Today we’d like to introduce you to Catherine Karani
Hi Catherine, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Catherine am a wife and mom of two kids, Ash & Phil. I am an accountant by profession and also run an events and decor business. I love creating magical moments for my clients. I believe life is too short to not treasure every moment we have when we can so why not have the best moments of your life curated as beautiful memories. My love for decor started at a young age. Presentation was always important and everything had to look appealing. In my adult years, I enjoyed organizing and decorating events for my children. Family and friends would call on me to help decorate their parties or assist with crafting exercises. I continued doing this for numerous years until January of 2023 when I was encouraged and motivated to start AshPhil Events & Decor named after our two children. A legacy they would be part of and take to the next level.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Some of the biggest challenges as a new business owner is having inventory at hand. Having free and clear inventory helps reduce the cost associated with rentals thus reducing the overall cost.
Working outdoor in extreme weather conditions is a challenge especially in the summer. Unexpected rain can cause muddy and slippery conditions.
As a small business owner i handle multiple tasks and sometimes there isn’t enough hours in the day to handle everything. Transportation of oversized props and inflated balloon garlands can also be taxing.
Formulating quotes and pricing out each event is difficult for new business owners too. Finding storage for inventory and finding reliable employees that understand the company vision.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are family owned and we take ownership of each and every event. Our goal is to create magical moments for our clients with lasting beautiful memories.
We cater to all your celebrations:
🎈Baby showers
🎈Bridal Showers
🎈Birthdays
🎈Traditional Events
🎈 Engagement
🎈Weddings
🎈Anniversary’s
🎈Gender reveal
🎈Corporate Events
🎈Graduation
🎈 Valentines
We also offer:
🎈 Money Cake
🎈 Diaper Cake
🎈 Cakes
🎈 Balloon Garlands
🎈 Backdrops
🎈 Interior Design
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I would recommend going to open houses. Handing out business cards. Approaching business owners in the industry and asking if they can mentor or provide insite on how they have managed to run successfully businesses. Also taking advantage of free social media platforms to advertise their business. And keeping time is essential.
I would encourage them to work on perfecting their skill and not chasing money. Once their skill is exceptional clients will find them. Lastly the client is always right.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ashphilevents.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ash_phil_event_planning_decor?igsh=ejRuaTFnaGZrZWM5
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/100094976692422/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ashphilevents?_t=8oBSkx6OsIg&_r=1
