Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Smith.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Hannah. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Over the past 20 years, I have been involved in design, events, hospitality and project management in one form or another. I have always been the type to have a couple of projects going on at once and previously created and sold two small businesses.
In 2011 I opened Hannah Smith Events after I saw an open niche and need in the wedding market. Many couples were paying a premium price for planners with very little event experience or a serious lack of work ethic. Clients also wanted the option to only hire for as much assistance as they needed. Not everyone requires a traditional full service wedding planner but many of the “day of” coordinators did not have the knowledge or skills needed. Weddings are very demanding and require a unique skill set that combines creativity, organization and logistical planning, along with interpersonal communication with not only the vendors and clients but their families as well. So I started a company to fulfill this need. Within a year I had to bring on more planners due to the overwhelming response.
Over the last few years, I have steered our focus more towards corporate events, conferences, festival management and my personal favorite, celebrations. The entire creative process of designing a unique event from the roots up and then witnessing it all come together is so fulfilling. Seeing the guests enjoy themselves and that the clients are truly happy with the outcome is very rewarding.
Has it been a smooth road?
Operating a small business is a challenge in itself and the burnout rate for entrepreneurs in this industry is high. As an owner, I have to wear many hats and the pressure of this stressful business can be wearing. The best event planners must always remain calm under pressure. Over the years I have learned to recognize when I need to take a step back and focus on self-care, family and my faith. But our biggest obstacle was in 2017 when we took a pretty big hit from fires in Northern CA. Some of our partner venues and preferred vendors are unfortunately no longer in business due to the destruction. Many of our NorCal weddings had to cancel, postpone or move locations.
Tell us about your company. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
Hannah Smith Events is a full-service Event Planning, Production and Management company serving clients throughout the US. We specialize in celebrations and unforgettable experiences. Our small team of planners and managers can design and execute an unforgettable event of any size — whether a weekend festival, a corporate party, conference, expo or big birthday bash. We believe in creating unique moments that inspire.
What makes us stand out from the rest? Not only do we truly care about customer satisfaction but we are relentlessly dedicated to our work. We listen to our clients and come up with a general concept. Then we design and create distinctive events based on a mixture of their specific needs and our creative visions. We transform environments with a mix of solutions that integrate custom designs in lighting, furnishings, entertainment, food and various sensory experiences. We work with some of the best stylists, fabricators, entertainers and chefs in the business to bring event experiences to life. We’ve spent 20+ years cultivation relationships with many of the nation’s top venues, vendors and crew members to ensure a flawless production that exceeds our client’s expectations.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Themed events are making a comeback yet again. This can be a lot of fun if we are given a general concept and then the creative liberty to find inspiration, see a vision and just run with it. We love to incorporate everything from throwback foods, textiles, music, brand names, etc…. It can be a great experience for the planner, client and their guests.
Companies are also starting to shift back to showing appreciation for their employees in more ways than just award style recognition. And in turn, employees are starting to expect more perks. This can be in the form of gifts, hosted happy hours, adventure trips, bonding experience, group travel, health retreats and more. All of these are fantastic for team building and creating priceless memories.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.HannahSmithEvents.com
- Phone: (619) 779-9170
- Email: info@hannahsmithevents.com
Image Credit:
Walter Wilson Studio, Boyd Harris Photo and Red Trolley Photography
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