Welcome to our “Day in the Life” series! We feature wedding and event planners from around the world with many different levels of experience. If you would like to be featured, download our questionnaire here and email your responses and photos to info@plannerslounge.com. We are excited to feature Nigerian wedding planner Oluwadara Ilesanmi today!

Business Name & Location: Eventigo Classic Planners, Lagos, Nigeria

Years Working in the Event Industry: 1.5 years

Years Owning Your Event Planning Business: 1.5 years

Website: eventigo.com.ng

Business Facebook Page: Eventigo

Instagram: eventigo.ng

What is your typical day like?

A typical day starts at about 6AM. I observe a prayer session, my confessions for the day, and then freshen up. I run a home office so work can be flexible, but I typically start my work by responding to emails then surfing the internet for inspiration.

I explore new vendors and go for meetings. And of course plan, plan, and plan events.

On days where work is light, I watch videos ranging from event planning to TEDx talks. Work ends around 8PM for me as I am working on a structure that can be sustainable and well managed with family. I’m not there yet, but it’s a work in progress.

I also design websites, logos, and other brand identity materials.

How did you get started in the industry?

Event planning has been more of a passion. I kept finding myself in the midst of planning events, sourcing vendors, coordinating events, and running market errands for my friends and family. In fact, it was only recently someone called my attention to start my own event planning business. That was like the Aha! moment for me.

I started out in the industry with planning jobs for friends, but along the way, I told myself that it would be better to seek professional certification because of the future I desired. I took a training course with Busybee Academy, which is also a member of ILEA.

My experience as the treasurer and financial secretary has helped me a lot in financial management and planning. My experience in administration and human resource management has also played a key role since events are all about people.

Funny thing is that I had always known I was going to own my own company, but at that time, I didn’t know what sector.  After the Aha! moment, I immediately set out to register with the corporate affairs commission in my country to become a legal entity. 

What inspires you?

I get inspiration from a lot of things – from TV, by listening to radio shows, and even from other event planners.

Dairy of a Naija Girl inspires me to make my world a better place. My inspiration ultimately is from God because I know that He has given me wisdom and creative abilities.

What are your favorite online resources for your business? 

www.eventplanningblueprint.com

www.sheleadsafrica.org

I really enjoy TEDx talks on Youtube. They are not directly related to event planning, but they motivate me, make me appreciate life, and push myself to do more. They bring a different perspective to life which I think planners and small business owners can benefit from. These are two of my favorite TEDx talks:

Don’t Be A Waste

Looks Aren’t Everything

Oluwadara, thank you so much for taking the time to share your story and a day in your life. If you are an event planner and would like to be featured, download our questionnaire today and email it to us along with a photo. If you aren’t sure about being featured, take a few minutes to read how it can help your business.