Meet Deanna Bryant of Elegant Impressions Event Planning, Inc

Today we’d like to introduce you to Deanna Bryant

Hi Deanna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was first introduced to the event planning industry through my aunt, who had her own company. Helping her and spending time following her around was simply something to do to keep me busy in the summer. I grew to love the profession and stumbled across a passion for making others feel great and making their events extraordinary. As time passed, I allowed the obstacles of life to distract me from my gifts and talents but was reminded when I began to feel empty and consumed making others’ dreams and passions come to life at my own expense. I played around with my abilities doing minor favors for family and friends. Still, I was encouraged by a friend and future client to take myself seriously and make more significant moves. I reached out to my aunt, hoping to get back in business. I tirelessly tried to convince her that the world was waiting for us, and we needed to get back to work. In actuality, I was saying in between those lines that I was afraid to do this alone. I couldn’t imagine myself running something on my own because I’m insecure about failing and not living up to my and others’ expectations. I was saying that I wanted her as my security blanket because who would take me seriously. I had no business experience; I knew how to put together an event but not a successful business. I was always told that I had great potential and was “called” to do great work, but I figured that was just a thing for people to say. After her countless No’s to going back into business, I gave up. The desire to go into business for myself did not happen overnight. I grew tired of all “my” other plans not working out and decided to yield to what was pulling at my heart. I tried to recreate from the foundation we once shared, but that was NOT the assignment God had placed before me. So in June of 2018, with fear in my heart, uncertainty in my mind, no money, and no definite plans, I registered Elegant Impressions Event Planning, INC.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. I often say, entrepreneurship is not for the weak; this has been a test of my faith and motivation. I have cried, mentally quit, and said every curse word I can imagine while building this brand and business. Working overnight, my “9-5” job to fund my business while attending grad school has been beyond tough. Many won’t tell you that, sometimes you have to spend more than you make during your first few years starting a business. Your investment is far greater than your return, and I don’t mean just monetarily. Having to make every detailed decision alone to carry out this vision is also trying. I think I hate the admin functions of my business but love what I do. By far, the most challenging part of this journey is remaining motivated when things seem to go wrong or you experience a drought in your business. In this industry, I have been counted out and judged far more than counted in. Walking into venues just to be racially discriminated against sometimes pushes me to the limits, yet I won’t let others ignorance stop me. I’ve encountered people who aren’t as professional as advertised, yet I have learned to perform the task I attempted to hire them for.

We’ve been impressed with Elegant Impressions Event Planning, Inc, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Elegant Impressions Event Planning, INC is a full-service luxury event planning company. We cater to all events but specialize in weddings. Though we are based out of Broward County, Florida, we service the tri-county area and offer destination wedding packages. Our services vary from complete planning, partial and month of coordination. Our goal is to provide the best possible service and experience for our clients. We at Elegant Impressions Event Planning believe that each event is unique to you; we wish to customize every event to reflect you as a client. You will be thrilled with our planner’s style and quality of work. Our packages include site reviews, itinerary provision, vendor and event management, contract negations, plus more. I want my brand and business to be about the service and the optimal experience. Each client is valued and never just another dollar sign. We pride ourselves on intimacy, luxury, and active listening, to make the planning journey beyond what you’ve imagined.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
To everyone in business or considering it, don’t quit; God gave you a vision, so you must see it through. Though the labor pains are terrible, what you birth out, in the end, will be worth it. In those times you feel like giving up, God provides you strength like no other, so stay the course and see what the end has in store for you. Don’t forget to enjoy the experience and the growth process. It doesn’t matter if you think you don’t have all the things you need; with God, you have everything you can ever imagine, start the business and perfect it later. I don’t care how many times you fail, how many times you rebrand, re-present yourself, keep going. And whether you become a multimillionaire in business or have to close your doors, you will learn just what you are made of and that no matter what, God got you, and He is in control. Most importantly, don’t compare yourself to others; you will get there or surpass that. I don’t care what the next person or business is doing, your clients will choose you because you offer something special and unique, and that is YOU!!! Simply put never stop believing in yourself.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: epelegantimpressions

Image Credits
Shane G Photography