Today, we’d like to introduce you to Gequinn Mattox.
Hi Gequinn, thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
What started as a love for my family and my desire to bring all our individual families together to celebrate the holidays and special occasions quickly became a passion of mine. But at that time, I didn’t realize what it was. It gave me so much joy when I saw the smile on their faces and the excitement in their eyes. Every minute and every single detail of the planning and coordinating process was all worth it. It was priceless. The more I did it, the more passionate I became about each gathering.
Growing up, I was told we all have a gift, and I’ve always wondered what mine was. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I realized that my ability to bring people together and create memorable events was my gift. It’s not something that I was formally trained for, but my skill set as an Executive Assistant and later as a Program Coordinator transferred well into event planning. The more I planned events, the more I loved it. I had an ability that came easy for me. I knew this was my true purpose: to do for others what they couldn’t or didn’t want to do for themselves.
I had been on this journey for over a decade, but when the pandemic hit, it caused me to take a long, hard look at my life. I thought about what was really important to me and what I wanted for my future and that of my family. It was then that I decided to no longer put myself and what I wanted to do on the back burner. It was during this time of uncertainty that I decided to do something positive, rebuild myself, and pursue my dreams. I also wanted to provide generational wealth for my daughter and my grandsons. I want to help provide for their lives and their futures even after I am gone.
Even though I am on my own “pursuit of happiness” to live out the life I dream of, I also want to empower those coming up after me to do what I do. I want to show them there is so much gratification that comes from serving others. Don’t get me wrong, it hasn’t always been sunshine and rainbows. It is my sincere passion for what I do and my strong faith that continue to drive me and protect me on this journey of being a servant and doing what I love.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story. Has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Being an event planner often involves navigating through a variety of challenges rather than enjoying a consistently smooth road. Some of the struggles I faced were:
1. Finding vendors and colleagues who shared my work ethic. I have always been very particular about who I work with. They were a reflection of me. I wanted to make sure they were passionate about their profession because that passion is one of the things that keeps you going and motivates you to do what you do. My clients were, and are my #1 priority. I never cut corners when it comes to their happiness, satisfaction, and desires.
2. Balancing client expectations with financial limitations can be tricky. Negotiating costs with vendors and ensuring quality within budget constraints is a significant challenge.
3. The job can be high-pressure, especially as the event date approaches. Managing stress and maintaining composure under pressure is crucial. Not only for you, but for the client.
But despite these challenges, the work that I do is so rewarding due to the creativity involved, the satisfaction of creating memorable experiences, and the opportunity to continue spreading love and happiness one event at a time!
Thanks for sharing that. Maybe you can tell us a bit more about your business next.
As the owner of Yourz by Dezign Events, I’m thrilled to share more about our business and what sets us apart in the event planning industry.
Yourz by Dezign Events is a boutique event planning company specializing in creating unforgettable experiences for a wide range of occasions, from corporate & social events and weddings to nonprofit galas, luncheons, and conferences. Our mission is to transform your vision into reality with meticulous attention to detail and a personalized approach.
We are known for our creative flair and ability to tailor each event to reflect our client’s unique styles and preferences. We are a resource for “all things events.” Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, we specialize in crafting bespoke experiences that leave a lasting impression.
What truly sets Yourz by Dezign Events apart is our commitment to excellence and innovation. We prioritize creativity and quality in every aspect of event planning, from venue selection and decor to entertainment and catering. Our team brings a fresh perspective to each project, ensuring that every detail is thoughtfully curated to exceed expectations. We have a Master Team of some of the best Event Professionals in Colorado!
We take immense pride in our reputation for delivering seamless events that resonate with our clients and their guests. Our ability to blend creativity with flawless execution is a testament to our dedication to excellence. We cherish the relationships we build with our clients and the trust they place in us to bring their vision to life.
At Yourz by Dezign Events, we are more than event planners; we are storytellers crafting narratives through design and experience. Our brand is built on passion, professionalism, and a deep-seated commitment to turning dreams into reality. We want our clients to know we are here to guide them through every step of the planning process, ensuring a stress-free and memorable journey.
Our offerings include comprehensive event planning and management services tailored to suit diverse needs and budgets. From initial concept development to on-the-day coordination, we offer a full spectrum of services to make your event as seamless and enjoyable as possible. We’re always evolving and finding new ways to serve our clients. We’ll be rolling out a new service soon!
In essence, Yourz by Dezign Events is dedicated to creating moments that matter. We invite you to experience the difference with us and let us transform your next event into something truly extraordinary. At Yourz by Dezign Events, the possibilities are endless!
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk-taking is a fascinating aspect of decision-making. From my perspective, risk can be a calculated move towards potential gain or loss. Since I am not a robot or computer, I couldn’t simulate scenarios and outcomes based on data and patterns.
Launching a business during COVID was undoubtedly a bold move. It involved navigating uncertainties such as economic instability, changing consumer behaviors, and health concerns. However, many successful ventures have emerged from challenging times, and seizing opportunities when others might hesitate can sometimes lead to great rewards. I was even told that I should find some other business to start. They literally told me it was not a wise thing to do!
In general, my perspective on risk aligns with the idea of informed decision-making. It’s crucial to weigh potential benefits against possible drawbacks, to consider alternative scenarios, and to have contingency plans in place. Risk can be managed through research, planning, and adaptability.
Ultimately, whether in business or in personal endeavors, understanding and embracing risk is often integral to growth and innovation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ybdevents.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ybd_events/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ybdevents21/; https://www.facebook.com/gequinn.mattox
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gequinn-mattox/
Image Credits
McBoat Photography, Marvelous Images, B Cole + Co Acscents, Florals Compass, Rose Floral Event, Rentals for You, Fancy Faces TJ’s Weddings, and Events & Design Alegre Weddings & Events
