Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Gordon.
Erica, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Elite Eventz actually started as a senior business proposal in a small business & entrepreneurship course at Prairie View A&M University in undergraduate school. It was initially spelled with an “S” but once I applied for the license, someone already had the name, so, I had to think quick on my feet and thus the birth of Elite Eventz, LLC in October of 2009. I started small, doing friends’ social events with plastic linens and balloons and events at my church. Over time referrals started kicking in and I had my first event early on in December of 2009. Shortly after celebrating the first year anniversary, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and it literally turned my entire world upside down. Elite Eventz saved my life. It constantly gave me something to look forward to and made it so that I always was thinking and operating in the future. It seemed the sicker I’d become, the more my business would grow and grow. I started doing high-end events and mostly weddings and focused on becoming the most well versed planner I could be come with different sectors of the field (social, weddings, corporate, charity, high-end, high profile and a lot more). Over the years, the team has grown with a group of ladies, we refer to as the Elite Dolls. We office out of Garden Oaks/Heights area. We plan some larger conferences and galas for the city as well as large scale events for the city such as Diner en Blanc Houston for the past 3 years as well as taking on the platinum wedding of Richard Williams owner of Texas Auto Direct in the winter of 2015. We are exclusive and preferred vendors at some of Houston’s most premier event venues such as the esteemed Chateau Cocomar. We are very proud to be an award winning firm for 6 plus years in a row.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Mostly, my personal struggle with my health had been my biggest struggle. It made it very challenging at times. But for years I kept it a huge secret and no on in the industry knew except the Elite Dolls. I’ve recently celebrated my first year in remission so it’s only now that I speak much about it.
For years, I was able to double my annual revenue but a few years back I hit a rough patch financially and had a group of challenging clients. I think it’s all growing pains. I also think that in the previous year it was a very busy year and I had stopped paying attention to things as much as I had in previous years. It all plays a part in the flow. With events there is typically anywhere from a 6 month to 18 month commitment, so, it’s always best to have systems set in place to make sure that you operate in excellence.
I’m still learning how to manage a proper work-life balance. It wasn’t until just 2 years ago that I felt comfortable enough to start enjoying some of the fruits of my labor. That standard entrepreneurial thought of “what if”, so you work extremely hard to build as much of a security blanket financially as possible.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Elite Eventz, LLC – what should we know?
Elite Eventz is a Houston based wedding and special event planning firm that specializes in creating, managing, and producing memorable eventz. We extend our services, but are not limited to corporate, social, and formal eventz. We offer both customized and standard collections that range in price depending on the amount of detail and specialization made in efforts to produce the event.
Our professional and devoted staff are experts at organizing and executing all types of eventz. Whether you are planning an upcoming corporate team building event, conference, holiday party, casino night, carnival/festival, red carpet event, concert, school function, gala fundraiser, wedding, holiday party or any other type of event, be it large or small, Elite Eventz has you covered with your vision in mind.
Elite Eventz’ personal network of only the finest vendors, venue spaces, and creative minds create eventz unparalleled by any other event planning organization. Everything is at your fingertips and completely customized for your individual needs. Elite Eventz has executed a multitude of highly successful eventz since its establishment in 2009.
Elite Eventz has been featured in numerous magazines and websites such as:
Best City Weddings
Bibi Bridal Show – For The Luxury South Asian Wedding
BlackBride.com – Kristen & Larry #TheGreatJamesWedding
Bridal Extravaganza Show | Best of Bridal-BEST PLANNER 2015 Award
Brides
Chateau Cocomar – Preferred Wedding Planner 2016 – 2018
Event Wire
Houston Brides – Modern Luxury
Houston City Voter/ A-List 1st Place Winner 2013 & 2014
IndianWeddingSite.com
Martha Stewart Weddings
Munaluchi Magazine – (4 Page Spread) Fall/Winter 2015 Print Issue
Nordstrom Galleria’s The Wedding Suite – Wedding Planner Local Pick 2012
Paper City Magazine – Diner en Blanc Houston 2017
Perfect Party Planner Guide
Project Wedding
South Asian Bridal Exhibit
South Asian Bridal Magazine – Adiha & Wasi #WasiKiAdiha (pg 305-309)
Texas Weddings Magazine
The Coordinated Bride
TheKNOT.com
ThreeBestRated.com – Top 3 Houston Wedding Planners 2016 – 2018
The Springs Events Brazos – Preferred Wedding Planner 2013-2017
Wedding Aces
Wedding Bee
Wedding Channel.com
Weddings on Point
Wedding Wire | Couples’ Choice Award 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 & 2017
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Having an ability to adapt to changes swiftly and problem solve.
Pricing:
- Wedding Collections start at $4600
- Corporate Collections start at $7500
- Social Collections start at $1800 (based on availability)
Contact Info:
- Address: 4001 N Shepherd Drive Suite 210
Houston, Texas 77018 - Website: www.eliteeventz.com
- Phone: 713.516.3409
- Email: info@eliteeventz.com
- Instagram: @EliteEventz
- Facebook: @EliteEventz
- Twitter: @EliteEventz
- Yelp: @elite-eventz-houston
Image Credit:
JF Studioz, Cotton Collective, Touch of Color Images, Nadia D Photography, Second Shots Photography and Farran Manuel Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
