We had the good fortune of connecting with Cynthia Toussaint and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Cynthia, is there something you believe many others might not?
I have an aversion to the term “Jack of all trades, but master of none”. Whenever it’s mentioned it’s used to diminish a person’s ability to be great at multiple things but I completely disagree. I actually find it far more beneficial to be a jack of all trades than a master of just one! It’s a common misconception that one cannot excel or be a specialist in multiple areas. In my opinion to be a jack of all trades is very powerful in entrepreneurship. Just consider the many hats that have to be worn. Specializing in a wide array of skills is the key element in which many of us solo-preneurs are able to get our business off the ground. It also strengthens your ability and widens your platform to make connections with different types of people. In return it helps strengthen your communication and foster meaningful relationships. I look at it like this “if you need it, learn it!”
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 have always been intrigued by the event planning industry. I’ve always had a niche for curating events tied to unique experiences that would leave my family and friends with unforgettable memories. I wanted to do that on a greater scale and extend it to clients and their guests. I feel honored to be trusted and take part in such cherished moments of people’s lives. It is truly a privilege to be able to leave my imprint on my client’s and guests dearest milestones while expressing myself and bringing their visions and ideas to reality. Memories last a lifetime and I want to be able to give them the best quality of experiences out there!
Since I was young I have always assisted with or curated events for my loved ones. It has always been a passion of mine. But if I’m being honest, I didn’t always have the courage to pursue it as a business. Throughout the recent years, I went through a lot of life changes. I lost my job and I went through a real traumatic experience. As I identified the things that really made me happy, I found most joy in helping people bring their vision to life. The excitement and happiness on my client’s face after a successful execution of their requested vision really pushed me out of my depression and made my heart completely full.
One very important lesson I learned along the way is proper preparation prevents piss poor performance. Even if you have ton of experience it’s important to prepare and plan everything you do. This it is the simplest form of showing respect for the most valuable thing a person has to offer, their time. I like to say “stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.” Even if it’s not perfect… it’s progress.
What drives the success of me and my brand is understanding that someone else’s perception is not my reality. As a creative, it is important not allow other people’s fears or limitations discourage you from anything you want to do. It’s okay to reach for the stars and grab however many you can.
Being in nature gets my creative juices flowing but my true inspiration comes from my parents. My parents came to the U.S. to make a better living for themselves and their family. Growing up in Brooklyn, NY I saw them make sacrifices and have set backs but they stayed the course and prevailed to reach their goals. They always helped others and worked so hard for my siblings and I to have better opportunities than they did. I honestly believe if it wasn’t for their insane work ethic and mindset and determination to persevere by any means necessary, I wouldn’t be as successful as I am today.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Monday
The Breakfast Boys (Food)
Time: 9:30am
The Secret Garden (Pole Fitness)
Class: DIRTy Pole (90’s Edition)
Time: 6:30pm
Magic City (Hangout)
Time: 11:30pm
Tuesday
Breakfast at Barney’s (Food)
Time: 9:00am
Take a walk on the Belt-line (Hangout/Workout)
Time: 11:30am
Bar Vegan (Food)
Time: 1:00pm
The James Room (Drinks)
Time: 7:00pm
Wednesday
Belle & Lillys Caribbean Brunch House (Food)
Time: 1:00pm
Black Ink Atlanta
Get tattooed by tattoo artist Ryann Kelly
Time: 4:00pm
Escobar Restaurant & Tapas (Food)
Time: 7:30pm
Peter Street Station ***Jam Session*** (Hangout)
Time: 9:00pm
Thursday
Pick up a Slingshot from North Atlanta Sling Shot Rentals
Time: 10:00am
Southern Fire Kitchen (Food)
Time: 4:00pm
The Battery (Hangout)
Time: 7:00pm
Fat Tuesday (Drink)
Time: 7:30pm
Fellaship ATL (Hangout, Food & Drinks)
Time: 10:00pm
Friday
I-Pic (Movie Date)
Time: 5:00pm
Jojos Beloved (Drinks)
Time: 7:30pm
Pretty Little Tacos (Food)
Time: 8:30pm
Beat the Bomb (Escape Room)
Time: 10:00pm
Saturday
Toast on Lennox (Food)
Time: 10:00am
Rekt Room (Stress Release Activity)
Time: 1:00pm
Apt 4B (Food)
Time: 7:00pm
Trap Museum (Visit)
Time: 9:00pm
Sunday
The Garden Room (Food)
Time: 11:00am
Rum Punch Brunch (Hangout)
Time: 7:00pm
Whiskey Mistress (Hangout)
Time: 9:00pm
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a very special shout-out to my parents and my brother Jason. Their love, support and encouragement is truly unmatched. I also have a very strong circle of women around me that speak life into me and show up for me when I am in need. Last, but not least, I will like to acknowledge my mentor, Qualena, who pushes me to challenge myself as I continue to grow.
Website: Www.Cyncereevents.com
Instagram: @cyncere_events
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078896467681&mibextid=avESrC
Image Credits
Tril Shots Sha Memories Photography