Tijania Goodwin, MS, CEP is the Owner and Founder of Events 2 The Tee Event Planning in Philadelphia. She also serves as an empowerment speaker and business branding strategist.
Her mission is to provide amazing service when planning events that will become unforgettable experiences but also help spread the word that with hard work and dedication all your DREAMS can come true.
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I have always had a love for creating events and networking with people, so I figured, why not combine both? I can grow my network and also do something I have a passion for.
I just love bringing people together for an awesome celebration whether it is a Book Launch or an Awards Ceremony. It just all worked out!
Tell us about your business.
Events 2 The Tee is a full and partial service event planning company. I specialize in Social, Networking, Branding and Empowerment Events. I create experiences that my client(s), as well as their guests, will never forget.
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
- Certified Event Planner
- Placed on the 50 Professional Women List by the Roberts Group in Philadelphia, PA
- Featured in Rolling Out Magazine
- Creator of the Men and Women of Distinction Awards through my Empowerment Brands: A Queen’s Voice and King Me
Where is your business based?
Events 2 The Tee is based out of Philadelphia, PA but we offer services all over the United States — soon to offer services around the world!
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
When I first thought about creating my business, I had to think about why I wanted to do it. Every business venture needs a WHY. I took time out to meditate and pray to God to ask him for guidance as I embarked on this journey.
Then I had to think about what will make my event planning different from the others. I started to do my research on other companies as well because I feel it is essential to look at your competition to see what they are doing. I did not want to miss any steps.
I feel like once you figure out your PURPOSE for your business, you will be good to go.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
I love to attend networking events, take on vendor opportunities and participate in events as a sponsor. I feel like these are definitely good ways to promote your business and getting new clientele.
I also barter services with other business owners as well; that opens another door for people to see my business.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
I know one of my biggest challenges is just keeping my calendar flowing with events. It is hard because with every business there is going to be “down time” where people may not be planning events as frequent as they would be; it can make you feel discouraged and incapable. It will also make you question if what you are doing of something you need to be doing.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I decided to start hosting my own events when I was not planning events for someone else. When I did these, I realized I could showcase all my talents throughout the event, which was another way to bring in new clients. So now when I am not so busy with planning other events, I am planning my own.
What I learned is that during that “down time,” you can tap into other things that you are good at, so now I offer graphic design services to my clients as well under my Business Branding company I AM POSH.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I keep myself motivated by PRAYING. I truly believe that with prayer all things are possible. I also meditate and write in a journal to get my mind in a good place. In life, so many things will be thrown at you, but you have to continue to have FAITH in order to make it through.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I wanted to make sure that I offered a service which many planners do not offer — travel. I love to travel the world and have been doing it since I was a child, so I decided to add that on while providing services to potential clients.
So it does not matter if you are located in Philadelphia or Los Angeles, Events 2 The Tee is at your service!
What is the best advice you have received recently?
The best advice I received recently was that your dream does not have an expiration date.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Do not put limits on a life that is LIMITLESS.
What are your favorite business tools/resources and why?
My favorite business resource is honestly Pinterest! It gives me so much inspiration for my clients as well as myself. It is just a site full of so many things that you can implement anywhere from your business to your personal life.
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
Don’t Settle for Safe: Embracing the Uncomfortable to Become Unstoppable by Sarah Jakes Roberts.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
I am currently looking at getting more traffic on my social media and building more collaborations with PR Companies and Major Brands. I feel that getting these connections will take my brand to the next level.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
My current goals are to book more clients for the remainder of the year and also create a Business Branding Tour. I am in the process of locking down locations for the tour, which will consist of intimate brunches/lunches that will help people with branding their business.
The tour will cover topics from social media all the way to financing your business, which is a part of branding as well.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @TheTijaniaExperience
Facebook www.facebook.com/Events2TheTee
Website www.thetijaniaexperience.com
Email Events2TheTee@yahoo.com