Today we’d like to introduce you to Susy Abreu.
Hi Susy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was a teacher for over 15 years with a passion for all things party. In 2018 I helped my sister host my baby nephew’s Sip and See, and I had an epiphany. Why wasn’t I pursuing party planning and styling as a part-time source of income? I immediately launched an Instagram page, had a friend create my logo, and Getty-go-to-Girl was born!
I serviced mostly family and friends, but the company started growing in ways I had never dreamed of! Two years into it we rebranded and Susy’s Soirées came into existence. With the rebranding came many new clients, opportunities, and growth.
In 2022 I made the decision to leave teaching and pursue Susy’s Soirées full time, and I’ve never looked back since! God has truly blessed our small family business in BIG ways, and we are so grateful. This is year 6, and we can’t wait to see what great things are coming our way!
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?
One of the most difficult times was juggling teaching and event planning when Susy’s Soirées was growing. I’m passionate and a perfectionist, so I was giving 100% of myself to both of my jobs. I quickly realized that something had to give. Leaving teaching was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make. I struggled with it so much that I didn’t fully let go until years after resigning.
However, I find great pleasure in planning my past student’s events and styling events for the school that was my home for 6 years – Kendall Christian School. Another bump in the road was realizing that the business had grown to the point where I couldn’t do it on my own anymore. For a long time, I was pretty much a one-man show, and it took a toll on my health.
It was time to hire an administrative assistant, and eventually, freelancers, utility team members, and IT experts. My husband, Eddie Abreu, has also been my biggest cheerleader and support. While he still maintains his job in corporate America, he devotes his weekends to Susy’s Soirées. I’m so grateful for my amazing team! I could never do it without them!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a creative at heart! I love designing and styling events. I try to think of details that will set the event apart. One of my favorite things is creating unique designs and elements for each of my events – no two events are ever the same.
When I was a teacher, I was told often that I ran a tight ship. Routine, organization, and schedules were important then and now! I strongly believe that skill has helped me succeed as an event planner. I take pride in keeping my clients on budget and within a timeline that will assist them in having a completely stress-free event.
We plan weddings, gender reveals, baby showers, birthday parties, bridal showers, engagement parties, corporate events – you name it, we do it! We work with a curated list of top Miami vendors, so that our clients are not only not having to worry about finding vendors on their own, but also benefiting from having reliable professionals in their event.
Overall, what mostly sets us apart from others in the industry is our ability to accommodate any kind of budget. Being creative allows me to provide balloons, florals, and other elements for our clients. Not having to always outsource these components helps to keep costs down without compromising the quality and vision of the event. We are truly a one-stop shop! I’m most proud of being able to do this while still creating classy, elegant, elevated soirées!
What matters most to you?
Never losing sight of how we started is very important to me. It’s humbling that I once didn’t know what I was doing and that we’ve grown so much since then. I’m grateful to those who shared advice and helped guide me at the beginning of this journey. And for that reason, I always want to be that person for others. It’s scary and frustrating to start a business. I never want anyone to feel alone on the journey. If I did it, so can you!
Building relationships and helping others mattered to me when I was a teacher and it matters to me just as much now. The key to success is kindness and respect. Surrounding myself with the right vendors and establishing solid relationships has not only elevated our business but blessed it incredibly! To my team of “friendors”, thank you for coming through for me always! You have never let me down and because of that, I can continue to create beautiful memories for my clients.
To my clients, thank you for your unfailing loyalty and trust! Your happiness at the end of your events grants me the strength and motivation to do it all over again! Last but not least, to my family, thank you for following along this crazy journey! Thank you for your continued support, love, patience, and sacrifices. I’m so grateful for you and recognize that Susy’s Soirées is what it is today because of you!
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.susysoirees.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susysoirees?igsh=ZXNscWFjOHF1Y3ky
Image Credits
Carol’s Photography (https://www.instagram.com/carolsphotography19?igsh=cndqZnF6d3BnbHR0) and Autumn Annice
