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

Hi Anita, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“Treat others the way you want to be treated” A pretty simple concept that many of us learn as children, which seems to have even more significance and relevance now more than ever. During times in which uncertainty and stress levels are running high, both personally and professionally I think it is important to remember to treat everyone with respect and kindness. As a female small business owner I expect my clients, colleagues, and staff to treat me with respect, but respect is not just given it is earned. As leaders it’s important we spread kindness & compassion, and practice what we preach. Working in an industry where emotions tend to run high, especially in these pandemic times, I like to remind myself to take a moment to put myself in my clients shoes and make the effort to understand all sides.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Amina Events will turn two this September, it was shaping up to be an AMAZING year with a calendar full of events. And just like that the pandemic hit and things came to an halt – 2020 has been challenging to say the least. The events industry has pretty much come to a standstill, and no-one has a crystal ball to predict the future. Like anyone in my position, a new small business owner, emotionally I’ve gone through my highs and lows during the pandemic. But like any other trying times, you have to believe there is light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve been trying to use this “down time” to evolve and pivot my business strategies. Participating in many online webinars and meetings to better my craft – it’s always important to continue to learn and do better. I believe we will eventually get back to the in-person large scale events,, but for the foreseeable future virtual and intimate events are the new normal. Concentrating on our existing clients and working with them to move their event dates or come up with a new game plan for an intimate event has been my main priority. I’m fortunate to work with some amazing clients/families, and making sure they get the event of their dreams is my number one priority. In the service industry, client relationships and referrals are the best form of marketing so making sure my clients are happy in these challenging times has been my focus.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Pre- Covid Of Course… One of my favorite times of year in Atlanta is the fall, primarily because it’s football season. Locally we have the Atlanta Falcons (Rise Up!) and just about an hour outside of the city you have the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!). You don’t have to be a football fan to enjoy the atmosphere and experience of tailgating with die hard fans either in Atlanta at the Gulch or in Athens with the students and alumni. I would also recommend taking in an Atlanta United soccer game at Mercedes Benz stadium, you don’t have to know anything about soccer to enjoy the experience. In my opinion, live soccer has an energy level and fan experience that is unmatched to any other live sporting event. Also, it will give you a chance to visit the newly built and beautiful Mercedes Benz Stadium in Downtown Atlanta. If sports really isn’t your thing, not a problem, Atlanta has many other attractions and things to do. You have your “ Atlanta “tourist” attractions – Aquarium, World of Coke, CNN, Stone Mountain, Centennial Olympic Park, etc. Given the time of year, there is always a festival, concert, or 5k run going on in the city – Dogwood Festival, Music Midtown, Peachtree Road Race just to name a few. For a low key day, I love taking friends on the Beltline and walking from Ponce City Market to Krog Street Market and enjoying all the stops in between. Start at the Ponce City Market rooftop for amazing views and fun games, followed by a sweet treat at King of Pops, a drink (or two) at Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall, and ending at Superica at Krog Street Market for amazing tex-mex food & drinks.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Event planning wasn’t anything that I ever imagined becoming a full time job let alone a career, it was always more of a hobby. It all started about fifteen years ago, when I met Lasa Joiner as an intern at the GA State Capitol. People come into your life at specific times for a reason, and Lasa came into mine at a time when I was still trying to “figure things out.” She took a chance on me, and I worked my way up her firm to Director of Meetings & Events. Over the years Lasa has not only been a boss, but has become a friend and mentor. I’m fortunate to have family and friends that have also been an amazing support system throughout the years, especially recently when I decided to start my own business – Amina Events. Giving up a steady paycheck and risking it all to be my own boss was not an easy decision, but having the support, encouragement and belief in my talents from friends and family was invaluable. Shout out to my sisters, Anushka & Karishma, for always having my back, believing in me even before I truly believed in myself, and being my personal cheerleaders in life.

Website: www.aminaevents.com
Instagram: @aminaevents
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aminaevents/

Image Credits
ENMUSE Photography Joy Marie Castaldo Studio Brandon Andrews Photography Davel Photography Asaad Images

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