We were lucky to catch up with Tatyana Hughes recently and have shared our conversation below.
Tatyana, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I wouldn’t say that I have overcome imposter syndrome because I believe it comes in waves and small doses from time to time. I think it’s more apt to say that I have found a way to manage my imposter syndrome. It started with me realizing that my imposter syndrome stems from fear of being judged or rejected by the spaces that I occupy. Not wondering if I myself thought I was good enough, but wondering if others will think that I am good enough. “Did I do a good enough job on these florals to post them?” “Will future clients gravitate towards pictures of this event and want to book me?”
In such a client driven field as Event Planning and Floral design it is hard to not want people to like you and approve of your work. I believe figuring out and leaning into what I want has helped me feel like less of an “imposter”. I needed to soul search in terms of what I want my brand to say and who I want to work with. The phrase “everyone is not your customer” is a mantra that I tell myself whenever I make a post or don’t book a client. Vibrant Hues Events is not what everyone is looking for. I try to post in “my voice” on social media and my website. This is to help convey exactly who people are getting when they choose to work with me. To some it could come off as casual, maybe unprofessional but to others it can come off as comforting and human.
The other thing that I tell myself when imposter syndrome creeps in is “I am where I am supposed to be”. I use it when learning a new skill set and implementing it to remind myself that I can handle what’s in front of me. I also use it to remind myself that “I belong in this industry” when I feel I do not see many faces that look like me at tradeshows or on “preferred vendor list”. Remembering my worth and why I decided to be in this field. I am here to create memorable moments and design using ephemeral items such as florals. Of course, while designing I am taking my customers visions and desires into consideration, but when highlighting myself and my skills, I am doing it “my way”. By being true to my process and voice, I feel I am getting clients that want “me”. They want my skills and knowledge, but they also want my event management style and my design eye.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My name is Tatyana Hughes and I am the owner and lead creative of Vibrant Hues Events LLC. Vibrant Hues Events LLC is does event planning and floral design in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. When I named my company I knew I wanted the events that I had a hand in to reflect it. I couldn’t exactly convey it well with my portfolio when I started back in 2016, but I can now. Vibrant in texture, maybe in color choices, but definitely in character. Many of the clients that come to me now do so because my willingness to “go there”. Events such as Bar Mitzvahs with custom graffitied centerpieces to bring a “street style” to the synagogue; a carnival themed wedding with a magician for cocktail hour; I am also Disney adult friendly and this March executed a Lion King themed wedding that I won’t shut up about.
I want to push myself and push the boundaries of what people think is “acceptable” at events. I try to lead by example in that regard and even had my wedding reception in a cave. I believe going past boundaries is what helps us get back to the point of these events–celebration. Finding ways to make them personalized brings the focus back to the celebrant.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
One of the most important skills I believe a planner or designer needs to have is listening. You need to be able to hear not only what a client says, but what they don’t say. Knowing what is and isn’t important to them helps me prioritize which line items to handle first and devote more of the budget to.
The second quality that I think someone on a similar path will need is an open mind. Being able to step outside of your biases of “why something doesn’t go together” and being open to thinking “what if it did”? It helps you stay creative and not pigeon hole clients. Some of my best inspiration has come from. The open mindness also pairs well the need to be flexible and pivot. Even when there is a plan, it can be ever changing when it comes to events–it is a field that is heavily human based and human’s need some leeway.
Getting frazzled easily would be extremely detrimental when you are supposed to be the “captain of the ship”. So a strong poker face is an underrated must. My couples and other vendor’s have complimented me on my calming, relaxed demeanor. I describe myself as a duck in water. You see the gliding on the surface only, but no one needs to know the feet(my mind) is in high gear to stay proactive versus reactive. During the event, I am constantly scanning the room to make sure everyone is content and no one is in need of a service.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did was give me room to be curious. I have been fortunate to be able to dabble in many different fields of interest–sports, C++ coding, interior design, photojournalism, ceramics, etc. They never made me feel like a “quitter” for leaving a hobby that no longer is sparking interest. I think this is what has given me my ability to pivot in situations when things aren’t working and tackle it from a different angle.
They also gave me two different career paths to admire. My mother works in STEM and my father is an entrepreneur. Being able to see both paths made pursuing my own company feel less scary or out of the ordinary.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vibranthuesevents.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/vibranthuesevents
Image Credits
Visual Muse Photography; Kenzie Shores Photography; Gemini the Bear
