Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Cole.
Hi Tiffany, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The idea for UNICUS. actually began in 2019 in Berkeley, California, where a fellow cast member and I planned and hosted a 90’s themed prom for our entire cast. We were doing a musical with a group of over thirty artists twelve of which happened to have birthdays in January. Fast forward to 2020, the pandemic hit and the theatre industry shut down. From there, my now business partner Celia Mei Rubin and I began to discuss the idea of starting a small events company. Week after week we would hop on a call and talk through every aspect. From the name of our company to the focus of our events, to the clientele we wanted to take on. Eventually, our vision was complete and we created UNICUS. A small wedding planning agency focused on creating non-traditional weddings for artistic and creative couples. Our goal was to create one-of-a-kind events unique to every client. Hence our name UNICUS., it not only refers to Celia and I, our individual and combined aesthetic but it carries with it the meaning of only one in existence.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The answer to this question is yes and no. The partnership and vision came easily enough. However, rather than use the word smooth I would say it’s been a journey on a road filled with twists, turns, and sometimes having to turn back to find a different route. It’s a journey that is very much still in progress. When we started UNICUS. I was still living in New York. But due to my financial circumstances during the pandemic, I made the choice to move home to California. This, of course, meant we had to shift the idea we created for UNICUS. We became a bi-coastal company now focused on doing weddings on both coasts. From that shift came many rewards and a host of hurdles far more challenging than either of us realized they would be.
As performers and type-A individuals, we are uniquely qualified to plan, design, and execute our events. But as small business owners, we had to learn how to manage ourselves, a team, and our responsibilities to our clients. It was a lot to learn and balance while trying to rebuild our lives post-pandemic and re-entering the professional theater world, all while being in different time zones. We had to ask ourselves how we build this business with the intention of creating incredible events for our clients and making enough profit to pay our team and ourselves a rate that was fair and equal to the amount of work we were doing on each event.
The truth is the amount of work that goes into planning an event before the day and executing the event on the day takes much more than a strong partnership and a clear vision. It takes long hours, determination, letting go of control, and trusting your team. Sometimes the plan works and sometimes it doesn’t but in the end, we’ve come out of every event knowing we’ve done our absolute best.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a dancer first and foremost. I’ve been dancing since the age of three and I really attribute my professional career in theater to my dance training. I’ve been fortunate enough to perform in such places as Las Vegas and I made my Broadway debut in New York. There’s something about the passion, the creative freedom, and the discipline that dance instills in you. It set a foundation for me. Once I moved into event planning, I found running an event is very much like putting on a show or a dance recital. Everyone has their place, they know their cues, and the stage is set. Only this time, I’m running the show.
In UNICUS. I am not only the head of design, I am also the lead DoC. (Day of Coordinator) That means on the day I’m responsible for making sure an event runs smoothly from start to finish. It’s an ability that feels like a superpower when I’m connected and focused on a particular event. As a dancer, I’m able to feel when I’m supposed to hit a certain move in the music. Of course, I’ve rehearsed and practiced but once I’m onstage, the flow of the choreography through my body becomes natural and intuitive. When I run an event, it feels the same. I’m able to anticipate the needs of an event and shift accordingly. The Superpower lies in making sure my bride and groom as well as their guests are none the wiser, just like an audience during a show. Dancing taught me this skill and I’m truly grateful for it.
However, I must mention that none of this would be possible without my partner and her killer skill to create a highly detailed and organized schedule for me and the team to work from, Celia is a powerhouse when it comes to logistics and has been the dance captain on many of her professional contracts. I can’t speak for her but for me, it always comes back to dance!
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Yes, taking care of your health, getting enough rest, and connecting with friends and loved ones have to be priorities because our well-being depends on them. We suffered a collective isolation and I think whether we realize it or not we’re still dealing with the trauma and fear associated with that experience. I don’t think there’s a normal way of life to get back to. I think what’s important now is creating a healthier way of living. A way of life that not only focuses on mental, physical, and emotional self-care but also honors those we’ve lost.
Pricing:
- 12,000 – Full Service Planning + Day of Coordination
- 6,000 – 6 Month Hybrid Planning + Day Of Coordination
- 3,000 – 4 weeks + Day of Coordination
- Free Consultation
Contact Info:
- Website: www.unicusweddings.
com - Instagram: @unicus.weddings
Image Credits
Stephanie Marie Oberle Niki Cram
