Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in event services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Thomas Bui, Owner, and CEO of Thomas Bui Lifestyle, Inc, located in San Diego, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Thomas Bui Lifestyle is a bespoke luxury events production company where we manage, design and produce social and corporate events across the globe. We are based in San Diego and San Francisco. Our clients include Fortune 500, high-profile individuals, celebrities, and couples of all races, gender, LGBTQIA couples. We enjoy working with everyone that values beautifully curated events, a detailed vision and textures.
Tell us about yourself
Our business model is taking care of all our clients and all the fine details that define their personal style infused with the WOW factor leaving everyone in attendance to feel immersed and honored to be included. We get to know everyone so we can be the storytellers behind their vision and love story.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Thomas Bui Lifestyle was started in 2020, at the time when I was still working a full-time job in the medical industry. I started slow and steady with a few events to make sure I could give every client the full attention they needed. Eventually, it became a full-time career taking on more events. Always an honor when clients fly me around the globe to design their events.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
It's often difficult to juggle the many facets and hats we need to wear to be a successful small business owners. We work with many vendors and have a team that helps with the different events. There are never enough hours in the day to juggle between business and family life, but it always works out. The work-life balance is something we strive to perfect.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Get to know and understand your client's needs. Your clients are the ones who will refer you and bring you repeat business. Be transparent and honest with your clients so they're aware of what is going on and there are no surprises. Listening to what your clients want is highly important and will build relationships.
- Be ok with saying NO. As you start and grow a business, your first instinct is always to say Yes to your clients and whatever they want. If you're not comfortable or can't do something, let the client know right away and let them know what you can do or offer alternatives and resources to help them.
- Be confident about yourself and your business. You are an expert and are there to provide expert guidance and advice to your clients. All small business owners will make mistakes, and the most important thing is that you'll learn from those mistakes and will not repeat them. Respect your name and brand. Once a client starts negotiating your pricing structure, they don't respect your brand. Always charge your worth; just because someone pays you does not mean they own you. Respect is a 2-way street. Follow your instinct; if something doesn't feel right, you're probably right.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thomasbuilifestyle.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThomasBuiLifestyle/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thomasbuilifestyle/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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