Meet Erica Haynes | Event & Wedding Planner

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

Hi Erica, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe that there is no success without risk. I started my business while working a 9-5 job. That was risky because I often researched things when on the clock. After years of operating my business while being an employee, I decided to give myself a fair chance and work solely for myself. In May of 2019 I left my job and began the journey of growing my business full time.

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?
Enchanting Events by Erica was built from a dream. I was tired of the routine work that came along with my office job. I wanted to be challenged and I wasn’t going to get that from answering the phones and preparing expense reports. I’ve always been social yet very detail oriented and organized and I loved planning. In 2008 I got an opportunity to show the office staff what I could do. I was tasked with arranging the Inauguration Reception and watch party in our office suite which was located on Pennsylvania Avenue along the parade route. I managed the RSVP’s, Catering, Décor, Audio Visual and Security. We had celebrity guests and the DC Police Chief at the time, Cathy Lanier in attendance. It was a huge success. I ignited a fire inside of myself that was uncontrollable. I gained more responsibilities after that and was able to work with other associations when they needed meeting and event planning assistance.

After having a heart to heart conversation with my boss in 2009 about my desire to start my own event and wedding planning business and receiving his blessing, I pressed f0rward with taking the steps to do just that. It wasn’t easy at first. I had to gain recognition from the industry and trust from the masses. Being a new kid on the block was a challenge however my passion didn’t allow me to submit to my fears. As the years went by, I took many risks. Some for my good and others were mistakes that I needed to make to grow. I never gave up. Countless events, weddings and meetings later and I’m still standing. I will celebrate 12 years in business in February 2022.

What sets us apart is our personal approach. We take the time to personally understand our clients and their planning needs. Never taking our authority for granted, we pride ourselves on being dependable and accessible while striving to exceed expectations.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I enjoyed visiting Atlantic Station. It had nice places to eat and shop. I mostly visited event venues like Occasions on Main and Merle Manders Conference Center to name a couple.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Darren & Trinity Cumberbatch with AMD Branding. These two are awesome. They’re encouraging, supportive and inspirational. In the 8 years that I’ve known them, we’ve shared so much. We truly are family. I can always depend on their honest opinions. I know when I need a design project whether big or small who to call for phenomenal results. They’ve rebranded my business repeatedly through the years. I wouldn’t trust my brand with any other marketing professional.

Website: www.enchantingeventsbyerica.com

Instagram: @enchantingeventsbyerica

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ericahaynes

Twitter: @EventsByErica

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enchantingeventsbyerica

Image Credits
All images provided are the sole property of Enchanting Events by Erica