Today we’d like to introduce you to Lior Ofir.
Lior, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I want to start off by saying I have a disorder called PGAD. After eight years, I have been able to keep it under control with physical therapy, medication, and most recently a surgery. I want to bring it up because many decisions in my career have been affected by it. I started doing events in NYC about six years ago. I got a job at a flower shop, where I started on the customer service side. Eventually, I made my way to lead the wedding/bridal department for them. After a year, I want to do more than flowers, so moved on to a company called Birch Event Design. It was three years of some of the best experiences I could have ever asked for! I learned the ins and outs of the event industry. I loved every minute of it. Two years ago, my husband got an opportunity in Miami. We always knew we would move back here since both our families are here, but we just did not think it would be that soon.
Nonetheless, we moved, and I felt I should get some event experience in Miami, unsure if the clientele and industry were the same as New York. I worked at Karla Events for about nine months. I learned a lot but realized I was ready to move away from some of the obstacles created when working for other people. At this time, I was also experiencing some flare-ups from my PGAD, giving me the push I needed to start my own company and be my own boss. Being my own boss gives me the flexibility to have a more balanced lifestyle. When you are in an industry like events and being your own boss means you are always on call. When a client calls, I must answer. Because of this, it is important for me to find time in between to keep up with my health, my relationships, and my mental well-being. My first year has been overwhelmingly successful. I truly feel blessed, but I also find that when you put an importance on the balance between your health and your work life, you succeed.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I may have mentioned some of this in my previous response, but there have certainly been struggles along the way. PGAD makes it hard to concentrate at times. It also makes stress feel 100% worse because it takes a physical toll on my body. I am lucky I have so much support around me and am blessed to be able to get the tools I need to manage my pain. Aside from that, my first year as a company, as I am sure many like me, I struggled to find my structure. You want to say yes to everyone, wanting to make your new company something people will tell their friends about. Every job counts. As they say, you are only as good as your last event.
Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
I am an event planner and event designer. I also provide event coordination freelancing for several Miami and New York companies. I am known to provide a stress-free environment for my clients. I like to think I absolve all stress because to me, the most important thing is the lasting memory these clients will have for their special day. So trust me, if the cake arrived with the wrong buttermilk frosting, not only will the client not know about it, but I will be sure when a piece is cut, the correct frosting will be there. Lately, I think something that sets me apart from others has been my interested in making events more sustainable. I don’t think people realize how much waste happens after an event is over Thrown out food, flowers, and so much more. I have been working with Food rescue Miami, Miami Rescue Mission, Seek the beauty, and a couple more organizations to help donate things like food and flowers after an event is over.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I like to think business is half luck and half of the hardest work you can possibly provide. You need to work with what life throws at you. Good or bad. Take advantage of the good and work your ass off to be thankful for it. Fight through the bad and show you can make it out alive.
Contact Info:
- Address: 29 NW 96th ST, Miami Shores, FL 33150
- Website: https://www.ofircreative.com/
- Phone: 3053355057
- Email: lior@ofircreative.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ofircreative/
Image Credit:
Domino Arts, Moriah Cuda, Natalia Molina
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