90 days and counting
Three months ago today I launched amanda julia events. On October 29, I had a website, social media channels, branding photos, my first blog post, and a desire to bring my clients’ ideas and concepts to life. I had friends cheering me on, a ton of butterflies in my stomach, and my fingers crossed that this would all work out.
I jumped head first into a grey-space, which for those of you that haven’t been privy to my very “black and white” personality and perceptions, was an incredibly tough thing for me to do! With no job security, no physical office to go to, and no more regularly scheduled paycheques, it was terrifying. Spoiler alert - three months later, it’s still just as scary.
Since that fateful day, I have thrown a killer launch party, written more blogs, tried to figure out how best to use social media for my business, and completed a three-month course with my business coach. I’ve also attended panels, networking events, and conferences where I have been able to learn, grow as an entrepreneur, and get my name and business ‘out there’. I’ve registered for an HST number, met incredible people, and am learning (every single day) what it truly means to hustle.
I have cried and second-guessed my ability and will to do this, and I have laughed. I have celebrated the wins, I’ve drank wine to take the edge off, and I have planned 10 different events, including: milestone birthdays, client appreciation events, film premieres and screenings, fundraisers, and a NYE bash. Once again, I’ve decided to co-lead Ottawa’s Lawn Summer Nights event this summer. I’ve also been asked to be on the planning committee for the Snowsuit Fund’s Snowball event and CHEO’s For the Kids Gala.
People have hired me, trusted me, and been excited about the services, experience, and ideas that I bring to the table. I have received support from more people that I could have ever imagined. In such a short period of time, I never would have guessed that I could learn so much about entrepreneurship, resilience, finances, and myself.
Part of me cannot believe how fast these three months have flown by! Another part of me is shocked that it has only been three months. Quick refresher - I plan and curate events that make you (the client, the guest, whatever role you want to play) feel something – because an exceptional and memorable event should do just that! I provide top-notch customer service, immaculate attention to detail, creative ideas, themes and designs, and believe in celebrating the little things as passionately as we celebrate the big things. I’m committed to bringing your ideas to life and hope that we can work together soon (or again, if we have already!).
As mentioned, on November 20 I threw a launch party, and it was bigger and better than anticipated thanks to all of you! Luckily for me, my good friend and AJE social media guru, Tyler Rabb, suggested we get a videographer to capture it all. I can’t count how many times in the past six months I have been grateful for all of Ty’s suggestions, but this is one time I won’t ever forget (now that I can watch this video over and over and over again).
I cannot thank you all enough - for being there, sending a text, card, or flowers, giving me a shout, leaving me a voicemail, and wishing me nothing but the very best. I’m so lucky and forever grateful for your love and support.
I hope you enjoy reliving the night of the launch party as much as I do! Check out this video by Kya Kazemi:
Special shout out to my friends at COMMON Eatery (Jay, Edno, Nader, and the crew that night!), Valley Flowers, Valentina’s Sweets, Lindsey Bakes, Casamigos, Prairie Organic, Labatt, MDRN Photobooth and to DJ Iggy Smalls, John Arano (photography), and Kya Kazemi (videographer). Each and every one of you helped bring my vision to life in order to kick off my new business and show Ottawa what an evening with AJE at the helm is all about!
If you haven’t already, follow amanda julia events on Instagram, slide into our DMs, give us a like on Facebook and LinkedIn, and sign up here to stay up to date on all things AJE.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all the love, support, encouragement, and hype you have all shown me and amanda julia events in the past three months!
Let’s (continue the) party!
amanda xo