Meet Nikki Sloss | Event Planner & Officiant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nikki Sloss and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nikki, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
In my time as an entrepreneur being able to hold on to my dream despite the adversities I’ve encountered has been the the thing that propels me forward. There have been MANY times where I was absolutely ready to throw in the towel on Classic Noire Events. Everytime I have tried to so I’ll get a call asking me to Officiate a wedding or someone will email me asking my thoughts on their event set up. I made an announcement once on social media that I was laying my business to rest. My inbox EXPLODED with messages of encouragement and threats to come shake me back to reality! I keep going because I am Classic Noire Events. I love all things Bridal, all things events. To quit on this would be me quitting on myself. My Mother didn’t raise a quitter. “Rest if you must, be don’t you quit!”

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I specialize in curating intimate weddings and events for people who just want to have fun. My goal is for you to be a guest at your own event. Show up be fabulous and enjoy your day. Classic Noire Events will handle the rest! I am the Wedding Planner/ Officiant for couples who desire to have a wedding experience that is fun, easy and unique to their brand of love. My couples love life and do not want to feel pressed or confined to traditional ways of starting their Happily Ever After. I provide education, support and an avenue for couple from all walks of life to express their love their no matter the size of stage.

Building my brand is an ongoing process. Everyday I learn something new. I’ve learned that you have to be clear and intentional in what it is that you want to do with your business. Having a clear plan is essential! You also have to be open to learning and seeing things from different perspectives. I can have an entire event planned out in my head but after talking to another event pro or seeing different things while doing research for an event my design or approach to an event could totally change- and that’s ok! You have to know when to stick to your guns and when to make exceptions or allowances. A huge lesson I learned was to trust myself. I was given this skill, this talent, for a reason. There will be times when you doubt yourself and what you’re doing. You will want to get validation from others to make sure that you are doing the right thing. How can you ask someone else about something that was designed specifically for you? They can’t see your dream. They can’t truly understand the feeling you get when you’re in your element. It’s no happenstance that you are where you are, doing what you do. Fiercely believe in you and your gift! It will be the thing that’s allows you to make your mark in the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you are a foodie, Charleston is absolutely one of the best places to visit! You most definitely have to try Ma Gloria’s Trinidadian Restaurant. EVERYTHING is amazing. Please give the Sorrel or Damian Punch a try as well as the Phalourie. Her shrimp and grits are so good! The Carnival Salad is good too. Viscous Biscuit and Sunrise Bistro are great Brunch spots. If you’re looking for a nice lounge Martini Me is a good spot as well as Blue Note Bistro. Hannibal’s downtown is a Charleston staple for Low country Inspired Soul Food. Shopping is always a blast at Tanger Outlets. In the same area there is the North Charleston Performing Arts center as well as the Fire Museum. There’s always a great show to catch!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a shout out to The HPER Dept at Benedict College for giving me my very first event planning experience as well as my Sorority sister Stephanie for watching endless episodes of Bridezillas with me! I would also like to shout out all the event friends and clients that I worked with over the years. THANK YOU for making me BETTER! Lastly a huge shout out to my niece Kiesha Sloss who has walked this journey with me as well as all my friends who are like family! I love you all and appreciate your continuous love and support.

Website: www.classicnoireevents.biz

Instagram: www.instagram.com/classicnoireevents

Facebook: www.facebook.com/classicnoireevents

Image Credits
Headshot – Kim Bowman of Exquisite Enterprises Photoshoot- Journey Grace Photography