Today we’d like to introduce you to Taneasha Newsome.
Taneasha, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started this whole journey because of my children. They are the inspiration behind it all. Hence, the name “LuckyCharm”, they are my good luck charms! The logo is a 4 leaf clover, a leaf for each child.
When I became a mother, I knew that I wanted to give them the best life possible. I wanted to make sure they had things that I didn’t have growing up. One of those things included celebrating them on their birthday or any special day in a big way. I started throwing them big parties and decorating it all on my own (people couldn’t understand while I would spend 100s of dollars and sometimes thousands on kid parties). I had no idea it would turn into a business. People kept telling me that I should use my talent to make money and create extra income for my family. But, I only looked at it as me just doing the two things I loved: shopping and crafting.
For as long as I could remember, I loved art! Starting in grade school, I would draw and color all the time. My favorite subject was art. I remember when my grandmother opened up her childcare business, I would love to create projects with the kids. Let’s just say crafting was my happy place. It helped me escape from my traumatic childhood.
When I went on to have my own children, I would help them with their art projects as well as make things for their teachers. Again, people were telling me “you’re so creative! You should sell this!” I thought about it but figured I didn’t have time (I am a single mother of 4!). But in February 2017, I gave my daughter her 1st birthday party with the theme “baby prom” it was cute vintage secret garden with flowers and antiques everywhere. I had every little detail you could think of. There were corsages, boutonnières, DJ, dance floor, and photo area with a professional photographer. Remember your senior prom? Yes! It was just like that but for babies and all of the guest had to dress up in gowns and tuxedos. Social media was a powerful platform in helping me launch my business! I posted pictures and I had people asking me to do their events! I couldn’t believe it. Something I just did as a hobby and for the love of my kids was taking off to become a business. May 2017 is when I did my first professional event that wasn’t for my kids or family and it was the official launch of LuckyCharmCreations & Events.
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?
By no means has this been a smooth transition. I still work a full-time job and I’m a single mother of 4 kids (13yrs,9yrs,5yrs,2yrs). I have a son who is on the autism spectrum, so I’m in several different therapy sessions with him for behavior, speech and other things. My oldest two children are in sports so they practice weekly and games on the weekends. Plus, I still work 40 hours a week in the banking and financing industry. So, as you see, my time is very limited. Balancing time management can be very difficult (especially for me because I’m a procrastinator). I say to those who need help with time management to make sure they write everything down! Get a daily, weekly, monthly planner and write in it! Follow it! It can help organize and keep things in perspective.
So many times, I wanted to throw in the towel because this is a competitive business. I love to shop and I am very big on following my visions through. I’m very precise on details and that can often lead to me going over a clients budget and spending my own monies and not profiting which tends to be frustrating. Not to mention when I get referrals and I give a potential client a quote and I don’t get a callback. Every potential business owner will experience this and I encourage them to just push through! Know that it will get better! Pray, pray and pray! I’m currently looking to broaden outside my comfort zone and market to other areas of San Diego.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into LuckyCharmCreations story. Tell us more about the business.
I plan, design, and organize events. It can be as a simple dessert and candy table to something substantial like planning and executing a milestone birthday event (50th), baby showers, bridal parties and more.
I craft and create anything from paper flowers, to hand paint and design wood or paper mache letters for name pieces.
My creativeness is what sets me aside from other planners. I think outside the box, I love to be original and different and I love colors! Everything I provide is mostly handmade. Just give me a hot glue gun, scissors, paint, and glitter and watch me work! My clients love that about me. Everything crafted and custom made created just for their event.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I love crafting and DIY apps and websites! YouTube or Pinterest are my top two. I’m a visual learner but hands on so I love watching YouTube. Of course, I can’t forget about the shopping apps like Michaels, JoAnns, and HobbyLobby. My best work comes from supplies from these stores (lol!).
Contact Info:
- Email: taneasha.newsome85@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Lucky-Charm-Creations-Events-1668428623466315/
Image Credit:
@missdiphotography and Steve Cooper Lifestyles
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