Exploring Life & Business with Brenda Cali of Gatherings for Good

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Cali.

Hi Brenda, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
If you’re asking when I started Gatherings for Good, that was in 2014. I was working full-time for a non-profit in Santa Barbara, and although I was part of this amazing organization that was doing such good work in the community, I felt this enormous void, and I knew there was more out there for me.

I had done meeting and event planning in the past, starting with corporate events, which led to other types of social events, parties, networking events, fundraisers – just about any kind of event you can think of. While we are now very wedding-focused, it didn’t begin that way.

My love for event planning grew over time and became a true passion. I learned as much as I could, had amazing mentors, and really put myself out there so that I could get as much experience as possible in the industry. Eventually after many years, I decided to take a huge risk, quit my job and start my own business so that I could do more of what I loved and make more of an impact.

Working and volunteering for several non-profit organizations over the years was a wonderful, eye-opening experience, and being of service is very important to me so I wanted to include that in my business plan. Gatherings for Good encompasses my passion for planning a producing events with my desire to give back to the community through financial donations and supporting causes locally and nationally.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not exactly. There were many ups and downs in the beginning. First of all, I had no idea where to even start. I had so many ideas but didn’t have a clue where to begin to even start a business. That was a whole new learning experience for me. I did a lot of my own research and figured things out one day at a time.

I started with creating a logo once I had my business name and then a website. After that, I started networking and going to industry events around town to meet other wedding and event professionals. It was a challenge and a bit scary to put myself out there amongst others who had more experience. It was intimidating at first, but the more I did it, the more confident I became.

Once I started booking clients, things started to get easier, and I was even more sure that I was doing the right thing. I felt like I was finally doing what I was meant to do. Even now, there are many challenges running a business, and it can be a lot to keep up with. It’s a constant learning experience, and things are always changing. You learn to be resilient and to keep moving forward. You learn what works and what doesn’t, and then you adapt.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We provide planning, design, and event coordination services for many types of events. We help people develop their vision and come up with a strategic plan that encompasses what they set out to achieve, whether it is a wedding, sales meeting, holiday party, or fundraiser.

Some of our services include helping our clients find the right venue, select outside vendors, come up with a theme or guide them in their overall design, keep them on track with checklists, assist them with travel needs, budgeting, layouts, and space planning, and offer general advice along the way. We are a sounding board for them to discuss ideas and to steer them in the right direction. We listen to our client’s needs and desires and truly care about the outcome.

Our ability to see our client’s vision enables us to look at the big picture. It is our job to then put all the details together, like a puzzle, and make their event come to life. That, in a nutshell, is what truly inspires and motivates us.

What matters most to you? Why?
That’s easy. What matters most is that our clients and the couples we work with are happy and satisfied with the service and experience they receive by working with us. We know they have many options and choices when it comes to event planners and we are always grateful to be selected to plan a special event or wedding. It is a huge honor, and we strive to give them the absolute best experience possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gatheringsforgood.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatheringsforgoodevents/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GatheringsforGood/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/gatherings-for-good-santa-barbara-2
• Other: https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/gatherings-for-good-santa-barbara/8a8031d3dfdc02af.html

Image Credits
Thrive Media 805 https://www.instagram.com/thrivemedia805/?hl=en
JoJo Ortiz Media https://www.jojoortizmedia.com/