Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Johnson
Hi Brittany, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started decorating and creating items and events as a hobby when I was 25. I decorated for friends and families at no cost to them because I enjoyed it and found pleasure in creativity. Years passed while doing this, and I realized that I wasn’t making a profit; I only gained experience, and the quality improved. I then started decorating events for my church (again at no cost to my client). That is where I realized I had a gift and this was my passion. In 2018 it was time for me to make my business official, and I applied for an LLC. Before creating my LLC, I created several custom centerpieces for events and made iron-on vinyl t-shirts. So, when I created my LLC, I had to create a name that would include my events and DIY projects. Belle (means beautiful in French) Marie (my middle name) Events & Creations, LLC was born in 2018.
I am a native of St. Louis, MO; therefore, 95% of my business and clients are in St. Louis.
I started creating custom apparel like t-shirts, sweatshirts, and other apparel in 2023. I had shared my desires and dreams with my close friends and family members, and by doing this, I received a Cricut machine for my birthday and a heat press for Christmas, so I had no other reason not to get started. Since starting, I have been busy creating designs and allowing customers to express themselves through my beautiful creations. I have found great pleasure in creating beautiful spaces and exceptional custom apparel.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road hasn’t been smooth. Like any business, no matter how big or small, you will have periods where you don’t see any business or make any money. I started out hosting events and decorating for free. I bought the décor without being reimbursed, but I retained and stored the majority of it. The biggest struggle was not earning a profit and not getting compensated for my value.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Belle Marie Events & Creations, LLC provides exceptional, quality, affordable, and friendly services for events like weddings, baby showers, birthday parties, and other celebrations. We specialize in event decor, design, hosting, and creating custom apparel like t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies. I am most proud that I am able to cater to all budgets and as a consumer myself I provide great customer service, which sets me apart from others.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Anyone just starting out in business should keep in mind that we are also customers to others, so be careful how you treat prospective lifelong clients. When I first started my business, I wish I had known how to set limits and demand what I was worth.
Pricing:
- Custom t-shirts start at $20
- Custom sweatshirts start at $30
- Custom hoodies start at $35
- Events (up to 50 guest) start at $600
- Events (up to 100 guest) start at $1200
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellemarieec
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551345234254
