customer perspective. Every month when I open my calendar for Bookings, I wonder what kind of month will it be? There are months where I can’t catch a break. There are also months when I’m wondering “was this a phase that has now passed for me?” I add new services and be excited but nervous of the outcome. Being in this business, I have noticed you can’t please everyone. You have some people that will pay any and everything to make their event special, and you have some that rather not book with you because your prices are “too high.” Know your worth. Be a risk-taker because you’ll never know if that risk becomes success if you don’t try.
Contact Info:
- Email: Shindigzbynette@gmail.com
- Website: Shindigzbynette.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shindigzbynette/
