Today we’d like to introduce you to Angie Rafailakis.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I worked in the corporate world and started by planning company events. I quickly realized that my favorite part of my job was planning events. I started helping my friends more with their social events (weddings, showers, etc.) and with their referrals I found myself planning more and more social events outside of my regular 9-5 job. In 2015, I had my son and decided not to go back to my corporate job, so I could spend time with him. During this time, I decided it was time to take the plunge and officially start my event planning business. I took classes at SDSU to get my professional event & meeting planner certificate, filed the paperwork with the city and R.A.D. Events was officially born.
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?
It has not been a particularly smooth road! Getting business, especially when you are newer to the industry, is not the easiest thing to do. And going public with your business and ideas can make you feel very vulnerable. Luckily, I have the support of my husband who has been my greatest motivator, encourager, and sounding board.
My advice for young women who are starting on their journey is to believe in yourself. I know everyone says this, but honestly, it’s all about believing in yourself and your ideas. When other people think you’re crazy to even try to go out on you own, think you can’t make it, or have negative things to say it’s because of their own insecurities. Everyone doubts themselves but putting yourself out there is the greatest thing you can do. And if you can do that, you will succeed.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with R.A.D. Events – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I focus on social events, mainly weddings, but also do showers, anniversary parties, birthday parties and recently have found myself doing kids parties. I LOVE planning weddings! There is just something about them that gets my heart pumping. It’s the most special day and to be able to help make everything perfect for the couple makes me so happy. Kids parties are also super fun because you can really just let your inner child out and let the creativity flow. We are a smaller company but we put everything we have into every event that we are planning. R.A.D. stands for Real Attention to Detail and we do put so much effort into every little detail. We also create a lot of the party decor ourselves. This is something that makes each event special and unique from all other events.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
Growing up, I had amazing parents that taught me that you have to work hard for what you want. They supported whatever I wanted to do growing up and taught me that if you really want something, you have to work hard for it. Life was not just going to hand me everything that I wanted. This really instilled a work ethic in me that I value today. Also, my mom is the most creative and talented person that I know and I would not be able to do what I do today without her help.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.realattentiontodetail.com
- Phone: 619-249-1575
- Email: angie@realattentiontodetail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rad.events/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radevents/
Image Credit:
France Photographers, Amy Lynn Photography, Gus Photo
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