With great attention to detail and a good eye for design, Nishaka was born to be an event planner. Like many southern belles, she has a gracious spirit that her clients can’t help but love. She not only executes unforgettable events but her southern charm gives the people she works with comfort and counsel during some of the most important days of their lives.
Name
Nishaka Proctor
Business Name
Events By Nishaka
What You Provide:
My signature style embodies laser-focus attention to details to wedding & event production, seamless event execution, and a style that fuses romance and elegance with a modern twist.
Where are you based?
Greensboro, North Carolina
Why did you decide to start a business?
About nine years ago, as the market was changing and declining in 2007 and layoffs were happening, which was definitely coming to my region, I knew I should start thinking about a backup plan. At the time, I had already been planning several types of events on the side for free for the past seven years for various groups and individuals. Ironically, I never actually had plans to ever start a business. However, it truly felt like a Godly divine season to make the leap and turn what I loved to do into an actual business. I already had a degree in business administration and worked in Corporate America, therefore, I had some business experience. The next step was developing a plan to ensure I understood what it meant to be in entrepreneur through various workshops, networking, and eventually certifications in the industry.
What is your favorite client story?
I was having one of my design meetings with one of my client’s Ryen Johnson at the time now Ryen Perry along with her sister Kya discussing centerpiece ideas for her wedding, which was July 25, 2015. Oh, how we had so much fun planning this wedding and I’m so grateful for the creative freedom she gave me. It was an amazing moment, but out of the blue and the dreamland of Nishaka’s mind, I saw in my head a lampshade style centerpiece. They thought okay, what does that looks like? So, I sketched it out and said, let me talk with my floral designer, Tonyah from Petal Creations and share it with her. Both sisters said go for it! Well, when I met with my Floral Designer Tonyah, she said ok…I haven’t seen this, but I’ll figure it out. So we talked about it more and was ready to do a sample of it. Well, needless to say, when we did the sample, presented it to the bride and her sister, they were stunned and wanted to take it home. Well, on the wedding day, Ryen’s guests were in awe! When I saw it, I even cried! The wedding planner broke into tears for a brief moment! I am Godly grateful when I have those moments when the sun, the moon, and stars line up with my vision and see into the creative realm of possibilities!
What is your website?
www.EventsByNishaka.com
Who are some of your business idols?
I adore Diann Valentine. She is a major inspiration to me. I love her spirit. I love her freedom to be who she is and not apologize for it. I love her wisdom that I heard her share via events that I’ve seen of hers via Youtube. She is a force of creative nature who frees others be their own creative spirit.
Do you have any mentors?
I have indirect mentors in my life who are actually in different fields other than the event industry. I have Planner Buddies who I trust and love and we share best practices and challenges with each other. These relationships are vital to my personal and business growth. They help me keep what’s important to me in perspective. To stay true to my authentic self. To only chase after my own personal great!
What is your favorite thing about being southern?
I’m originally from Anniston, Alabama, so I feel very southern. I love the natural essence of being gracious, kind, and always greeting others. Making sure people feel welcomed and warm in your presence. As the late great Maya Angelou said “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I truly believe that!
What is your favorite southern dish?
I love collard greens, macaroni and cheese, corn on the cob, green beans, cornbread, some good old friend chicken, ham, and the list could go on!
What is the most important thing you have done to build your business? The foundation of my business is building meaningful relationships! This I believe has been the most important and
The foundation of my business is building meaningful relationships! This I believe has been the most important and key to my business growth. Every relationship is important to me. From my Clients, Venue Contacts, Vendors, Colleagues, Other Referral Partners, My Team, to my Family, these relationships have been instrumental to furthering the vision I have for Events By Nishaka. As my buddy Pearlice from P3 Weddings & Events and I say, “It’s more than a business transaction, It’s a relationship!”
What are your favorite southern brands?
Great question! One of my favorite cities to visit is Atlanta, GA. I love the local restaurants and lounge atmosphere downtown Atlanta. A recent trip, I had the chance to visit another lounge called BQE Restaurant & Lounge. OMG! Great food, an excellent band, and just a wonderful atmosphere. I love taking brief getaways to enjoy places like this with family and friends!
What is your favorite item or piece of clothing to wear/use while doing business?
I honestly love to dress what I call casual chic. I feel so comfortable and creative all at the same time when I’m dressed like this. I feel open, free, and able to see so clearly. The Clients who are drawn to me and my style tend to like to work with a Planner who is professional yet personable at the same time. They love to connect with someone they would feel comfortable inviting into their home. Since we are going to spend the most time together during the planning process, it’s important that we have a great connection from the beginning. They see me as their Planner, Consultant, Friend, Sister all rolled up in one!
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Michiel is a Black Southern Belle living a lowcountry life. I love all things fashion, home decor and southern! When I am not running around doing fun stuff for Black Southern Belle, I live in antique stores and have a minor obsession with historic homes :)
