April 1, 2018

Aloha! Or in other words, hello! In launching this blog, I’m killing two birds with one stone. In addition to a “quick” introduction of myself and my company, I am introducing the first company value I am integrating into Ohana Events.

 

Let’s start with a little bit about myself.

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Danielle. I was born and raised in the Western suburbs of Chicago and currently live downtown in all the hustle and bustle of the “Windy City”. Chicago is the perfect place to launch an event planning company because of the plethora of talented vendors, delicious food, and gorgeous venues the city has to offer. I am honored to be part of such a thriving, in-demand industry that is constantly evolving and improving.

I worked at another planning firm for almost 4 years before I decided the best way for me to grow is to get out of my comfort zone, take some risks, and start my own brand. I come from a family of successful entrepreneurs so my support from home was through the roof. Growing up I saw first-hand all the benefits of starting one’s own company, and once I had the opportunity and experience I couldn’t resist!

I began developing Ohana Events in October of 2017 and announced the launch one month later. I have been working on business development non-stop ever since. Between starting Ohana Events’ Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram pages, to my branding/logo design, to my website (and more!), it seems as if the projects are never done. Business development isn’t my only focus, however. I am lucky enough to dedicate significant time and effort to my lovely 2018 clients! Goodness, “lovely” does not even begin to describe the amazing people who have signed with me thus far. These clients are some of the nicest and most down-to-Earth people I have ever met. I’m not sure what makes me so lucky, but I am forever grateful to have such wonderful people to share my journey with. They trust my vision and years of experience to plan some of the best weddings and events of 2018, even before I had my website and social media links up.

 

I’d like to dive into a topic that truly resonates with me: Ohana Events’ values.

Due to the countless number of business classes I took throughout my education, it has been instilled in my memory that a successful business is one that has a strong foundation. No matter the size of a company, values are values. Values are the core principles that guide you through life, and I want to do my best incorporating my values into my business practices. Values define our “why” and give us a “how-to”.

My company name, Ohana Events, is inspired by a Hawaiian word. The variety of reasons I chose Ohana as my brand will be explained in a later blog – hang tight!

Because of this Hawaiian inspiration, I figured it would be fun and interesting to grow and learn through true Hawaiian values. On the first day of every month, I will introduce one new value that I strive to live and work by. The first value, as I mentioned in the beginning, is Aloha!

 

Aloha is a Hawaiian word that has a much deeper meaning than most expect.

In the context I used at the beginning, Aloha is a simple way to say “hello” or “goodbye” to others. Although this connotation holds true, aloha’s meaning goes much deeper than most dictionaries state.

Some say that Aloha mean:
“to show love, kindness and compassion.”

Others derive a more complex meaning:
“Aloha is a value, one of unconditional love.
Aloha is the outpouring and receiving of the spirit.”

What does that mean? It simply means “manifest your spirit, BE YOU”. I have a good idea of who I am. My current focus is incorporating my personality into my business in a professional way. There is a fine line between being personable and being unprofessional. I am in this wonderful industry of creatives that all excel through their personalities, yet at what point do I have to hold back? This is something that I am going to learn over the next few years. I will learn what times I’m allowed to act like my client’s best friend, and what times I need to take the laughs out of the equation and simply provide the services I’m contracted to do.

Besides developing a connection with my clients, my plan is to bring happiness, energy, color, and LOVE to my company and this industry as a whole. Working with every single bride, groom, birthday girl, graduation boy, and expecting mom is clearly impossible. The important thing is I know that I will still have a presence in the community. For both my clients and followers I will try my best to shine through and bring you amazing content and inspiration that comes from the heart.

 

Now onto the corporate side of my business,

which I find to be the most difficult place to implement my outgoing, energetic, and buoyant personality. I’ve worked with many corporations in the past and already have a few corporate clients under Ohana Events. From holiday galas to 5-day sales conferences, I’ve planned just about everything. How in the world am I supposed to represent my aloha in corporate events? In all honesty even though I will tone down my personality a bit, I’ll still be bringing it. I think that’s exactly what corporate events need – a little flair. You need someone with enthusiasm and drive. One that will explore interesting ideas to excite employees and customers so they continue working with you. Cocktail parties, conferences and private dinners are not held just so everyone can have fun. Whether it be a client appreciation party or an internal sales conference, there must be a purpose or goal for the event. Luckily, there is always room for personalization (and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune). Making one-of-a-kind events is what I strive to do no matter the client.

In summary, I’m beyond excited to share Ohana Events with the world. I’m thrilled to share the values that will drive how I conduct my business and life. Finally, as I mentioned before, stay tuned on the first of every month for a fun new Hawaiian value!

Aloha!
Danielle