Today we’d like to introduce you to Darra Michelle.
Darra, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have always considered myself to be a planner. I clearly remember my pre-school aged self being as involved as I could possibly be in the jewelry boutique owned by my mother. Though young, I would do my best to help her organize jewels for shows. I was the baby boss, long before there was a Boss Baby, helping by directing clients during fashion shows, communicating with clients and performing any other task I was capable of doing. Planning has always passion, even when it didn’t result in a paycheck. And what I didn’t immediately realize was that I was preparing for my purpose when I took on the tasks of coordinating all of the family events, planning the itineraries for trips with friends, or arranging gatherings with loved ones. And one day something inside of me “just clicked”; what I had been doing as an enjoyable hobby could actually be my career, because when you love what you do, you cannot accurately call it work. I planned with excitement. I shared details with joy. I executed with excellence. And I developed iStyle Event Planning- a company whose vision is fulfilled by fulfilling the visions of our clients.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Like many others who make the life changing decision to pursue entrepreneurship, although it was worth it, it was not easy. In fact, making the decision to pursue my dreams wasn’t one solitary decision at all. I made it multiple times because I often second guessed myself. Did I have enough professional experience? Would potential clients trust my new business to do what other established businesses had been doing for so long? Would my natural talents and education in other specialties compare to those who were formally educated in this field? On more than one occasion I allowed my fears and insecurities to overshadow my gifts and talents which resulted in periods of stagnation and ultimately delayed the official launching of my company. However, I was determined to not allow my dream to die. By increasing my faith and trusting Gods plan, I commit to the pursuit of my dream- overcame my fears, pressed past my insecurities and launched the program that is setting the standard for event planning today.
iStyle Event Planning – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
iStyle in an elite event planning company that allows clients to host events of their dreams with a budget within their range. Separating itself from other event planning companies, iStyle prides itself on bringing the clients’ dreams to fruition, providing quality service, attention to detail and creating an experience unlike any other. Appealing to clients nationwide, iStyle provides opportunities for its’ clients to participate in the event the way he/she desires while we take care of the details. Specializing in corporate events, conferences and small private parties, iStyle has the ability to plan and execute events of any caliber. Known for our unique approach, we take each client on a journey during their event planning experience. Handling everything from concept to clean up and iStyle executes events that display our clients’ desires, evidence their values and stay within their budgets. iStyle allows you to WERK your event, while we work on it.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to Darra is more than just the money she has in her bank account. Success is the impact her legacy leaves behind. When her clients arrive to their event smiling and stress free all because she took the time to execute their vision to perfection that smelts her heart. When a life is transformed and changed because of her inspiration, her encouragement, her reach, that’s when you truly have success. You could have all the money in the world, all the materialistic items but if you don’t touch someone life in the process, you didn’t accomplish much success.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.iStyleeventplanning.com
- Phone: 312-860-9675
- Email: darryca@istyleeventplanning.com
Image Credit:
D’Andre Nobles
Brandon Taylor
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