Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Duran.
Hi Samantha, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I went through the motions of college in the early 2000’s but I graduated without a passion or direction. I had experienced special events through my high school in student council, and was always the friend who helped plan the get togethers (they never went without a theme!). After college, I continued waiting tables seeking inspiration and finally landed an assistant job helping out events at a country club in Reno, NV (my home town and company headquarters). That was my launching point into the wild & colorful world of special events. From there I planned weddings, corporate events for billionaires (literally), managed venues & crafted my skills in sales and marketing. I made a leap of faith to start anew in San Diego in 2021, and attempted to go another direction after the COVID aftermath was still stinging, especially in the hospitality world. I decided events world was home, and was lucky to have my current company reach out with a position in San Diego. I haven’t looked back, this is where I belong.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been quite a rollercoaster ride, honestly. But I am grateful for those bumps, dips and highs. Initially, figuring out what I wanted to do as a grown up was the toughest challenge of them all. But once I got on the path, I spent the last 15 years dabbling in just about every area of special events, wearing all of the hats from operations, to sales, to planning, to branding & marketing strategy, large companies and small. And in several different markets, as my current company services the entire United States. I’ve met so many friendly, motivated and seasoned professionals throughout who are continually resources & cheerleaders. Another huge challenge was finding the right fit, and leaving jobs where I was unhappy and risking financial & career deficits in order to achieve fulfillment.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
When asked what I do for work, I give this example. “You know when you go to a fancy wedding, or company gala or fundraiser? If there’s money behind it, there’s usually really nice tablecloths and napkins on the tables. I rent those to people and places who sell events to their clients. There’s a huge wholesale business behind it and my job is to show off those pretty things to people who enjoy making events one-of-a-kind. We all succeed, so it’s a win-win.” I am proud of our company because we run small but operate mighty. We have a down to earth & experienced team (we’ve ALL worn all of the hats), and that energy flows down to our client relations. And that’s why people like working with us.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I am happiest when I can share experiences, places or connect people both personally and professionally. I work a second job at my spin gym and somehow my worlds will collide and I will end up sending my event community to a class or members to events or restaurants. I am a huge foodie so both industries know me as the go-to for food recommendations. And in my career, I have a huge passion for those in their 20’s just starting out who need connections or groups to join. Any chance I get to shout things and people I love from the rooftops, I will take.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.creativecoverings.com/
- Instagram: @creativecoverings
Image Credits
Kari Henrichsen
