Happily ever after with Something Sapphire

'Out with the old, in with the new. No more something blue. It's time for something new.'

This mantra embodies just what game changers, Something Sapphire, has to offer. And today, Outlook takes you for a spin on their incredible journey.

Something Sapphire, is a full-service event and wedding-planning firm, designed to make your dreams a one-of-a-kind enchanting reality.

"We plan, manage and execute unforgettable awe-inspiring events. As storytellers, we help our clients live and share their very own love story with guests. We are your illustrators, they are the narrator, their guests are the actors or actresses, and exceeding their expectation is our happy ending," creative director, Shanelle Leon shared.

Leon, who has always considered herself artistic by nature, said her passion to create this unique business, was one which developed over time, but was ignited by a personal and timeless experience.

The DIY bride, explained that when she tied the knot with her husband, she wanted every single detail of their wedding to be representative of their special bond. She revelled in the planning: from seeking vendors to making her own centrepieces and wedding stationary.

"It was a fabulous, eye-opening experience. I've planned many events for family and friends over the years, but it was in this moment, I truly realised the zeal I had for the business," she added.

It is the happiness that she felt on her wedding day, that continues to resonate at the heart of every single bride that she collaborates with to date.

Following the successful execution of her wedding, she felt compelled to share this excitement with others on the road to their 'happily ever after'. Passion for planning was one thing, but Leon had a vested interest in creating a story exclusive to each loving couple. The services Something Sapphire provides, include: the full wedding planning package, partial planning packages, on the day coordination, decor, customised wedding signage and customised wedding favours.

Stumbling upon her calling, Leon transcended her purpose to profit, and has not looked back from that satisfying decision since.

"The reception so far has been tremendous. When I started the company in July 2017, I had no idea that we would have grown as much as we have in such a short time."

Exhibiting their services at Wedding Spectacular and Weddings Ja Launch, earlier this year, the feedback, she says, was amazing, noting that it was the perfect platform to gain brand recognition.

"Our clients still have a hard time believing we're the 'new kids on the block'."

But being an entrepreneur does present a host of challenges. Working towards establishing your brand, adjusting to match or exceed the competition, while keeping your business profitable all at the same time, are just a few hurdles Leon has had to jump. The businesswoman who is also a flight attendant, confessed however, that the greatest obstacles to date has been financing the business and building her team. To overcome them, she has put in place a strategic plan in which she and her husband have sacrificed a portion of their salary each month that goes strictly towards the growth of the company, building her inventory one step at a time.

"Slow and steady wins the race," she declared.

Keeping abreast with rising and manifested trends both locally and internationally, with each new season and having the knowledge of the tried and true traditional practices, are some of the ways that Leon not only stays current, but a cut above the rest.

"By listening to the client, learning about their personalities and knowing these trends (both past and present), it makes it much easier to create ideas that will suit their wants, needs and budgets," she said.

It's no surprise that Leon loves to travel, so on her down time, she unwinds by globetrotting with her husband, and guess what? She plans the vacations and love every minute of that process!

The long-term goal for Leon, is to create the ultimate event hub, where you can find everything you need for any type of event under one roof. From event rentals, bridesmaid/groomsmen gifts, personalised wedding favours, event signage, wedding stationary and more.

"Gone will be the days when you will need 10 different vendors to make your event happen. At the moment, we are working assiduously at expanding our team, establishing an official brick and mortar and including Corporate event planning under our umbrella."

For more information on how you can get your 'happily ever after' with Something Sapphire, you can check out their website www.somethingsapphire.com/ or visit them on Facebook: Something Sapphire or Instagram: @somethingsapphire

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com