MOMpreneur: n. defined as a female business owner who is actively balancing the role of mom and the role of entrepreneur.
Welcome to our latest installment of MOMpreneur Monday, highlighting businesses and brands that were founded by female entrepreneurs and fellow mamas!
Today’s featured Modern Boca MOMpreneur is Ashley Brown, Owner & Creator of The Event Collective by Ashley Brown.
Tell us about your background and why you decided to start your events & interiors company…
Hi! I’m Ashley Brown and I was literally born into the hospitality industry. My parents have run and owned restaurants my whole life. For as long as I can remember, hospitality has been instilled in my brain. As much as I love the business, my interests took me elsewhere when I started college and I decided to major in broadcast journalism.
I worked at a nightclub to pay my way through school. It was in my last year in college that I was asked to help them plan large events and promotions there and I loved it. That same year, I was asked to be in three weddings as a bridesmaid. I absolutely loved planning all of the events (showers, bachelorette parties, even the wedding day itself!) I remember saying to a friend, right before I graduated: I wish there was a way to get paid for planning events/parties! She responded, “You can!” and my entire life changed that day.
Fast forward 13 years, multiple states, venues, hundreds of events and a continued education later…The Event Collective by Ashley Brown was born!
How did you start your business? Were there any challenges?
I always knew my professional life would eventually lead me to owning my own business. However, the actual leap into entrepreneurship always scared me. The loss of a guaranteed income and clients scared me. Failure scared me. Then COVID happened. Like many Americans, I was abruptly furloughed from my position and eventually laid off due to the pandemic. When I lost the income, my clients and the security of my position, I also had a 9 month old at home and a lot of time to reevaluate my life’s purpose.
I realized that I had no more time or reason for excuses (even if there was a pandemic) to begin the rest of my life and make my dreams come true.
I needed my story to be one my daughter would someday hear and say proudly, “my mom did that and I too can do whatever I set my mind to.”
When COVID hit, so many couples had to reschedule/cancel their weddings. Many were left not knowing what direction to turn. I started receiving a ton of social media and text messages asking me for advice. I knew that even with canceled events, now more than ever, people were in need of guidance (i.e. a planner), so I got moving.
What’s truly unique about your business?
What’s unique about The Event Collective by Ashley Brown is that I run it as if every single person I work with is a member of my family. My clients are inviting me into the most intimate and special moments of their life and it is not something I take lightly.
Why should Modern Boca Mom readers become your clients?
If you are looking to celebrate life’s greatest moments and want to be present for it all, leave the rest to me. My clients trust me to be there and make everything right. This way, they can thoroughly enjoy their event, make memories and not worry about all of the little background details.
What exciting things are coming up for The Event Collective by Ashley Brown?
Besides celebrating my first year in business, I am excited to be launching my website. In addition to spotlighting my event and interior services, we will also include retail for event supplies and home goods. I am excited for the holidays as we will be offering residential and commercial holiday decorating FOR ALL BUDGETS. We all need a little extra cheer this year! I am excited (as always) to offer complimentary consultations.
What do you love most about living and working in South Florida?
I absolutely love living, working and playing in South Florida. My favorite part is the eclectic backgrounds and traditions we find ourselves being able to celebrate every day.
Connect with The Event Collective by Ashley Brown online:
- INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theeventcollectivefl
- FACEBOOK: @TheEventCollectiveFL
- WEBSITE: (COMING SOON) www.theeventcollectivefl.com
- EMAIL: [email protected]
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