After a newly engaged friend put Ikiya Devonish in charge of planning her wedding, Ikiya's fate changed! Ikiya had always loved weddings, but after planning her friend's wedding, she took her love of weddings to the next level and opened her business, Intimate Occasions by Ikiya! Often found making the magic happen behind the scenes for one of the most important days in her couple's lives, Ikiya brings peace of mind, organization and fun (not to mention a certification in Wedding Planning and Design) to the otherwise intimidating and sometimes stressful process of planning a wedding. Ikiya works off the following values: respect, efficiency, compassion, and communication. Any bride (and groom) that has the opportunity to work with Ikiya is in store for a pleasant experience and an amazing wedding.
THE CONVO
Featuring Ikiya Devonish, owner of Intimate Occasions by Ikiya
What's your craft?
I'm an intimate wedding planner and designer
How did you get your start?
My newly-engaged friend had asked me to plan her wedding for her, knowing I loveee weddings! I planned it and fell in love with the planning.
What has been the largest obstacle you've encountered so far?
I think my biggest obstacle was trusting in myself to learn how to start and run a business since I had no business experience whatsoever.
What has been the 'best day ever' for you and your business so far?
When I booked two amazing clients in the same week! I had a slow patch for a while and was getting really discouraged that I wasn't doing something right and then BOOM - booked two awesome clients!
What types of marketing have been key to your success?
Social media is my bread and butter! Instagram ads have been amazing to bring a lot of awareness and inquiries to my business. I've also had some good success with my Yelp listing.
Who inspires you?
Definitely my supporters. All my family and friends who cheer me on, all of my amazing vendor friends, the followers who continue to support my business pages, and of course, my amazing clients! They definitely push me to be and do the best I can.
Any words of wisdom to leave us with?
Might sound super cliche - but stay positive and KEEP GOING, don't stop believing in yourself! I never thought I would or even could create and run my own business. But I stayed positive, took it step by step, and made it happen. You can too!
A FINAL WORD
Just a huge thank you for having me and I hope I encouraged a few of you out there to go after your dreams. I'm rooting for you!
GET TO KNOW MORE ABOUT Intimate Occasions by ikiya:
More about Intimate Occasions by Ikiya can be found on:
Website: intimateoccasionsbyikiya.com
Instagram: @intimateoccasionsbyIkiya