Today we’d like to introduce you to Maryland Baluya Evangelista.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Maryland. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
How do I even start? It’s a hobby really. I remember way back in high school, I love getting involved with our school events, decorating, taking care of the program timeline, name it all. I knew even before that I love events! Then, I came here to America from the Philippines started my first job as a Party Attendant for kid’s birthday parties. Celebrations are always fun with these enormous inflatable slides and I loved everything about it.
Then, the management decided to promote me as a Party Coordinator where I would be in charge of setting up the party room, the balloons, the decors, their food, managing their time in there, and more stuff. It could be exhausting but I knew that I have a talent for these events, like it’s very rewarding after the party when the clients comes to you and tell you that you are such a great help for them, that you made their life easier. For me, it’s something that motivates and inspires me to be even better on what I do. Unfortunately, (2015) the event company that I was working for closed due to some reasons but I mean what can we do. Right? Well, my event planner/coordinator passion didn’t actually end there.
In 2016, I met Mrs. Bella Carreon who actually does large scale events and she offered me the opportunity to assist her on her event. She believed that I really have the talent for events. Mrs. Bella gave me the extra confidence boost that I can have my own name and business someday.
After assisting with some of her events, I picked up some small scale event from people that I know, I remember my first ever event was my friends’ baby shower at a park, I did the decor and posted it under “Elyts Designs” name. “Elyts Designs” or “Elyts” is Mrs. Bella’s. She let me use her events name for the meantime because it will help me get clients who already has an idea of who “Elyts” is. Picked up some small scale events, from baby showers to Quinceañera’s to weddings, etc. I’ve always asked for tips and advice from Mrs. Bella on how to do this and that, pricing, style, name it all.
And then, one day I just found myself having enough knowledge from my mentor and being independent to the point where I can already stand on my own feet and run an event like a true event planner/coordinator like what she always tells me. So, I took a leap and I started booking larger scale events and decided to create my own name out there in the event industry which I call now as “MB Events & Planning”.
It was a huge thing for me to be honest. Putting up my name out there comes with a lot of risks but this is my passion and I know I have the love for events so I guess I’m going to continue helping out people who needs my talent and skills and make them happy and less stressed. Big thank you to the person who believed that I could have my own business someday at this very young age.
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?
Has it been a smooth road? Lately, yes. But when I first started “MB Events & Planning” out there, I had a lot of lessons learned along the way. I always had to learn it the hard way. I can mention some of the most stressful parts that I experienced. There was a time where I miscounted some linens for the reception and time was running so I had to reach out for other vendors to help me out last minute and believe me it was really nerve-wracking and I had to pay out of pocket.
Thank goodness for vendors who were there for me last minute!! In addition to that I also had an event wherein I wasn’t clear about what I’m going to cover, the pay, etc and I didn’t even have written contract or anything like that because it was a referral and that I was very confident that we will stick to everything what we talked about plus I was the only one working because I didn’t have any team back then, so ending was I just gained experience and nothing else. Way back then, I didn’t have access to a lot of trusted vendors so it was tough for me to plan and execute my client’s ideas..
My little mistakes in those events led me to train myself to be more organized, detail oriented, be more professional and being more clear when dealing with clients.. It was a lot of struggle to be honest, having no team to help me before, multitasking, handling my client’s stress, anxieties,etc. All of those moments led me to where I am today.. Every event taught me different lessons and failures that I turned into strength and success. It’s been pretty good for me and the business. I’ve been able to do large scale events lately. My husband is my #1 confidence booster and supporter. Family has always been a great support system for me and I hope I continue to grow more in the event industry and inspire more boss babes out there!
Alright – so let’s talk business. What else should we know about your work?
MB Events & Planning is a “One Stop Shop” for your event needs. We do offer affordable event planning and coordination. Whether you need a Day of Coordinator or a Full-Service Coordinator, we got you covered. We also offer event rentals (chairs, tables, linens, backdrops, centerpieces, dessert tables, wedding archs, etc.) We also have event services (photography, videography, photo booth, DJ, etc.) MB Events & Planning also has connections with San Diego venues so we can provide assistance to pick the right venue for your event.
I’m most proud of MB Events & Planning because it is owned and managed by a young entrepreneur who just wishes to help people out people with my passion for events and will take care of you from the beginning to end.
I think all of the event planning companies has its own strength but for MB Events & Planning, I guess what makes it special is that I build a very strong friendship with my clients, I make them feel that they are not supposed to be stressed out because planning should be always fun! I always want my clients to feel comfortable telling me their vision of how they want their event to be like, to look like.. Transparency is the key I guess in every event planning. Even after the event is done, I keep my in touch with my clients and some clients has turned into friends and like a family to me now. I’m really proud that MB Events & Planning is able to help couples/people plan their dream event on budget while enjoying the planning process.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I think I can say that I’m really into getting involved with different activities, whether it’s a school event, community event, church event, outreach programs, etc.. I’m loved by my family and they support whatever I do that they think is good for me. I’ve always been interested in coordinating, being a team leader, taking care of things for other people, for fun events, etc.. Fun fact: I’ve always wanted to be a Flight Attendant, but I took the Information Technology path instead which I also enjoy (taking care of people’s technical problems, haha!)
I guess to sum it all up, I’m a people person. I enjoy meeting different people with different characteristics and just pick up all the lessons/things I can learn from them based on their experiences.
Pricing:
- Event Needs/ Rentals (custom packages) Message us for more information
Contact Info:
- Address: 10535 Kemerton Rd, San Diego, CA 92126
- Website: https://mbeventsplanning.wixsite.com/mbeventsplanning
- Phone: 858-766-0714
- Email: mbeventsplanning@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbeventsplanning/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mbeventsplanning
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/milanbevangelista/
Image Credit:
Robert Latada Photography
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