Today we’d like to introduce you to Ciara Ruffin
Hi Ciara, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all started with my daughter Chloe back in 2010! As we celebrated memorable moments for her, I found myself being very hands on with everything that I did to prepare. I had no idea that I had a creative bone in my body, but I knew that I wanted to create experiences for her! She was a hands-on and active kid, so as I watched her grow, I recognized that most of the things that she enjoyed included activities such as painting, sculpting, drawing, building and experimenting, so it couldn’t be just any party, it had to have moving parts and fun things to do. I’m sure she would have enjoyed whatever I put together for her, but me being a bit over the top, that was my first opportunity to tap into my creativity!
For her birthdays, there was always a theme. For one of her birthdays in particular, I turned my home into a “Frozen” experience. Snowflakes hanging from the ceiling, a bedroom turned theater, themed treats and fun activities. For another birthday, I created the ultimate spa experience where the young ladies had robes, made organic face masks, went from station to station to be pampered all before being a part of a fashion show.
Fast forward to 2017, I was a bridesmaid in my sister/friend Vanessa’s wedding. During the planning of her bridal shower, she asked if I would plan and manage. In her words “You are good at planning and managing money and I know that it will be done right.” I agreed of course! She had attended if not all, most of Chloe’s birthday celebrations and if not Chloe’s birthday, I always had something up my sleeve each year for my mine. I remember like it was yesterday, Tiffany & Co Theme with a spin! Vanessa & Co using her favorite color purple. Boxes with bows, pearls, simple plate settings, a welcome sign, entry table with props, desserts, themed cake and cookies on display. The bridal party dressed in black with their pearls, ready to help make her day special.
After that day, guests spoke highly about the shower which was exciting because we wanted to make sure it was a great experience for her! I was later asked by Vanessa’s to plan a shower, Kate Spade inspired with the colors pink, black, white and gold and I decided to take shot at this whole party decorating thing yet again. We later had a conversation similar to others, taking about life, goals and the events of course. She had no problem spreading by word of mouth or social media that her friend does events, tagging me in every post to those that inquired. My thought was, “If I don’t do party planning and decor, I guess I do now… lol”
I had many people in my circle encouraging me to start a business. I found myself getting even more excited about this creativity that I didn’t realize had, then Covid hit! I researched everything that I needed to start a business and in June 2020, Amore Décor Event Planning LLC was born! In person events were at a standstill due to social distancing requirements and venue restrictions, but what could I do? Drive-through celebrations it is! They became popular and necessary considering the social distancing requirements. I was able to continue creating experiences and opportunities for engagement in the safest way possible. I had the desire to add even more to my skill set so I added custom backdrops, t-shirts, party favors, and personalized ornaments to my menu which were a hit!
As social distancing requirements changed, the desire for in-person events increased. I became so busy that I decided to remove customized items from my offerings and focused solely on event designing!
As I learned that there was a need for more than just event designing, I found that planning was beneficial and incorporated into my services. As clients received fully executed events, there were others that needed someone to also ensure that the day of ran smoothly, so I became certified and added wedding planning-coordination to my menu of options. Because of the options available, Amore Decor Event Planning provides what I call a one stop shop for events no matter the occasion.
With a background in management and accounting, I have always been able to effectively oversee and execute projects, manage financials and budgets, manage employees as well as build and maintain relationships, but who would have thought that I would be where I am now, an entrepreneur operating a successful business.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not always been a smooth road. It was initially challenging to stand out as a new business at a time where many people were turning hobbies into business ventures. Due to mass layoffs during COVID, people used their gifts and talents to maintain their standard of living which was necessary, but what can I do differently to stand out amongst so many. It was also challenging to network and build relationships in an industry where people had already established long term relationships with those providing similar services.
I decided to be intentional about my connections and focused on ensuring that my events provided an experience that I felt good about if I were to walk into the room as a client or guest. Once I established myself as someone that clients could depend on to execute see some of their most memorable moments, the connections came and successful business relationships continue to be established!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Amore’ Decor Event Planning specializes in event design, event planning as well as wedding planning and coordination services.
We work hard to ensure that our clients are free of stress and able to enjoy their special day with confidence that it will be executed in the most professional way!
What sets Amore Decor Event Planning apart is that we are able to provide an experience no matter the occasion. Because we are client focused, we cater to their vision and direct needs, but are able to provide recommendations to take their event to the next level based on our experience and expertise. We design, plan and execute themed celebration, design and coordinate weddings and plan corporate functions while maintaining a level of class that allows for us to be a client go to for all occasions.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
One of the qualities that is most important to my success is having a strong team! Starting off with just my mother assisting with my very first event to her being there to assist me in seeing all others through has been something that I will always hold near and dear to my heart. She has been my biggest cheerleader, encouraging me and sharing her experience and expertise on the business side of things. As I grew so did my team, but the blessing is that I have been able to successfully operate with the team consisting of my family and closest friends. My sister still cheers me on like its my very first event and I couldn’t be happier that I continue to make her proud! The fact that I am able to provide experiences for clients is one thing, but being able to do so with my family is a reward in itself!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amoredecorevents.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amoredecorevents/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amoredecoreventplanning/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@amoredecorevents
