Getting to Know Shamira Vargas of Savy Events ( It's Not a Typo, Read More)

Hey Lovies,

It wasn't too long ago that we were here in this same place chatting with Isis Petrie Williams of Posh Events , we all know Isis to be a seasoned powerhouse when it comes to rocking fabulous events but I wanted a change of pace, I wanted some new blood! So, I found myself knocking on the door of Shamira Vargas heart and soul Savy Events ( and again, it's not a typo) . Shamira caught my attention on one of the million some social media platforms we all are engaged on, don't ask me which one , or I would have to lie to you and she warmly greeted me and said she would love to chat. We did not leave one table un-turned. Check it out , leave a comment and share your thoughts :)

So what is the story behind Savy Events, how did it all start ?

I started Savy Events shortly after I retired from the military. I knew for a fact when I got out of the military I no longer wanted to work for anyone. So I thought about all of the jobs I had growing up and which ones I liked and absolutely hated-- after much deliberation, praying and talking to my husband I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I pondered on the name of my company for a long time before it came to me. Many people think I spelled savvy wrong but I didn't. My family drives my company and because it is so big I had to come up with a spiffy way to include all 8 of us. So I give to you Shamira, Anthony Vargas and the youngins see there is a method to my madness. I mean for crying out loud I have a BA in English, I'm well aware of how to spell.

What does being classified as a " newbie" in the industry mean to you ?

Being a newbie...wow! That title is love and hate. I don't see myself as a newbie in the designing aspects of our job, it's more the business side and learning your market and how to maneuver in it. I refer to myself as the new kid on the block all the time because the company I worked for growing up was run by an older lady and so having an ironed out vision of who your ideal client was was never taught. It's cool being the "newbie" sometimes because I get to sit back and learn from planners all over the world on how they do things, handle specific situations and their stories behind their company via social outlets like Facebook and Periscope.

In your opinion what are the top three character traits a successful wedding planner need to have?

To be a successful planner you must first love what you do. You can't treat this job like someone's 9-5. Then I would say dedication. If you aren't dedicated to perfecting your craft and learning new things both you and your company will remain stagnant and great things will pass you by. Lastly perseverance. If you can't trek through the muck then this path isn't for you. Things don't happen over night and you have to be willing to stay in the ring and go the full 12 rounds. You can't let yourself by no means get knocked down in the first few rounds without getting up!

​What is your wedding planning Jam ? 

I would definitely coin myself as a logistics guru. I love planning and putting things in order.

What is your wedding industry pet peeve and how do you work around it ?

My biggest pet peeve is how caddy the industry is. I thought after I graduated high school and definitely college I had left all the conniving, back stabbing bull in my younger years. This industry if full of adults and it is time that we treat it as such. To avoid this I've found myself in a bubble much like the little boy in the movie. I hate being like this. We should be one big family able to bounce our potential clients around because maybe what they are looking for Sally down the way can execute it better than I can. Every couple isn't your couple but that doesn't mean leave them to fend for themselves in this big sea. Point them in the right direction.

What were the first three things you did in starting the foundation for your wedding planning business?

My goal was to launch my business right. I made sure I was licensed both locally and with the state. I then found an insurance company that covered everything that I wanted to do with my business starting out. And lastly I tackled marketing, I hired a web developer and sent my print materials to the press.


So the inspired wedding planner community wants to know what are Shamira Vargas top three go to items in her emergency kit?
​
Okay, so you all may laugh a little but that is okay. I haven't had to use much of the sewing stuff. My go to items have been deodorant, small liquor bottles and tissues.

So when you are not planning savvy events in the Hampton Roads, VA area how do you spend your off time and how do you balance it all ? 

My life is CRAZY! Pure craziness. I have a big family. Together my husband and I have 6 children. Yes you read that correctly. So between them and being in school part time I have plenty to keep me busy. I am an active member in PTA and I'm the team mom for many of my children's athletic teams. I wouldn't have it any other way. Balancing it all is sometimes a challenge but as long as we all help each other out we get the job done.

As a new wedding planner what advice to you want to share with fellow planners at the start of their wedding planning career that are part of the Shaun Cox Inspired Wedding Planner community ?

Network. Network. Network! It's all about getting yourself in front of people to let them know you are here. If things are slow for you right now then set up lunch dates with other creatives such as photographers, videographers, rental companies and the beauty squad. It is also great to meet local venues and bridal boutiques too.

How can other Inspired Wedding Planners connect with you ? Please list any social media or web contact info you would like to reference for contact .

www.savyevents.com
​www.fb.com/savyplanning
@savyevents for Instagram and Periscope

Want to use this post in your E-newsletter, blog, 
or website? Feel free as long as you include this complete
statement: Chattanooga and Cleveland Tennessee Premier
Wedding Coordinator and Wedding Planner Mentor Shaun Cox of A D.I.Y. Affair Weddings and The Shaun Cox Personal Brand 
 publishes the Inspired Wedding Planner Education blog filled with secrets,
tips and how-to's for operating your wedding planning business. Get your
exclusive  tips and tricks
at www.TheShaunCox.com. Shaun Cox  is a Wedding Planner Mentor based in
Cleveland Tennessee, training and educating Wedding Planners nationwide.

www.BehindTheVeilWorkshop.com