Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle M. Alexander.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Danielle. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started event planning as part of an events and PR-focused internship while in college. At the time, I didn’t know that event planning was a profession but found myself really enjoying it and quickly realized I had a real knack for it.
I decided to pursue a career in events once I graduated and went on to work a couple of full-time jobs as an Event Coordinator and then Manager. Even with this experience, I continued to seek out additional internships and freelance gigs with more established planners so that I could shadow and learn from other professionals at the top of their game.
I absorbed everything and excelled at it, but found myself feeling professionally stuck at my day job. I started looking for other positions, but we were in the middle of the Recession at the time and no one in LA seemed to be hiring. So, I decided to take a chance on myself, quit my job, open up an event planning company so that I could freelance while looking for full-time work, and move to the East Coast. It ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Over the next few years, I would eventually end up working two other full-time jobs and moving back to LA, but steadily took on various contract gigs and built enough of a client base that I could work for myself full-time. Now, more than fifteen years after I started out in the industry, I have a list of amazing clients under the umbrella of my company Posh 5 Productions, but also take on various independent projects for a host of other clients and organizations I enjoy working with as well.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I definitely struggled. While trying to grow my business, I found it difficult to sell my services to people who didn’t know me. There was always another more established planner or production company out there that I was in competition with. I also found that many companies already had their own in-house planners, and only wanted to hire a company if they were providing entertainment or some other service, but not necessarily a planner.
Because of those struggles, I went through more than a few stretches of anxiety over my finances. I went back to full-time work a couple of times, feeling defeated for not being able to make the entrepreneur and freelance life work. Looking back, I realize it was all part of the process.
Posh 5 Productions – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Posh 5 Productions is an event planning and program management company. As a boutique company, we work one-on-one with clients to make sure we’re covering all event logistics and understand the goals of both the event and the client. We work with you to make sure the event fits your vision and/or brand and has the look and feel you’re aiming for.
The services we provide are tailored to each client, but range from day-of services to full-service event planning and show production. Regardless of what services are provided, we always like to say that we serve as an extension of your team (whether that be a department within a company or your personal planning committee).
The majority of the events we work on are for corporate clients in the entertainment, tech, and non-profit industries. We do, however, love working with private clients and on social events. We’ve even done a few international events!
Finally, as the owner of the company, I frequently take on clients for consultative and freelance projects as well.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success as doing what I love, actively and consistently working toward accomplishing my goals, maintaining financial success and freedom, doing my part to positively impact others, and leaving a legacy of love.
Having that success for me means leading by example and doing my part to spread the same love and happiness I enjoy in my own life. Whether it’s through the joy that my events bring to others, by doing something kind, or even through sharing advice with someone looking for guidance in their career. I always do my best to keep those goals in mind because that’s what’s important and the true definition of success to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.posh5productions.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/posh5productions
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/posh5productions
- Other: www.daniellemalexander.com
Image Credit:
Photos courtesy of AFI/Vivien Best, Gaming Insiders, and Danielle M. Alexander
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
