Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in event planning but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Suher Haidar, owner of Forever Refined Events Inc., located in Chula Vista, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

To be able to create beautiful weddings is a blessing in itself. We surround ourselves with love, beauty, and couples that inspire us. Our couples love the finer details and understand the textile colors of very perry. Our couples love creating a weekend experience for their families and guests, including welcome parties, tee time for the boys, and mani and pedi time for the girls. And let's not forget the hair of the dog brunch after the wedding celebration! Our couple trusts our taste and knows that their wedding will be a true representation of their personal style and will be a great reflection of their love story.

Tell us about yourself

Ever since I helped my makeup artist mother at weddings as a little girl, I knew I wanted to be a wedding planner. My career as a planner started in 2005 when my second son was still a baby. Trying to both plan and be a mother proved to me that at that time, staying at home as a mother was the best for my family and me. That didn't stop me from throwing amazing celebrations for those in my life and rightfully earned the nickname, "The Hostess with the Mostest." When my kids got a bit older, I took a financing position but realized I was too creative to be sitting behind a desk. Rejoining the wedding industry in 2012, My passion for event planning led me to become the Lead Planner for Francine Ribeau Events and as an industry leader coaching and advising others in the events industry through Refined by Suher. In 2021 right in the middle of a global pandemic, I took the leap of faith and acquired Francine Ribeau Events as my own. With a little branding love and help from my wedding vendor friends, Forever Refined Events was created. Let's just say that this was the BEST business move I have ever made. Known for my electric Australian personality, I focus on the overall experience where my process of creating the most beautiful celebrations for my clients comes from my devotion to getting to know my customers, their personalities, and their unique styles. I meticulously plan and create events about them, their families and friends.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being able to work with couples who trust our vision and create amazing weddings from start to finish. As your partner in planning, Forever Refined Events is by your side every step of the way to ensure a memorable event that will have your guests talking about it for years to come. Known for our fresh and innovative approach, Forever Refined Events offers couples sound advice on traditional and contemporary trends, infusing your wedding with cutting-edge artistry and imagination. As a boutique event planning company, vast resources of experience and creativity will be utilized to ensure the success of your event. We pride ourselves on being available to each and every one of our clients by providing an unparalleled level of individualized service and industry expertise. From your very first inquiry and throughout the entire planning process, we understand… it's all about you.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

If I'm being honest, doing taxes! I mean, who enjoys doing taxes as a business owner?! I'm sure I share the same concern as business owners, and I wish there were an easier way for the entire tax process.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Create an ideal client avatar, and don't settle for less! Make sure you have your ducks in a row regarding the business you are running and who you hire. Most importantly, know your community and ask for support and give support in return to all of your vendor friends. Putting an event without a great team is near impossible and makes all difference when it comes to running a business.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I want to leave you with a quote that inspires me every day: La simplicite fait La beaute (Simplicity is beauty)

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://foreverrefinedevents.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Foreverrefinedevents/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forever_refined_events/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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