Today we’d like to introduce you to Zulema Verduzco.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Zulema. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
During my time at Iowa State University (ISU), I discovered that I really enjoyed every aspect of the event planning process. I originally started in Apparel Design because ISU didn’t offer Event Management as a major but I figured I could somehow use that degree to find the right career path. When they began offering Event Management as a major, I knew that that was want I really wanted to do. I changed my major and reworked my class schedule so that I could take the necessary classes.
One of those classes was Entrepreneurship in Human Sciences and our major project was developing a new business and a business plan to go with it. This was perfect for me because it gave me the opportunity expand on my idea to start an event planning business. As I developed the concept for my business I knew that this would be more than a class project.
I created Exceptional Elegance Events on the belief that each and every event could be made into something unique, elegant, and most importantly, memorable to my clients. Since my class project, I have also incorporated website and logo design as well as designs for various printed elements like business cards, invitations, flyers, and letterhead.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it definitely has not been a smooth road. After I graduated from ISU, I moved to Fort Worth to work in the event management department at one of the hotels. However, it wasn’t what I expected. I spent most of the day sitting at a computer and not really doing anything that involved event planning. I liked my co-workers but I knew that my actual job was not where I wanted to be. When they let me go, I was heartbroken at first, but later I saw it as a blessing. I now had a bigger chance to focus on my company and what I really wanted it to be.
One of my biggest struggles has been finding clients. When people look for an event planner, they want proof that you have organized other events, successful events. They usually aren’t willing to take a chance on a new company like mine. I’ve recently created an Instagram account and I use it to share photos of everything I do so I can show potential clients what I can do for them.
Lastly, I work from home which can be a struggle as well because I don’t have a professional space to meet with clients. I do most of my work via email, Facebook, Instagram, or telephone/Skype conversations. This can turn away clients because they can’t really “meet” the person they’re working with.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Exceptional Elegance Events story. Tell us more about the business.
I am the owner and founder of Exceptional Elegance Events. I organize and execute all types of events like weddings, bridal showers, birthday parties, etc. I also recently incorporated designing and printing of invitations, business cards, flyers, letterhead, etc. as well as website and logo design.
I think providing all of these elements for my clients is what sets me apart from others. I can help them in multiple areas so they don’t have to look for multiple businesses to complete the work.
I am most proud of the fact that my business is growing. It may not be overnight or right away, but I am getting my name out there and that’s a start. I’ve designed a few websites for clients in different states and whenever they go to those sites, they see the work I have done and they can tell their friends about it.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
This is a hard question because I’ve never thought of myself as being lucky or unlucky. But if I had to pick one, I would say that I have been pretty lucky to be blessed with a supportive family and a supportive husband who let me be who I am and who believe in my business.
Pricing:
- Logos start at $5 each
- Websites start at $75 each
Contact Info:
- Website: http://exceptionalelegance.wixsite.com/events
- Email: exceptionaleleganceevents@outlook.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exceptionalbyzv/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exceptionalbyzv/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/exceptionaleleg/
Image Credit:
Younes Barhdadi
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
