Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Sokimi.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always been an entrepreneur at heart! Working the typical 9-to-5 job has always been necessary to pay the bills, but I quickly realized that “making ends meet” was not me realizing my true potential. Not to mention, it was not fulfilling in any way. I wanted to channel my time and energy into building a career that would allow me to showcase my passion and creativity. Most importantly, I wanted to build something for my three children; create a future for them.
They, after all, were and continue to be my motivation and inspiration. As a single mother, bringing this dream to fruition was not going to be an easy task. With limited resources, I was determined to teach myself how to be successful in the event planning business. So, I began reading anything and everything I could get my hands on regarding business ownership, budgeting, and event planning. Then I started watching online testimonials, tutorials, and seminars. When I had enough faith in the knowledge that I gained, I started booking events for free for that hands-on training.
These trial runs opened my eyes to different methods of execution, introduced me to others in the industry who were willing to share their experiences and resources with me, and allowed me the opportunity to evaluate my mistakes and triumphs so that with each succeeding event I got better and better! And that’s how AS Design was born! Nothing is more satisfying than watching my clients enjoy their special events and making memories with their loved ones while I handle all the nitty-gritty details and tackle unforeseen issues headfirst.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There were some bumps in the road! In the beginning, finances, licensing, and permits were the biggest roadblock. Getting a handle on this aspect was a lot of trial and error, but I quickly figured it out. My current bump is company branding. There is so much to think about when building your company reputation and brand.
However, I think the hardest lesson I had to learn has been finding the right vendors to partner with. I was looking for people who were going to give my clients the best prices, but with that, I sometimes sacrificed quality, other times professionalism. Surrounding myself with other up and coming entrepreneurs with the same passion and business vision has proven to be the best not only for my clients but for my business as well.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Amanda Sokimi Design – what should we know?
Amanda Sokimi Design is a one-stop shop for all event needs. AS Design specializes in event planning, coordination, and design. You can count on us to plan your event from start to finish! Let us handle all the logistics while you sit back, enjoy your event, and spend time with your friends and loved ones making memories.
We also offer specialized services based on your event needs. Our coordination services consist of the AS Design team arriving at your event location 3 to 6 hours prior to event start time to oversee the workflow of the venue set up, checking in vendors and getting them situated as planned, greeting and assisting your guests, executing your event timeline, and often, improvising for last minute or sudden changes.
Clients also have the capability of taking advantage of our Design services which sets us apart from your typical event coordinator. This service focuses on bringing YOUR vision to life through décor, presentation, and overall atmosphere. We collaborate with our clients and develop friendships with them, to better understand the vision for their special day so that we can bring their ideas to life! With AS Design, you are not just hiring an event planner, you are making a friend who is there to guide you, laugh with you, create for you, comfort you, and make your special day memorable.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My Parents: Lima Sokimi & Sokimi Sokimi Jr.- Who have taught me to always seek God first in all that I do and to keep humble. My parents are such a HUGE support system of mine and I am so grateful to have them here in the flesh to continuously remind me “That when you do something, make sure you do it full heartedly” so that it reflects my work, shows who I am and that it came from my heart.
My Children: Jeremiah (14), Lovelynn (11) & Jamison (3)-They are already so proud of me and that alone makes me so thankful and blessed to have such kids that are absolutely amazing. Giving me all the fuel to motivate and encourage me to shoot for the stars and know they too will do the same. “I LOVE YOU SO MUCH”
My Now Fiancé: Daniel Amos Taiti- He has been such a BIG help from listening to my many ideas, planning of trips back and forth for supplies, staying up late nights to help me finish decor for many events, setting up, breaking down and even helping me with advertising, marketing and at times consultations. He is definitely a BIG PART of Amanda Sokimi Design and its success.
My Team: Jesselyn Marcelo, Apoiliu Aina, Courtney Sotoa, Stella Atuatasi, Hana & Tony Williams- I couldn’t thank my team enough for believing in me, my vision and sticking by my side through it all. They all have been so dedicated, supportive, encouraging, helpful and overall inspiring to work with. “Thank you ASD Team from the bottom of my heart”
Made In Paradise Hills – A group of volunteers formed and brought together by Jayrell & Dianne Ringpis to give back to our community. In being apart of such an amazing group it has brought me to not only volunteer my time and giving back but to really see the massive changes people can make in their local communities by just being apart of something GREATER!!! Helping others, bringing light to where for some isn’t so bright has been such a gift to see. Since 2016, it has been a great blessing that I now continue to be apart of no matter the success of Amanda Sokimi Design because it brings me back to what it is all about… COMMUNITY, PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF THE EARTH & LOVE!!!!
My Family & Friends: To all my family & friends who have supported Amanda Sokimi Design from the very start. In fundraisers, events, referrals, words of encouragement, advice and even comfort when times got rough. Thank you all so very much for being there for me, sharing ASDesign with your friends & loved ones and choosing us for all your event needs. “Blessed to have you all apart of the ASDesign Family”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.amandasokimidesign.com
- Phone: (619) 919-1333
- Email: amandasokimidesign@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/amandasokimidesign
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/amandasokimidesign
Image Credit:
Hana Williams, Bryson Kim, Sean Michael Uy
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