Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Aficial.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Karen. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My story starts off not too long ago. I was introduced into the wedding scene the year I was engaged, and the same year I was laid off from a job. This was the perfect time to start fresh, so that’s what I did. That same year, Jackie of JD Events took me under her wing and showed me the ropes; her confidence in my abilities helped me make the decision to start my own event planning business in 2016.
Two plus years later, I have no regrets. Shoutout to the real MVPs: my husband Alex (aka life partner, aka homie for life), my mom, dad, sisters Arlene and Christine, my girl Elle, all of my friends who have ever told their friends about me, all of my friends who have assisted me with weddings, my mentor Jackie, and of course ALL of my clients who trusted me to play a part in their big day.
It is your confidence in me that brought me to where I am today and the driving force that pushes me to keep going. I am forever grateful!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was the idea of starting to start my own business because who the hell did I think I was starting my own business!?! This idea was huge because how was I going to make it work knowing that I was losing out on a consistent paycheck?
But as you do in difficult situations, you make it work, and that’s exactly what I did. Another challenge I face is building and maintaining confidence, confidence in knowing that I’m doing a good job and that I’m adding value to each and every one of my couples, their families, and all of the vendors that I work with.
This is going to be a constant challenge because everyone is different in their wants and needs for their wedding day.
Please tell us about Aficial Events.
Aficial Events is a small wedding planning business. We offer Coordination Services (1-6 months), Full Event Planning Services, and A La Carte Services. We specialize in creating a relaxed, cool, and super fun wedding day filled with unique elements that tell the story of the couple. We love working with individuals who are chill, fun, and non-traditional!
I am most proud of working and attracting chill couples with a clear yet flexible vision. My style of planning is pretty easy going and I thrive in teaming up with laid-back couples who aren’t afraid to be different!
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over, I would have taken the leap earlier!
Pricing:
- Coordination Package (1-6 months) | $1400-$1700
- Full Planning | $3000-$5000
Contact Info:
- Website: www.karenaficial.com
- Phone: (619) 709-6224
- Email: aficialevents@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aficialevents
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aficialevents
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/aficial-events-san-diego
Image Credit:
Eugene Xavier Ramos, Leo Pham Photography, Sweet Paper Media
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