Keesha Brooks- EPA Membership Spotlight:
Tell us about your business. (Where are you located, and what services do you offer)
I’m Keesha Brooks the Owner/Founder of Reason-a-BOWS, LLC. Reason-a-BOWS is a floral design company, and we provide wedding and event coordinator services. We are located in Newport News, VA; in the Hampton Roads area.
How long have you been in the Event Planning industry?
Reason-a-BOWS, LLC was established in 2018. Initially, this all started off as a hobby with planning and designing events & weddings for my family and friends for 10 + years.
Why did you become an Event Planner?
4 years ago an opportunity arose unexpectedly…My family and I were all invited to attend my brother’s and soon to be sister in-law’s wedding in Charlotte, NC. We arrived a day prior to their wedding day. Later that afternoon, I was informed that the wedding couple’s centerpieces were accidentally left in Maryland. I immediately jumped into action. We all met at the venue, so I could view the layout. The venue was a French-style bakery, Amelie’s in Charlotte, NC. The venue was beautiful and had a vintage look. As we approached the second floor, I noticed the hanging chandelier included an assortment of colorful and unique vases. I took several pictures of the venue, including a picture of that particular chandelier.
The next morning, on “Wedding Day” my mother and I went to several shops to gather items for the centerpieces. Upon entering the first shop, there were several colorful bottle vases on the display shelf that were exactly like the decor at the venue. We purchased every vase and decor item. We only had 4 1/2 hours until my brother’s wedding to create the table arrangements. All centerpieces turned out great. My brother and his wife were so happy how everything came together for their wedding. Our family and friends truly enjoyed their wedding and reception. We all came together to “Celebrate” their special occasion. The next day my brother said, “Keesha it’s time for you to put a business plan together”. Now I’m the owner of Reason-a-BOWS!
You also do custom flower arrangements can you tell me about that?
I absolutely “LOVE” handcrafting beautiful arrangements. Designs are based on the client’s colors, theme, and most importantly their personality! I use quality silk flowers when handcrafting bridal bouquets, boutonnières, corsages, exquisite centerpieces, designing wedding pillars, arbors arches, elegant backdrops, and more! It truly touches my heart when my client sees what I create for them. It’s very rewarding to see the reaction of happiness from my clients. This is my confirmation that I accomplished my job to the fullest! I stand by my Mission Statement: It’s more than just creating an arrangement & executing an event. It’s all about creating an “EXPERIENCE”, and how it makes that person feel. “When our customer is happy, we are happy”!
As an EPA member and mentee under Joey and Lee how has the mentorship program affected your business? -AND- How do you balance being a mom and a business owner? What advice would you give to other parents?
I would like to take this opportunity to give a sincere and warm thank you from the bottom of my heart to David Tutera, Joey Toth, Lee Richter, Event Planners Association, and to our “AMAZING” community group! I’m so grateful for taking the first initial step by participating in all four challenges. I have already implemented the “Golden Nuggets” that were given to me. I’m so honored to be a part of Joey Toth’s and Lee Richter’s Mentorship. On the first initial ZOOM call with Joey Toth and Lee Richter on September 23, 2020, they held each mentee accountable to create a list with 3 focus areas. My focus areas included:
1). Create a different “MINDSET”.
2). Revamp my website.
3). Research information for the local news for PR opportunities; GET ON THE NEWS!
I accomplished all 3 focus areas within my mentorship with Joey Toth and Lee Richter. I immediately shifted my mindset by fueling my mind with positive energy. I worked 2-3 weeks straight to revamp my website. I completed my website within one week before the next Zoom call (October 28, 2020) with Joey and Lee. I reached out to the local news stations on the last ZOOM call with Joey and Lee on November 11, 2020. A week later I sent follow up emails along with a phone call to the local news station. I had the opportunity to be interviewed by Kerri Furey, host of Hampton Roads Show, which aired on December 9, 2020 at 11:00am, and aired again at 1:00pm on the local FOX channel. It was an “AMAZING” experience! Within one hour of the interview with HRS, I immediately started to receive several calls requesting holiday arrangements. Joey and Lee, I can’t even begin to “THANK YOU”! Thank you so, so “MUCH”! When you hold yourself accountable, great things unfold right before your eyes. It’s all about taking action! Just “MAKE IT HAPPEN”!
How do you balance being a mom and a business owner?
I always make time to spend quality time with my husband and with our 2 beautiful daughters. It’s called balance! Yes, I do have my moments when I feel overwhelmed or there’s not enough time in the day to complete tasks. This is why I created a checklist to keep me aligned and on track. It’s extremely helpful. What’s not completed today, can be completed the next day. My family is “ALWAYS” my first priority. I am truly blessed to be a mother and a wife! It’s simply “PURE LOVE”!
What advice would you give someone just starting out in the field?
Just be you. Foremost follow your “PASSION”! Connection is the key. The wedding/event industry is constantly changing; it’s best to educate yourself at all times. Join mentorships like: Mentor with David Tutera and/or Joey Toth & Lee Richter mentorship program.
What do you look forward to learning about in the mentorship with Joey and Lee?
I look forward to learning any new avenues that will continue to drive my business forward!
Are there any fun tips you have for event planners?
Fun facts…YES! Immediately start to paint the picture for your client’s dream wedding/event! Share some of the juicy details, but not all of them at once! Keep some of the creativity in suspense…this will allow your client to experience a “WOW FACTOR”!
What was one of your favorite events you’ve planned?
We thoroughly enjoyed planning Carolyn & Todd’s wedding! It was great to see how all family & friends joined together to celebrate their special day! You truly felt the love in the air during their wedding and reception.
Tell us one fun fact about you that no one would guess!
I absolutely “LOVE, LOVE, LOVE” to dance! I have been dancing since I was 4 years old! When I studied dance at Radford University (Radford, VA), I had the opportunity to audition for Donald McKayle’s special guest artist dance selection. Donald McKayle was one of the first choreographers to incorporate the African American experience into modern dance, and the first African American man to direct and choreograph a Broadway musical, “Raisin”. That audition was intense, but it was an honor for me to take part in the audition. I was selected by Donald McKayle to perform a modern dance choreographed by him titled Rainbow Etude- “Rainbow Around My Shoulder” in April of 1999. I was 1 of 10 dancers. So many dancers auditioned for this. I was so grateful for the experience to perform with the other “Extraordinary” dancers. I will never forget this special moment! I was saddened when I heard about the passing of Donald a little over 2 years ago. He was an amazing choreographer! I will forever cherish that special moment!
There’s a “GAME CHANGER” that will take place very soon at Reason-a-BOWS! Here’s a slight hint: Mother & Daughter Duo! Stay tuned… https://www.reason-a-bows.com/what-s-new
