Today we’d like to introduce you to Autria Tutt.
Autria, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
When my husband and I wanted to get married, we could not find or afford anything. He was a full-time student living on campus and I was a part-time student with 2 full-time jobs. Being a mom and trying to work my way up from entry level bank teller to loan processor. It was so stressful that we went to the courthouse and just got our marriage license signed by the assistant pastor of the church we were attending. We had found a cute little gazebo downtown and recited our vows in the dark on Tuesday night. We said we would have a real ceremony when we could afford it. I was content but not… fully happy. So, I put all my free time into finding a way to make it work for everyone’s budget. Not everyone wants or can spend $10,000 on a one-day celebration. I was determined to find the balance between extravagant and nothing. I spent many years of researching, training, doing favors and volunteering to help other planners. Finally, knew that working for anyone else was no longer an option for me. I started out renting my supplies and saved until I was able to buy them. I hit up yards for DIY projects and online auctions for huge sales and discounts. Every few months, I vowed to pick up more stills. First just decorating, then complete planning, party and supply rentals, now shirts and printing. In the very near future, I hope to officially launch financial services.
Has it been a smooth road?
When I think of a smooth road I think about the route to the vacation house on a country road or an island getaway. The place you go to grow old and reflect on your life or a place to relax in between achievements. I feel my journey is in the Freeway traffic stage. Stuck, Aniousx… and waiting. You know where you are going… but the so much varies each time. I have not had many setbacks or struggles but the few that I have made a huge difference. Such as accepting that this industry is one of the easiest to get into so you have to really standout because almost everyone thinks they can do it, too. Also, the client is not always right and you can’t tell them that. I want to be hired to prevent problems. not fix them once things are falling apart. I run into so many people who can not understand that until after the fact. In their mind, my safety instructions are doing too much or the situation is not that serious until they are overwhelmed and now I have to pick up the pieces. Then In some cases, me coming to the rescue backfires because outsiders looking in also see it could have been prevented, but the clients don’t always speak up and say ” I was told but I didn’t listen” But my biggest struggle was separating Autria the friend from Autria Of ART Event. Not every outing or social activity your client invites you too is a good look for your reputation, but you still have to make an effort to prove you fo care about the people more than the invoice price. Also, you have to draw the line and make it clear to your friends that you can not always work for them for free. Linen has to be dry cleaned, T-shirts come from the store before they are designed on, and the owner of the store isn’t going to give it to you because you are giving it to a friend.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with ART Events & Prints – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are a full-service event planning a decorating company that also provides custom crafts. We can start planning the day the ideas come to mind and see you all the way through, refer you to vendors, I can help you finalize the last details, or personalize items that you can’t walk into a store and buy.
Examples:
Day One Consultant- We will work directly with the client(s) helping them plan any and all aspects of their event
Day of Coordinator- We meet with the client(s) a few days before the event. Get a feel for what task need to be supervised.
Decorations & Hosting- In addition to setting up and decorating for your event. We also provide hosting services.
Day of Decorator- We speak with the client(s) days before the event to get a vision the arrive several hours before the events to decorate and returns later for decoration clean up.
Supply Rental: Clients have the option to rent tables, chairs, linen, centerpieces, props and outdoor shade tents.
Custom Crafts- Can be shirt, bags, shoe, props and keepsakes. The fun part is imaging all the possibilities.
Coming soon Financial Consulting.
It makes me proud that I keep finding new ways to grow. My husband jokes my phone never stops ringing, but I like it. To think that people call me first to see if I can do something or to get a referral. Makes me believe that I am going in the right direction.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love being a Houstonian. We rally together in times of need and support our community organizations. If I just had to think of something I dislike I would say it is so big and so many other planners. But is that really a bad thing? I have built up my confidence in myself, my staff and my company. It is enough opportunity out there for everyone. No one knows when their life is going to end and I would hate to have spent precious time count the population to planner ratio. I could spend that time doing my annual free graduation contest, volunteering for little league sports teams.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.anartevent.com
- Phone: 832-790-4419
- Email: arteventshouston@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arteventshouston/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARTEventsHouston/
Image Credit:
The late Councilman Larry Green & The Southwest JR, Marlins Parents & Staff, Terrance Tutt, Jeromy Washington, Shan & Cedric Allen
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.
