Latoya Grindley, Staff Reporter
Having paid her dues in the hospitality sector, Sophia Butler has followed her heart and made the move to become her own boss - a move she describes as inevitable, Butler has yielded to her entrepreneurial desires, becoming the owner of Proevents Jamaica, an event-planning and management company.
Leaving her most recent job as sales manager at The Jamaica Pegasus behind, and having worked in similar capacities at the Hilton and Wyndham hotels, Butler has branched out on her own with a wealth of experience and contacts, which form the perfect platform for her to deliver to her clients.
"I am an entrepreneur at heart and I just believe that now is the right time for me to steer my own ship, she told Flair in a recent interview. "I have the experience in events management and have worked with international brands over the years. I have secured a network of contacts which I can use as a springboard."
Officially launched in January, Proevents Jamaica has carved out a niche for itself, surrounding corporate meetings and weddings. These are Butler's areas of expertise and preferred choices because of their potential.
"My experience really lies in these areas. And they fit in perfectly with my experience as a certified make-up artist. So, if necessary, I can tailor packages which include makeup services."
In an industry which has grown in popularity over the years, Butler noted that hovering above all her competition is the fact that her personalised and professional delivery is always at the core of her business. Complementing this is the wealth of knowledge she possesses.
"I come with the experience I have gained before, so I am not necessarily a newcomer. I overdeliver all the time - I give the clients what they want and even more than they expect."
Recognising the economic climate in which she operates, Butler notes that part of connecting with her clients is operating with their budget in mind without short-changing them.
"I always strive to wow my clients, and it is not limited to any particular budget. People are more budget-conscious and I understand that. To ensure that I deliver what my clients want, I pay close attention to the most important details of what they would like, and go from there."
Admitting that running and operating your own business takes a lot more effort and dedication, Butler says she is in it for the long haul.
PAYING OFF
"Running my own company definitely takes a lot more planning and it will only take hard work to succeed, and I am putting in the work." This hard work has been paying off so far. "I am really humbled by the support I have been getting and by what I have been able to do since launching. I think I have exceeded what I had expected to accomplish," Butler beamed.
She continued, "To ensure quality service, I have persons whom I call upon when necessary as freelancers, who are very good in their respective fields for the overall execution of events. I also have very good vendors whom I work with."
With a typical day involving sending out proposals, meeting with clients, as well as networking, Butler believes that leaving her clients with a lasting and positive impression is her way forward for guaranteeing success.
Proevents Jamaica can be found on Facebook or telephone: 290-3178. Email: contact@proeventsja.com or sophia.butler@proeventsja.com
Interview conducted at Morgan's Harbour Hotel and Marina. The hotel and restaurant is located in Port Royal, Kingston.
latoya.grindley@gleanerjm.com
