We recently connected with Vanessa Grinnell and have shared our conversation below.
Vanessa, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I realized at a young age that I loved the idea of hosting and creating fun comfortable environments for the people around me. I loved music and I loved how it made others feel. I noticed that my family didn’t have much celebratory events and I wanted to change that. My first event ever was my niece’s 8th birthday (Hello Kitty themed). It pushed me to do my research, be more creative and think outside of the box. I loved the adrenaline that it gave me. However, the joy that it not only brought her but the excitement that it brought my family and friends, I knew I had found my niche and purpose. I love the experience of looking on a client’s face and they are not only satisfied but overwhelmed with the joy that their vision along with my detailed skill was brough to life.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a Wedding and Event planner based in NYC. Born to Jamaican parents which I am so proud of and a Queens, NY girl at heart. I curate events in the U.S and internationally. I have been in the business for 9 years and loving every part of my evolving growth. Not only have I done wedding and private events in my community, but I’ve also had the great opportunity with styling corporate events for other organizations and collaborating with others in my industry. I love the passion I put into each event, each theme and each client. I get an immediate excitement once an idea is drawn, and my mind goes! I stay updated on trends, innovative event formats and thinking outside of the box for my clients. I like to network with others in my industry. It helps to feed off of each other, share experiences and ideas, and motivate each other in such a saturated space. It opens doors to new opportunities and collaborations. I have done a course in Wedding and Event Planning at New York Institute of Art and Design. I love to learn and further my skills to create the best experience for my clients. I am very adamant on getting to know my clients on a personal level to build rapport, trust and confidence. Each event is unique and although challenges may arise during the process, I make sure that i remain proactive and overcome them for the best outcome. I pride my brand on being very detailed and even adding pieces to a design that would not only elevate the look but also speak to how much care I have for the people that trust me with one of their very precious memories.
I am currently looking forward to evolving in this space and doing more destination events as I love to travel! I anticipate opening an event space that will give a full event planning experience. in house catering and have a showroom. I want my clients to be “wowed” from the time they start the planning process to the day of the event. I create such great relationships with them, and I know I have been blessed to grace them and their families with unforgettable moments.
I do have other ventures that I am currently working on in the fashion industry, however still using my creative juices that Event planning has taught me to bring it to life. I plan to launch by the beginning of 2025.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three important keys for your journey would be:
1. Make sure you have clean space around you. Be kind to yourself and set boundaries. This helps to have a clear mind to create, have a less stress level and the feeling of being free to flow in the gifts that were given to you. Get rid of things, people and habits that do not serve you or stump your growth process.
2. Always keep learning, be coachable and also be a teacher. You are never too experienced to learn from those before you or the ones coming up after you. Keep obtaining knowledge, read motivational literature, take new courses, network with other who are in the same lane, and be open to new things. Take on the challenge. Give tips, give opportunities, be impactful. What you sow is what you reap. Be a willing teacher because you want to see other do well and win too!
3. Be patient and kind. Every client is different and may require more tender care than others. Remain patient, give your best and be kind. However, still set the boundaries. Every client is not your client. Respect is the ultimate thing. Do not get discouraged and keep going. You have this gift for a reason and its apart of your success! Take it and be your best YOU that you can be,
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
My number one obstacle I’m facing would be marketing. I am not well rounded in posting on social media, content creating or marketing my brand. I can have so many photos and videos of my work and not post much. It can be a little discouraging; however, I am finding ways that will help me with creating Ads and content especially when time is against me. I realized that I cannot do it all on my own and sometimes you just need to have someone who is more experienced in a field to help you move forward. I have been looking for a social media content creator and/or marketing manager that can help me with putting my brand out there.
Contact Info:
- Website: Finesseelegance.com
- Instagram: @finesseeleganceprod
Image Credits
Blue Pictorial Shamemories
