Work It Wednesday - Carina D'Angelo
Welcome to another version of Work It Wednesday! This week, we talked with the fabulous Carina D'Angelo, owner of Event Boutique & Co.!
Taking the jump to start her own business was a big one. Carina takes everything in stride and continues to succeed in all she does!
1. Where does your love of event planning stem from?
I grew up with a family friend that was an event planner and I looked up to her so much. I could tell she worked hard and often long hours but more than anything you could tell she absolutely loved her job.
I was lucky enough to be able to shadow her a few times and I fell in love with the “organized chaos” and the on-your-feet problem solving that was needed in order to succeed in this business. I knew as early as high school that I wanted to be an event planner, so I went for it.
When I actually got into event planning and once I realized the amount of work and attention to detail it really takes, I was addicted. I love organization and love the feeling of accomplishment when I see an idea come to life on event day.
2. How did Event Boutique & Co. become what it is today?
Event Boutique & Co. is really a business based off of connections and referrals. I have been really lucky to have some great mentors in my life in my early event planning career and they have helped me grow my business into what it is.
Event Boutique & Co. is a savvy alternative to in-house event planning. We fill gaps for companies when their internal resources are low. Many companies cannot afford to hire a full time, in-house event planner but they do need an event-planner. Creating a solution that makes sense for their needs is key.
3. How do you think your event planning expertise stands apart from others?
I make sure that I take the time to understand my client’s goals and really dig deep into WHY are they hosting an event. After all, they’re not just hosting an event for fun, they want to achieve something, whether that be revenue generation, brand awareness, or employee appreciation. I make sure that everything I do in the planning process of that event, I do with my client’s goals in mind.
Because everything Event Boutique & Co. does is so strategic and generates results, this is why we’re hired for future projects.
4. What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Put everything in writing, even if you’re working with a friend. I know that sounds like the obvious and I was the person that would always quickly respond “oh yeah, of course” but when it really comes down to it, its harder said than done when you have trust in someone that you know well. I always have all of my clients sign contracts but having a friend sign a contract can seem a little awkward… but it is necessary.
5. If you could choose anywhere to fly, where would it be?
This is a tough one. I would like to explore Southeast Asia.
6. Go-to app?
PC Plus (haha!) I love a good deal on some fresh produce!
7. Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat or Instagram?
Definitely Instagram (I like pretty pictures)
8. Coffee or Tea?
Tea all day!
9. Favourite quote & why?
"There is no elevator to success, you have to take the stairs” Manjeet Minhas from CBC’s Dragons Den, reminded me of this quote during a presentation she was giving at a conference I planned.
Why? Because people easily judge others (myself included, I mean, we’re all human…) but we often say things like “That was given to them” or “they didn’t have to work for it” but at the end of the day everyone has to work for what they have. Sure, some people may have it “easier” than others and they may naturally have more opportunities because of their connections but I truly believe everyone works for what they have.
People say “I wish I could have that” but they’re not willing to do the work that it takes to get there. Its easier for us to complain than it is for them to do the hard work. I always try and remember that the successful person in front of me, took the stairs and that I need to respect them for that.
10. How do you #workit every day?
To be honest, I usually #workit in sweatpants out of my home office and absolutely love it. I try to do my “out of office” work on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I meet with prospective clients, current clients as well as do site visits, meet with vendors and run errands on these days.
Staying positive and surrounding myself with inspiring people keeps me on track to continue to #workit everyday.
Thank you, Carina, for the great interview! We wish you and your company the best of luck. Keep an eye out for all things Event Boutique & Co.