Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Terblanche.
Stephanie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I worked in-house for Jessica Simpson for the 10 years before starting my business. I was her assistant, then moved toward working on her creative and producing all the events she threw for her family after her wedding (produced by my Yoda and one of the most inspiring and hard-working women I know, Mindy Weiss) in 2014. My background is in production, and I feel like moving into event production full time was a natural transition and truly where I’m meant to be. Jessica has always trusted me with her family’s most special occasions, and it’s empowered me to have the confidence in myself that I needed to go out on my own. I am grateful for her place in my life. Between her and my wonderful husband, I truly had the greatest support starting out, and they still make me feel like I can do anything!
Has it been a smooth road?
The road to today hasn’t been smooth, but full of learning roadblocks and boundary-setting. For some reason, when I started out, I actually thought I would have MORE time to spend with my family! I have found the greatest team to work with and tried to be diligent in not working at home once the kids are there, so I can take and pick up my kids from school. I want them to see the example of hard work, but at the same time, I want them to feel my presence in their lives. Once I’m home with them, I want to really be WITH them. If I can’t be, then I don’t come back. I love this career path, I’m OBSESSED with it. that being said, I don’t love every single part of it. It’s still really hard for me to see my worth and charge appropriately. Sometimes, I’m so inspired by the job that I’ll be practically paid the client to produce the event for them. I’m continuing to learn that I need to believe in myself and my talent enough to also make a living from it!
Any woman that’s starting a new career path needs to be ready to roll up their sleeves and put in the work. Make a list of what’s most important and prioritize that from the beginning, Train yourself to set those boundaries by repetition. Surround yourself by people that inspire and respect you, and of whom you respect and look up to as well. I am nowhere without the team around me, and if it’s possible, it feels like they are as passionate about my clients as I am.
We’d love to hear more about Wham Bam Events.
I feel that the name of my business best suits my brand! There was a brief moment where I was going to change my name to sound more “elevated” but I quickly learned that people remember my business even more than my own name, and I just can’t lose that! I treat my events like the productions they are-my staff has worked on set, and I’ve even employed AD’s to run and coordinate my larger productions. I believe that my attention to detail and the personality I bring to my client’s tables sets me apart from others. If you want to see the vivid pictures I have in my head, if you want to see my vision, just look at one of my events! People ask me if I’m surprised by how things look or how an event has come together and typically I’m overjoyed, but not surprised, because they’re truly the vision in my head (and heart!) come to life! I studied film production and editing/post-production, so I love it when I get an opportunity to put those skills to use, and I try to as often as I can. I like to incorporate and bring together several different vendors (many of them strong women that are small business owners as well), and use props and unconventional and sometimes everyday items in different ways to complete my vision. An event doesn’t have to BE expensive to LOOK that way! I’m really proud of how I can thoughtfully use and respect people’s budgets to give them the dream event they couldn’t even imagine possible!
Which women have inspired you in your life?
There are so many incredible women that have inspired me beyond belief. My mother has always been my #1 fan and cheerleader since forever, and in her eyes, every event I do is magic. Even when I’m hard on myself she lifts me up and believes in me more than I could ever as for!
Jessica Simpson is really the woman that I will always and forever hold so dearly in my heart and in this world. She encouraged me to put a name to my business, even though I was fully employed by her. She pushed me to look beyond my comfort zone and has wholeheartedly supported me both in business and especially in friendship. She is a powerful woman, so full of light and creativity and determination. She shows me how I can do anything by doing it herself!
As far as women in this industry, I treasure my relationship with Mindy Weiss and all she’s given me. She’s so encouraging and real with me, and always reminds me to take care of myself. When I first started out 5 or so years ago, she told me how much she wanted me to succeed and it was such an amazing example of how there’s room for everyone, and we can lift each other up. We ALL have a place in this business, and I have the utmost respect for others that do it. I have so much to learn from those around me, and I can’t wait to do so!
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.whambamevents.com (coming soon!)
- Phone: 310-866-1625
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Instagram.com/whambamevents
- Facebook: Facebook.com/whambamevents
Image Credit:
Kara Stout, Laura Moll, Kristin Burns, the Range Photography Studio
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