Meet Felicia Fegan-Dean of Finesse By Felese Event Planning

Today we’d like to introduce you to Felicia Fegan-Dean.

Felicia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Event planning is something that I spoke into my life journey over 15 years ago. I actually mentioned it in a bio about myself in my 20th year class reunion souvenir book. To tell the truth, I didn’t know what event planning was but I knew that I was drawn to it and had a love for planning and organizing any type of event. I was so fascinated with planning events, working on all the details and logistics from start to finish. I had the greatest feeling after it all came together.

I would always get involved with my children’s school events or youth program events, family events, etc. I love to create new ideas and activities for the kids. I would work so hard and even put in my own money just to make their event that more special. I attempted other business ventures and a non-profit organization. I owned and operated a family daycare business (Fegan Family Childcare); a boys travel basketball team (Inglewood ING Hoops) and a mother-daughter mentor group (Mini Mees Club). They were all very successful but I wasn’t completely satisfied. I would say that planning out the day to day details is what I seem to remember most. Anything I did had to be planned, organized and detailed.

Moving forward, my family and friends began to ask me to be the coordinator at their weddings or family events. I was told that because I was very organized, detailed and took charge they could trust me seeing their event through from beginning to end. I took charge with no problem. I was very comfortable doing so. I began to see that I really love to do this. I remember thinking to myself, is this my God given talent.

The next thing I knew, I started planning and decorating events but didn’t have a clue how to truly decorate anything. I just did what seemed to make sense. I realized I needed to be more than just an event planner. I needed to know how to properly decorate an event if I was going to move forward in this business as a event planner and designer. You can not be the boss and not know the business. You must first be student before you can be a teacher. I love being a student even now. I will always be a student because there’s always room to learn more. Knowledge will only make you better and you will go further.

I started decorating and planning more events. I was also learning at the same time. I started out with absolutely nothing but I was determined to build a solid business foundation. So, as I learned, I practiced what I learned. Since 2015, I have planned, designed, decorated and coordinated over 200 plus events. I have truly come a long way. I have taken classes to enhance my skills. The more I learn, the more events I want to do. Most of customers come by word of mouth. That makes me feel so good because it tells me that my customers and followers are pleased with my work and they have confidence in me that I will create beautiful memories for them. I recently promoted from being an independent contractor to a official small business owner of Finesse By Felese Event Planning, LLC. I am so very happy and proud of myself. I am working towards owning my own event center as I plan for retirement from my career as a Deputy Probation Officer within the next few years.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have faced many struggles over the years. One in particular is the current pandemic we are in at this time. The pandemic brought my business to a complete stop. Clients that had events booked with me either canceled or postponed their event. Eventually, I had to refund some money back to all of them and it was a hard hit to my pockets. I had to get creative and suggest other ways of celebrating to my clients but protect myself from getting the virus at the same time. I started planning and decorating intimate dinner parties, drive by birthdays and drive by baby showers. I needed to get my business going again but also let my clients know there was a way they could still celebrate their special occasion and not missed out on those precious memories. I use to hang around after I set up an event just to make sure that my client’s events were going well but now I set up and go.

I appreciated the tough times because they make you strong. The struggles and experiences teach you how to be a better business owner. The blessing is that I can share my experiences with others to help them be better prepared and not endure some of the same struggles I did.

Event planning and designing is a lot of hard work but I truly love what I do because I’m working hard to bring joy to others.

Please tell us about Finesse By Felese Event Planning.
Finesse By Felese Event Planning, LLC is a all occasion event planning company that specializes in all events including: Anniversaries, Baby Showers, Birthdays, Corporate Events, Fundraisers, Homegoings, Proms, Reunions, Retirements, Weddings and more.

I am committed to planning, designing, decorating and coordinating your entire event from start to finish, ensuring that you and your guests have the experience and memories for a lifetime!

I am most proud of the level of confidence my clients have in my ability to create their special event. Also, the support and assistance from my husband Corey, family and friends. Finally, I am so grateful to have build relationships with some of the most amazing vendors that are like family to me.

What sets my business apart from others is that I customize each event differently for each client and I go over above to polish each event with the details necessary to make their hearts smile.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory as a child was just being together with family and frends for any type of occasion, just enjoying each other.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 323-828-0644
• Email: finessebyfelese@gmail.com
• Instagram: @finessebyfeleseeventplanning
• Facebook: Finesse By Felese Event Planning