Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in event planning but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jyoti Saini, owner of SJ Soirée Inc., located in Toronto, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are an event planning and management boutique. Planning beautifully styled, well-executed and personal soirées all while building lasting relationships with our clients is our passion. With a passion for culture and travel, we pride ourselves on producing quality events for all walks of life and are available worldwide.
Tell us about yourself
My love and passion for events began at a young age while in high school, working with the school's planning committee for events such as formals and prom. During my time at university, my event career expanded as I planned for a yearly conference consisting of 150 students with over 20+ corporate sponsors ranging from well-renowned businesses such as Proctor & Gamble, PwC, and PepsiCo, just to name a few. This conference aids students in entering the workforce through networking and soft skill development. It would be held in luxury Toronto venues such as Fairmont Royal York. Planning this three-day, four-night conference yearly for three years really helped develop my passion for events and got me thinking that I could look at event planning as a career. With a few winding paths and three years after graduation, I took a leap of faith and launched my business in weddings and events. Through corporate jobs immediately following my graduation, I personally felt I lacked a sense of purpose. I know I loved meeting people and planning events. I also wanted to feel accomplished and make a direct impact on peoples' lives. I now like to say that I may not be saving lives, but I am helping to start them.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is building the inner confidence that I can take on any challenge that comes my way. Don't get me wrong. I am still definitely learning to continue to build that confidence and have a long way to go! I'm sure many business owners can relate that in the first few years, you feel scared to make mistakes or may think you're not good enough for your clients compared to the competition. I've learned to fight the fear and take it head-on. You'll only learn and grow from the challenges.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is being able to adapt, pivot, and be flexible overall. I'm sure many business owners can relate to this as we are living in a pandemic. There will be things thrown your way that you didn't anticipate! However, being open, mindful, and flexible will help you make the right business decisions for you, your employees, and your clients.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Gain experience. If you are looking to get into weddings and events or working on launching a product, try to gain experience. This can help you learn some of the do's and don'ts early on, but most importantly, it will help you understand if you are truly passionate about the work. Being a business owner may seem glamorous to those looking from the outside in, but it's a lot of hard work!
- Ask for help. The idea of beginning a business can be very exciting. Play on your strengths if that means you're great at writing a business plan and maintaining finances. But maybe you're not great at creating a website or search engine optimization. Outsource help! Remember, you can't do everything, so it's great to look for help - begin with family and friends!
- And lastly, just go for it! If you are truly passionate about your idea, product, or service, everything will work out.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Don't forget to have fun along the process of building your business. It's important to have end goals, but don't let your goals be the deciding factor of achievement. There are lots to be grateful for and proud of in the journey than just the destination.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.sjsoiree.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sjsoiree
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjsoiree/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sjsoiree
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sjsoiree/about/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.