Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz Abraham.
Liz, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up, I always had a love and passion for party planning, decorating, and coordinating for different occasions. Whether it be a birthday, holiday gathering, school & church-related events or any special occasion, my love for planning started early on. While I was planning my own wedding, I realized how much effort goes into planning your special day.
I quickly realized it can be an overwhelming task. I eventually hired a local Houston based Wedding Coordinator and was so grateful because my husband and I could enjoy our special day which we had anticipated for months. Since that day, a deep appreciation for what they had executed that day always resonated in my mind and heart. Their services were invaluable.
As it would be, opportunities kept presenting themselves to me to be involved with the planning, coordination and execution of events. In 2008, I was asked to volunteer to be the children’s program coordinator for a national conference as part of a religious organization. The conference drew a crowd of 3000 attendees from different states with around 500 children in attendance ranging in ages 5- 12 years old. It was a huge undertaking and even more huge responsibility on my shoulders. I was entering unchartered territory. It would take a lot of coordination, attention to detail, working with vendors and so much more to make this successful. With a group of volunteers that I recruited, the sessions were successful, and our team received praise for the overall smooth coordination of programming. Over the next several years, due to the impression my team and I left on the first conference, I had the privilege to be part of several more in various cities in Texas.
In 2012, I was given an opportunity to be part of a community board in the master-planned community I live in Sugar Land, Texas. The focus of the committee was to bring special events to its residents throughout the year. The board was able to work with the developers and bring some outstanding events for the community to enjoy. It was also during this time I served as a Delegate to represent around 140 homes in my section. Every October, my husband and I gladly hosted a National Night Out Block Party in front of our home which drew a crowd around 150+ neighbors. It was such a joy to plan and coordinate a DJ, games, and other activities to bring the neighbors along with local city leaders and law enforcement together for this one night. This tradition of ours is well known in our city and still takes place every year. With the support from a great group of block captains and neighbors, I have been able to keep this going strong and still continue to be on the social committee for the neighborhood.
In 2018, after working in health care for over 20+ years, raising three children while working full time and holding multiple commitments in the church and community, it was time for a change. While I loved working as a Health Care Administrator specializing in end of life care, in my heart and soul, I was entering a new season where I wanted to do something different where I could express myself creatively and the God-given talents I had. After much thought, prayers, and guidance from my family, I started Inspired Events by Liz, an event planning company that focuses on all aspects of event management which includes planning and coordinating special events. It was one of the happiest days of my life aside from the birth of my three sons. A dream now became a reality. Over the next months, a lot of market research, planning and brainstorming took place. My launch date to go public was set for February 2019, around my birthday. Still, a hesitation stirred inside me. Was I making the right decision? In a saturated market, how could I separate myself from the others. How will I get clients to trust me with their special events?
While this internal struggle was going on, in January 2019, a very good friend of mine reached out to me and told me about a job opportunity that came up for an Event Coordinator position for the City of Sugar Land. She believed I would be a good fit for the role. Even with much support and encouragement from my friend, I was nervous to apply because all my event planning and coordination I had done up to this point was as a volunteer, and not on a professional level. I went ahead and submitted my resume in blind faith with no high expectations. In February 2019, I got hired for that position. To be fair to my new job and the responsibilities it required, I put aside launching my business so I can focus on my new job. Working as a city event coordinator has enabled me to grow so much as an event planner. It has helped boost my confidence. Working with an outstanding team bringing special events for the city has empowered me. It has allowed me to go beyond my comfort zones. Planning events/festivals for crowds ranging from 5k to 25k in attendance is no small task not to mention all the events are outdoors and in the wonderful Texas heat. A deeper appreciation and enlightenment of what festival event planners do in preparation and execution of events really grounded me. Weeks of planning and coordination, dealing with vendors, PO’s, and contracts was just a few things I learned to deal with. The number of hours and effort you put in the hopes of delivering a lasting impression for residents is your pay off.
In January 2020, the year of change, I decided no matter what happens, February will be my new public launch date for Inspired Events by Liz. There was no turning back. This was happening no matter what came my way. And so, it happened, on February 20, 2020, I launched my business!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I cannot say it was totally a smooth road, as I described above, I faced many challenges, doubts, and fears along my journey. Stepping into something new always comes with a bit of anxiety. You tend to doubt yourself, you let all the “what ifs” consume you. It was just the catapult I needed to make it a reality for me. Word of mouth amongst those I knew started spreading and before I knew it, I booked several clients. I was so encouraged and thrust full speed ahead. Then in March 2020, the world came to a standstill with the pandemic that affected humanity with a global crisis. Wow! What timing! Here while I was in full planning mode for some of the events that were coming up, I was forced to slam on the brakes and adapt to live a “new normal.”
Sometimes when things do not go necessarily as you plan, it is because there is something greater in store for you. I am a true believer of this. My faith in God has been a strong foundation in my life. I am a person who likes to see the glass half full. With many experiences good or bad in life, finding goodness in everything brings me hope and comfort. So, while it was disappointing, my faith in God and trust that His timing is always perfect encouraged me to keep my head high and be of good cheer. While a few events got canceled through May, in early June I was able to execute my first wedding of the year for a wonderful couple. I had come full circle. What was once only a vision, dream or longing came to reality!
Please tell us about Inspired Events by Liz.
Inspired Events by Liz is an event planning company focusing on creating inspired events of all types. Our goal is to alleviate the stress and frustration that often accompany planning an event. We deal with all the scheduling, logistics, paperwork, emails, phone calls and everything in between so you do not have to. We offer our clients a space to relax, smile, feel inspired, and enjoy every moment of the planning process as well as their big day. As a company, the thing I am most proud of is that we focus on all aspects of event management which includes planning and coordinating special events. My desire is to start with my client’s vision to inspire me to create a smooth and flawless event. I take pride in my work and I am fully committed to ensure my clients can enjoy their special day or event. I believe what sets me apart from others is my wide variety of event planning and coordinating experience. I can do just about any type of special event. Whether it’s planning a birthday party, special occasion, or a wedding, I can focus on the big picture. I believe I am known for having an eye for personalization and details, I thrive on the challenge that every aspect of every event should be unique and inspired. I treat and plan every event as an experience. I am driven by the pressure of always exceeding my client’s expectations.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
First, my relationship with God has been integral in my life. It is my faith that has sustained and guided me every step of the way. In the ups and downs, His love and favor on me has been constant in my life. Sometimes it takes that one push to bring out your inner talents, skills, and abilities not to mention overcoming fears. I am grateful for the people whom I am surrounded by and who believed in me then and continue till this day. My husband Roy and my three sons, Christopher, Joel, and Nicholas has always encouraged and pushed me. They always believed in me even when I did not believe in myself. I also want to thank my parents and siblings for their unconditional love and support in everything I do. There are many other friends, family, industry partners and wonderful people who along this journey, have been a true source of encouragement. Finally, I want to thank all my clients who have entrusted me so far. The most meaningful moments in life are meant to be remembered forever. At Inspired Events by Liz, we are all about making milestones more magical and memorable. Let us make your vision our inspiration. And so, if I had to start over, I do not think I would of done anything differently because I truly believe everything happens for a reason in the right season.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.inspiredeventsbyliz.com
- Email: liz@inspiredeventsbyliz.com
- Instagram: @inspiredeventsbyliz
- Facebook: @inspiredeventsbyliz
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/inspired-events-by-liz-sugar-land
- Other: https://g.page/inspired-events-by-liz?gm
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