Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Edwards.
Hi Crystal, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Over the last couple of years, I have been a vendor at many markets for my other business, Crystal’s Creations. During these markets, I built a network of other vendors and event coordinators. As my network grew, so did the urge to want to put together my own vendor market. I have done a few events one my own through Paradise Planning, so I knew that I would need a reason or incentive to draw people to my market. I collaborated with a fellow entrepreneur and music artist. My vendor market needed to bring people together and he needed an audience to perform for. From there, Empire in Bloom was born. We enlisted help from a trusted friend with experience in planning block parties, and the idea came to life from there. With this being the first of many events put together by this team, there were plenty of areas to learn from. We looked into what worked for other events and got feedback from other connections. Leading up to the block party is when things started to get real. We came together to prepare for the event as much as possible and looked forward to a spectacular party! The day of the block party was undeniably a fast-paced, extremely fun experience. Smiles and laughter filled the room along with music from the DJ and specialty vendors showcasing their businesses. Everyone in attendance had a blast and expressed looking forward to the next one! We are in the midst of planning to ensure this is an annual event!
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. In fact, after the block party occurred, my team and I went over areas to improve and lessons learned. Some struggles identified included marketing and the importance of sticking to a timeline. Because our timeline got delayed, there were a few expectations we had for the event that were not able to happen. For example, our social media push was not as strong as intended due to errors in our content. This affected both our marketing plan and our timeline. Another lesson learned was to market to a more targeted audience. Casting a wide net seemed good in the moment, however, talking to the right people will create more traction.
We’ve been impressed with Paradise Planning, 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?
Paradise Planning is an event and wedding planning business that was established in 2022. Since then, Paradise Planning has put on adult birthday parties, decorated for many events, and hosted its very own block party (Empire in Bloom). Paradise Planning is meant to take the burden of planning off of your shoulders. We specialize in creating experiences that will stick with clients for a lifetime. Paradise Planning brings your ideas to life. We are known for effortless execution and transparent communication. We are open to feedback before, during, and after our services, and we maintain a running list of contacts who can be recommended for future events. We are small but mighty and not afraid to seek answers in various ways. Paradise Planning is most proud of our continuous feedback. We are constantly learning and growing, and it shows with each event we put together. Currently, we offer 6 and 12 month packages for planning events. Paradise Planning has many add-ons where you can add your own personal touch to any event! We have a stack of vendors, caterers, volunteers, and more to help create an unforgettable experience.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is that anyone in attendance at an event that Paradise Planning hosts leaves feeling better than when they arrived. They have something to go home with and talk to their friends about. Paradise Planning, along with my other business, Crystal’s Creations, both strive to create memories worth keeping! Life is too short not to enjoy the good times.
Pricing:
- 6 month Planning Package: $800
- 12 month Planning Package: $1600
- *Prices may vary
Contact Info:
- Website: https://crystals–creations.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empireinbloom26/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577442554949
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cedwards22/
