Meet Marla Bowie | Wedding and Event Planner

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

Hi Marla, what do you attribute your success to?

The most important factor behind my success is my ability to truly take the stress out of event planning for my guests. I have heard countless times that I bring a sense of calm to the individuals that I work with as we lead up to the event as well as during the event. This feeling comes from listening to my client’s needs and ensuring their requests are granted. Clients often know what they want and desire for their event. It is my job to take those thoughts and bring them to life. Once they begin to see little parts and pieces coming together they begin to develop a trust that I am listening and I will deliver on my promises. Every time I assure them that something is done that’s another layer of stress that they let go of and trust that their event will be amazing and incredibly memorable and most of all they walk into the event stress-free!

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 am the owner of B to Y Events. B to Y is an event planning business that fills in the logistical event planning details that are missing from A to Z. I have been planning events my entire life, really. I started planning events for friends when I was in high school and before that I planned events at my church in our youth ministry. I was always the kid that wanted to hang around adults (but not in a fast way). I studied Elementary Education in college and in that career, I was able to plan every single week. I loved lesson planning, it was one of the most fascinating parts of the job. Planning what we were going to do and who was going to do it and how we would celebrate at the end of the week. It was phenomenal! I planned retreats, faculty meetings, school events, and the list goes on. In 2010, I started planning events for friends in the music and creative arts industry … one dear and close friend, my husband. In 2017, I launched B to Y, because I found that the work that I was doing was filling in the missing pieces. Friends would approach me and say, “hey, I need someone to help with ensuring everyone has a place to stay for this event.” or “Marla, do you know a caterer that can cater for about 60 people?” I’d also get requests like “Marla, can you make sure everyone is seated in the right location?” And at the end of every event I’d be incredibly tired, but so super satisfied with the work that I’ve done and I said, let’s do it! Let’s make it a business. So, every day, I wake up, seeking to find that one person that is too busy to put all the details together for their event so that I can fill in everything that is missing from A to Z.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

So, I’m a foodie and I am going to take them to places that have great food or places that I’ve never been before. I would start with Korean fried chicken because not many of my friends have experienced it before. I believe that Korean fried chicken is truly a must-have. I would also take them to Gun Show because that is another food experience that I think should be enjoyed by all in Atlanta. I just recently experienced a Mochinut from the store “Mochinut.” Growing up in Miami we have fairs and one of the fair food items that I love is called an elephant ear. (Google Elephant Ear fried dough) this is similar to the funnel cake, just in a different shape. The Mochinut reminds me so much of an elephant ear. However, on the same day that I tried the mochinut, I also tried their Mango creamed ice drink. Absolutely amazing! As far as hanging, I think it makes sense to go to Ponce City Market, shop, eat, repeat and then hang out on the lawn. I’d also take them to Piedmont park to walk around. We’d spend the rest of our time hanging in Gwinnett which is where I live. On Saturday morning we would hit up about 3 or 4 Farmers Markets. We would start at the Suwanee Farmers’ Market in Suwanee, GA. Then head to Morningside Farmers Market and then jump over to Freedom Farmers Market and if we NEED anything else and there’s time left we’ll go to Peachtree Road Farmers Market. I love a good Farmers Market stroll, some fresh bread, and some on-the-spot hot food ready to eat! Love IT!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

My family has been nothing but supportive in this journey of success! I actually have them to thank as they’ve allowed me to plan many events with their practice. I am encouraged and supported by my parents who showed me how to become an entrepreneur. My parents owned several businesses while I was growing up and it was great to see them manage their full-time jobs, manage their side hustles, and still make time for family travel. My husband is incredibly supportive as I journey with managing a full-time job and living the current dream of doing what I love the most. I could not feel the happiness that I feel as I support others by pulling off stunning events if it were not for my family. Thank you!

Website: https://www.btoycreative.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/btoycreative/

Image Credits
Mike D Shot Me (Photo with flowers at gate) Southern Frame Photography (Bride and Wedding Ring)