Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachita Panchal.
Hi Rachita, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Rachita. I’ve always been attracted to art and creativity. It just comes naturally. I started off as a volunteer with a non profit organization when I was in 5th-6th grade in Texas. I did a lot of backdrops and stage setups for any celebrations or traditional events coming up. Do to a family tragedy I moved to India with my grandparents back home. I continued to participate in similar decor and setup activities thru middle school and high school there in India. When I moved back to the states the last month of 12th grade I joined back with the organization and continued contributing hours in creating whatever they needed for setups along with going to college to establish a career. I took a break from my hobby once I graduated, got married and focused my energy on trying to find a job. Having graduated during the peak recession period I knew it would be difficult so I ended up going back to school for another year. Luckily I got my foot in the door and started my career in healthcare. I did continue decorating for family and friends but just simple stuff. After going on like this for a few years COVID happened and it definitely got me thinking about the whole situation, possible consequences and whether my family would be effected. I debated what I enjoyed doing more and whether I should go back to decorating. Reflecting back brought a lot of clarity as to how much experience I had gained throughout the years doing stage setups and backdrops. Not just this but I had also participated in event management and coordination as well at this organization. I knew I enjoyed doing this way more and wanted to open up the door to turning it into my business. Fast forward to today, I am a registered business since 2022 and cover all types of events here in San Diego and surrounding areas.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not!! And it still is not lol. But at the same time if it were a smooth road then I probably would not have started my business and got to where I am today! Every business has some challenges but it’s up to you how you want to get over the hump!!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My career is in healthcare and my hobby is now my business. I am a one stop for all my clients needs. This includes party planning, event coordination, designing and decorating. What sets me apart is the fact that I am able to use my skills such as multitasking, communication, detail orientation, and organization skills from healthcare and use it as an asset for my business. I am able to efficiently provide service for any type of event whether it’s a casual event using balloons or an elegant event using florals. I have done birthdays, milestones, babyshower’s, anniversary’s, engagement party, etc you name it. I am also specialized in doing Indian traditional events and have done several Indian weddings, puja’s, housewarming parties, Haldi, mehendi, cradle ceremony, dhoti ceremony, half saree ceremony, traditional babyshower, etc. I give my client the option to go with a full package which includes all of their party needs or pick and choose what they need. I think being able to provide options and having the capability to work with all types of budgets is a plus. Being an over achiever I strive to find a way to elevate every event in its own special way and that’s what my clients love about me.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Patience is the key. Don’t give up if things don’t go the way you expect it. You have to pave your own road sometimes to lead it to where you want it to go.
Not everyone is your friend for the right reasons. Know who your true friends are as they will always be there to cheer you during your ups and support you during your downs.
Pricing:
- My packages are fully customized to my clients needs.
- I don’t offer a set price for services because I offer customization.
- Price varies per client and it depends on multiple things for ex: elements needed, flower choices, balloon sizes, services needed, setups needed, etc.
Image Credits
Divya Shruti Selva
