}
A complete set of templates, checklists, and tools for professional wedding planners.
Business
Wedding Planning
Marketing
Day in the Life
Self Development
Friday Favorites
Day in the Life | Shalyce Tyson
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 photo to info@plannerslounge.com. We are excited to feature Maryland wedding planner Shalyce Tyson today!
Name: Shalyce Tyson
Business Name & Location: Sensational Soirees based in Waldorf, MD
Years Working in the Event Industry: 10 years
Years Owning Your Event Planning Business: 4 years
Website: www.sensationalsoirees.com
Business Facebook Page: Facebook.com/sensationalsoirees
Instagram: sensationalsoirees
What is your typical day like?
In addition to running Sensational Soirees, the business that I love so much, I also work in government statistics. Best of all, I’m blessed to share my world with my husband and our 2 amazing kids, who are my motivation. With having 2 careers and a family, my days look different each day, and from week to week. Therefore, balance along with systems has been key in achieving my definition of success.
My business-focused days in my home workspace start with waking up at 7:45am, prayer, and getting dressed for the day. From there, my husband and I get the kids ready and off to school. After breakfast and my morning inspirational reading, my work day then begins around 9:30am. I start with reviewing my schedule for the day and deciding how much time to spend on tasks such as social media, emails, clients projects, and meetings.
The morning is generally dedicated to emails, following up on prospective client inquiries, research for current clients, and blog planning. The afternoon is devoted to social media sharing and engagement, virtual client meetings, and knocking out my remaining wedding/event and business to do list.
To stay in the zone during my workday, while at home, and to maximize my efficiency, I generally don’t watch any TV unless I’m taking a work break. The evening time is family time, so we typically enjoy cooking or going out for dinner along with a family friendly movie and popcorn at home before bed.
How did you get started in the industry?
I didn’t necessarily choose event planning, I feel that it chose me and is my purpose. My very first job at age 16 was working as banquet staff for a special events venue. I then went on to work at that same company part-time after graduating from college, and even hosted my wedding reception there a few years later.
It was through those experiences and having an inner creative flair that I began to fall in love with everything events related, from the logistics and details to event design, to the day-of execution and more. After years of research and gaining introductory experience as a planner, I went on to establish Sensational Soirees in 2012, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Education has always been paramount for me, and to this day, courses, workshops, and wedding planner conferences are continually beneficial to my growth and business.
Where do you find design inspiration?
Beauty and inspiration is all around us, and so much of the design inspiration I get comes from everyday life, such as driving past a graffiti wall or seeing a stunning chandelier. Also, in our social world, I always find a ton of inspiration on Instagram and Pinterest.
As a member of the Munaluchi Coterie and an Aisle Perfect Pretty Partner, I love the Munaluchi Bride and Aisle Perfect websites that showcase the work and styled shoots of fellow planners and designers.
Style Me Pretty, Grace Ormonde, Martha Stewart, Brides Magazine and so many other sites and magazines will always be a great source of inspiration. However, having a creative mind has been my ultimate source of design inspiration, and inner creativity is truly what sets me apart from others.
What are your favorite online resources for your business?
There are so many amazing online resources that have been game changing for my business.
17hats has revolutionized my entire client management process! From capturing leads, to sending questionnaires, quotes and invoices, to managing each individual project and client file, it really helps me stay organized. I love the bookkeeping feature, and how it allows all email correspondence to include my business logo, which my clients are always impressed with.
Aisle Planner is amazing for wedding planners and engaged couples because it allows us to work seamlessly together online during the wedding planning process. The wedding budget, vendor details, planning checklist, seating chart and more are all housed in this amazing online system.
Canva has been useful for me to create polished documents, blog and social media graphics, brochures, and more for my business. While I love working with graphic designers, Canva allows me to create professionally branded documents any time.
Setmore has given me more control and convenience in scheduling consultations and meeting with my clients and colleagues. The virtual calendar allows clients to see my business hours, when I’m available, and schedule meetings that work for both of us. This tool has eliminated a lot of back and forth emails trying to decide on meeting times.
Shalyce, 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.
A complete set of templates, checklists, and tools for professional wedding planners.
Business
Wedding Planning
Marketing
Day in the Life
Self Development
Friday Favorites
Get the Free Guide: 20 Low-Cost Marketing Ideas for Wedding and Event Planners
Check your inbox for your free marketing guide!
PLANNER’S LOUNGE © 2023 | Website Design by Megan Martin Creative | Terms & Conditions
Thank you so much for featuring me, and for all you do for the event planner community!
Thank YOU Shalyce! So happy to feature you!