Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan C. Tinio.
Megan, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
It all started back in San Diego during college. I knew I loved organizing, bringing people together and celebrating good times. After a night out, a dorm-mate asked “why don’t you be an event planner?” I didn’t quite know what that entailed but I started to network and secured an internship. This position quickly launched me into the world of street fairs and community events. My first task as an intern was to manage over a 100 vendors for a holiday festival called Balboa Park December Nights – an event that draws over 300,000 people in 2 days. I ended up working on that event for six straight years and it opened up so many amazing opportunities.
Over the next decade, I worked a variety of jobs within events (and beyond) from catering, venue management to rental sales, fundraising and admin support. I was able to gain experience on everything from how to put on an auction to film festivals to styling private dinners to building tents over 12,000 sq ft in size. In January of 2017, in anticipation of turning 30 later that year, I decided that I wanted to move “home” to be closer to my family. I had been in SD for 12 years and I had accomplished almost all of my personal and professional goals up until that point – it was time for a new adventure.
I quit my (well paying) sales job and gave myself 3+ months to transition my life to the OC/LA area. After working non-stop since college and eight years living in the same apartment, I needed a break. In that space of rest, I sat on my couch one day and a friend called, asking me to help them with their wedding that summer. “I should have a business card to hand out” was my first thought but then quickly, I started to think about what needed to be on that business card.
Magical Moments by Megan was born in April 2017 – we just celebrated our three years anniversary. We are SOO happy to be based in the Greater LA area – don’t worry, San Diego is part of our DNA so we are still always down there for events too 🙂
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Looking back, “thrown into the fire” and “sink or swim” were phrases that identified my introductory experience into events. Turns out, there were a lot of times that I felt like I was in a “sink or swim” situation – you make it, or you don’t. You have an idea that you act on, or you don’t. You start the company, or you don’t. Thankfully, with great mentors and amazing people to coach me along the way, I have been “swimming” and enjoying the events industry for more than 12 years.
If you ask any passionate entrepreneur or a creative that lives for their art, they will tell you there are ups and downs. A bumpy road is inevitable. The REAL struggle is if you are going to make it through. Will you get up when you are knocked down? Will you be discouraged when you get a “no”? Will you continue to show up and make that commitment to being successful by affecting the world with your craft?
If the answers are “yes”, then you are in for a wild ride! The good thing is, the challenges and low times are what builds your character. It’s what teaches you and makes you grow. I know I am thankful for every mistake and every lesson because I am able to stand here today, no longer an intern, but as a happy and successful (female) business owner.
Please tell us about Magical Moments by Megan.
It will always be our mission to help others focus on creating lasting memories with their friends and family. By managing the logistics, planning and coordination of a special life event, our clients are stress-free and able to enjoy life’s MOST MAGICAL MOMENTS!
We are a full-service planning company and we believe life’s important moments are meant to be experienced and ENJOYED as opposed to disconnected and overwhelmed. We offer everything from logistics to style + design! We are able to plan any and all events from private to social to corporate BUT we do specialize in weddings.
There is something so special that comes from celebrating love and the union of two families that these are our favorite events to plan. We love getting to know our clients and be friends with them. We want them to trust us and KNOW that when it comes to one of the biggest days of their life, that they are in safe and capable hands.
We are most proud of the fact that we accept and support all love. We work to highlight minorities in our styled shoots and we have worked with organizations like Wish Upon a Wedding – who grants “wedding wishes” to terminal patients. We believe that we were called to help others enjoy life moments and create memories and we use gift to touch people and hope that we can do our small part to affect change in the world for our lifetime and beyond!
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would have taken action sooner. I would have been less afraid. I would have done more to learn about the business side of things. Otherwise, I wouldn’t change a thing!
Pricing:
- We are now offering ALL-INCLUSIVE micro-wedding + elopement packages for LESS than $6,000!
- Our “Month-of Magic” package normally starts at $1800 but we are offering discounts for any 2020 bookings!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.MagicalMomentsbyMegan.com
- Email: MagicalMomentsbyMegan@gmail.com
- Instagram: @MagicalMoments_byMegan
- Facebook: @MagicalMomentsbyMegan.MMM
Image Credit:
@SessionsbyAnneSalas, @MarissaHyland, @MiaAlyssePhotography, @OhLovelyWedding
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