Today we’d like to introduce you to Sanniya Khurram.
Sanniya, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have loved planning and decorating anything and everything for as long as I can remember but weddings were a magical moment for me as a young girl and somehow I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a Wedding Planner/Designer and Decorator. There is the added joy of serving and celebrating the happiness of others, be it Birthdays, Sweet Sixteens, or Sensational Sixties – I started with family events then got pulled into helping friends and distant relatives eventually deciding to launch my own business. You could say it was my dream job and I would say I’m living the dream!
When I look back the journey I took to get here has been long and winding (you can even call it a Zig Zag) for example even my closest business partners and collaborators don’t know that my major was in Marketing & Finance which was a direction picked by my parents… something many South Asian kids can relate to but more importantly, my parents did a wonderful job at instilling the habit of serving others which is deeply rooted in the profession I have chosen for myself. I took the opportunity to hone my skills by attending wedding planning courses after I got married (thanks to my better half for always being supportive and my boys for always giving me the strength that mom can do anything!)
My first big-scale wedding planning/event was in 2007 and it may not be a surprise to many that it was my own wedding! As crazy as it may sound, yes – I planned and designed my own destination wedding in Pakistan for over 1000 attendees with multiple events spanning across 14 days. It wasn’t easy at all being the bride and also taking charge of being the wedding planner/designer after having been in the USA for many years and having little to no idea of the vendors and latest trends. It was tough but It was an empowering time and I still channel that energy when I am not having a great day at work. 🙂
I’ve planned countless weddings, birthdays, baby showers, bridal showers, etc. part-time for friends, family and paying clients. Which I juggled while working as a full-time Montessori teacher . I started a small home-based business under the name of “Favoristic” in 2012 which as the name suggests included personalized favors, birthday decor props, wedding florals (i.e., corsages, etc.) and grew to arrange for or providing rentals for clients to do the party set up themselves as my youngest was too little and I felt he needed more of my time.
In 2017, with my better half pushing me to pursue my dream and passion, I decided to take my business to the next level, quit my full-time job and committed myself to become a full-time entrepreneur.
In 2019, I decided to hone my skills and get my Wedding Planning Certification from Lovegevity University which gave me the foundation to expand and rebrand my business as “Simply Klassic Events, LLC ” – I have a long list of trusted vendors, partners and collaborators and my services include Coming of Age Events and Wedding Design/Planning services. Fast forward to 2020, despite the COVID-19 restrictions, I can honestly say it has been the best decision of my life as it’s very fulfilling to help my client envision their future events and I am 100% in my element.
Has it been a smooth road?
I try to live my life by this quote from the Sufi poet: “It’s your road and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you.”… I also believe that obstacles are put in one’s way to see if what one wants is really worth fighting for. That being said, it hasn’t been easy and I feel fortunate and thankful to God for sustaining me and guiding me thus far. I have been able to get through a lot of challenges with a great family support system, my parents, my husband, my sons are all my #1 fans along with a growing group of repeat clients that are almost like family.
The biggest challenge that I’ve faced since making Wedding and Event Planning/Designing my goal in life was not the fact that I’m a mom – entrepreneur juggling work with a young family (Boys Ages 12, 10 and 5) but the fact that COVID-19 has turned everyone’s lives upside down and I found myself with many clients not just backing out of booked events due to the lockdown and the longer-term limitations on gatherings but also most had no idea when/if they would be able to reschedule the events. It has been the #newnormal and I have had to go from large decoration plans to simple outdoor backdrops that would look great for ‘drive-by’ events and on Zoom calls. I am very satisfied with how me and my vendor/partners have been able to rise to the challenge. It’s an ongoing one to the say least but Simply Klassic Events is not one to back down from challenges.
Please tell us about Simply Klassic Events.
The credo at SK Events is: “We plan for our clients so they can truly Party. We design such that they can create happy memories.”
While most in this business usually claim to be wedding/event planners, not everyone puts design before the planning and in that regard, while I am a certified wedding planner, I focus more on the design aspects and I specialize in florals, balloons and stage/setup design. I take pride in helping my clients bring their vision of one of the most important days in their lives into reality.
What additionally sets me apart is the relationships that I build with my clients and take pride in providing an experience for our clients from the moment they enter a consulting engagement through the planning process up until their event day… I want them to have a SIMPLY KLASSIC experience and know that they are the most important client at any given time. While me and my vendor partners serve multiple clients simultaneously, I ensure that we are never stretched thin or cutting corners to take on the next engagement even if it means setting up the night before or starting as early as an event venue will allow us. Building trust and relationships is at the core of what I do and this often translates into repeat business and, most importantly, referrals.
I love, love, LOVE weddings but I don’t limit myself and I take on all types of events. Whether it be small or large events, corporate functions or milestone parties, Bridal Showers or Baby Showers and nonprofit events etc. I cater to all, especially if they are referrals.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Dallas and especially the growing North Texas region is absolutely a great place for my business. In the pre-pandemic era, I have felt that there was more than enough to go around for me and all the Wedding/Event planning professionals out there – once the uncertainty that comes with the pandemic settles I have deep faith in the events that are just waiting to be held… to celebrate life because LIFE may have slowed down a bit but it will never come to a standstill! Any newcomers to this profession will have ample opportunities to shine.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 469-713-7243
- Email: simplyklassicevents@outlook.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/simplyklassicevents/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplyKlassicEvents/
Image Credit:
SamQ Photography
Passion Photography
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
