Today we’d like to introduce you to Omobolanle Caulcrick
Hi Omobolanle, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey into event management began with organizing surprise birthday celebrations. I started by delivering cakes, money bouquets, and a saxophonist to serenade the celebrant, aiming to bring joy to their special day. Initially, my company was called “Surprises by Caulcrick.” However, shortly after starting, I relocated to the United States to further my education. Before leaving, I entrusted the business to my younger sister, who successfully continued and grew it.
Upon settling in the U.S., I realized I could bring the same level of creativity and joy to events here. I decided to give it a try, and my first event was my elder sister’s bridal shower. I handled the planning and collaborated with a decorator, closely observing and learning throughout the process. It was during this experience that I realized, “This is something I can do.”
Driven by my passion, I sought guidance through prayer and committed to improving my skills. I began by studying YouTube tutorials, following balloon artists on Instagram, and practicing consistently—even without clients. This dedication allowed me to refine my craft, supported by my family and friends who encouraged me to contribute to our gatherings, providing me with invaluable practice.
My love for event planning grew from my desire to see well-organized events. The turning point came when I attended a chaotic party, which clearly lacked a professional event planner. This experience sparked my interest in planning, and I became determined to build a strong portfolio, particularly in weddings. Although I faced challenges, one client believed in me and entrusted me with her event, which was a success. From there, my journey in event management truly began.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In any business, particularly in one you are passionate about, challenges and hurdles are inevitable. One of the significant challenges I faced was managing my schedule, particularly on Saturdays, where I had to wake up as early as 5 AM to handle event decorations and coordination while balancing these responsibilities with my regular job. Despite the early hours and the demands, my passion for the work made it all worthwhile.
*Vendors*
The challenge was establishing a unique identity in a highly competitive industry. It required not only creativity and dedication but also the ability to find and collaborate with vendors who are both affordable and highly efficient. It took time to build a network of reliable partners who understood the vision and were committed to making the process as seamless as possible.
**Understaffing:**
we have encountered challenges related to understaffing, especially during peak seasons or large-scale events. Insufficient staff can lead to delays, compromised service quality, and added stress for our team. To address this, we have focused on building a reliable team and implementing better staffing strategies to ensure we have the necessary personnel to meet our clients’ needs.
**Overspending:**
Managing budgets is crucial in event planning, and there have been times when overspending has posed a challenge. This often arises from unexpected costs, last-minute changes, or miscommunication with vendors. At Eventsbycaulcrick, we’ve learned to mitigate this by setting clear budgets, negotiating effectively with vendors, and maintaining a contingency fund to cover unforeseen expenses without compromising the event’s quality.
**Not Prioritizing Networking:**
In the early stages, we underestimated the importance of networking within the industry. This led to missed opportunities for collaborations and the growth of our vendor base. We have since made networking a priority, regularly attending industry events, and building strong relationships with other professionals. This has allowed us to expand our network, gain access to exclusive vendors, and ultimately provide better services to our clients.
**Forgetting to Track Changes:**
In the fast-paced environment of event planning, tracking changes is essential to avoid miscommunication and errors. There have been instances where changes to client preferences or event details were not documented properly, leading to confusion and last-minute adjustments. We now have a rigorous process in place to track all changes meticulously, ensuring that every detail is accounted for and communicated clearly to all involved parties.
**No Weather Backup Plan:**
Weather can be unpredictable, and not having a backup plan has caused disruptions in the past, particularly for outdoor events. We’ve faced situations where sudden changes in weather conditions required quick adjustments, which were challenging without a predefined plan. Learning from these experiences, we now ensure that every event has a comprehensive weather contingency plan, including alternative indoor venues or additional rentals, to guarantee that the event runs smoothly regardless of the weather.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
EVENTSBYCAULCRICK is a comprehensive wedding and event planning company, offering personalized collections that cater to your distinct style, needs, and budget. We handle every aspect of your event, from design and detail management to vendor coordination, hotel bookings, and RSVP tracking. Our goal is to ensure that every step of the planning process is enjoyable and stress-free, from our initial consultation to the successful execution of your seamless event.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” This profound truth has shaped my journey as an entrepreneur, teaching me that success is not a solitary endeavor. It is the support and dedication of my team that transforms challenges into triumphs, and for that, I am deeply grateful.
To all the emerging event planners out there, remember, progress takes time, and with each event, you’ll gain invaluable experience and refine your craft. Don’t be discouraged by initial setbacks; they are stepping stones to greater achievements. Embrace the learning curve and continue to enhance your skills.
Finally, learn from my early mistakes: keep your personal finances separate from your business accounts. It’s a crucial step in managing your enterprise effectively and ensuring long-term success.
Pricing:
- We dont have a standard pricing we believe in cherishing every moment and working with a set budget. No matter how small the budget is we strive to work with it and make your event a success, and that’s what we derive joy in.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/events_by_caulcrick?igsh=MW0wd2lxODNxbjllMQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
