Conversations with Shayla Khalife

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shayla Khalife. 

Hi Shayla, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey towards becoming an event planning expert started about a decade ago when I was first introduced to the magic of the industry. I landed the position of WNC Programming Chair in 2013 for a non-profit organization, which was very close to my heart. I successfully planned and executed a huge convention, which accommodated over 900 guests and more than 45 workshops. Being part of this team project was a turning point for me in realizing the joy of creating memorable experiences for others.

During my tenure as Programming Chair, I pursued higher education at the University of North Carolina and dedicated my time to entrepreneurship and learning the intricacies of small business operations. While still unsure of my future path, I started offering freelance event planning services that turned out to be a success, opening up multiple possibilities.

Now, I spend my time creating dreamy weddings, hosting lively nightlife events, working with non-profit organizations to fundraise effectively, and designing unique balloon arches for themed birthday parties. I have embraced the idea of doing what I love and excelling in it. In short, I am a professional multitasker who intends to achieve everything they set out to do.

Alright, 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?
Throughout my personal journey, I have faced both challenges and achievements. Learning was a process that required several years, with mentors, triumphs, and disappointments. The most rewarding experiences were the ones that taught me the most valuable lessons. I came to understand that we are all imperfect human beings, and striving for perfection was not feasible. Instead, I realized that my clients and coworkers valued my ingenuity, personality, and dedication to ensuring that every event was a success. As a result, I am proud of who I have become today.

I owe a debt of gratitude to the many strong and intelligent women who helped me improve my communication skills and build my confidence. Without the guidance and mentorship of powerful women in business at the University of North Carolina in Asheville and in the small business community as a whole, I would not have reached where I am today.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
One thing that I take immense pride in is my resourcefulness. I derive a great deal of satisfaction in saving my clients significant amounts of money, time, and stress. The extravagance and wastage that is rampant in the wedding industry struck me right away. I realized that there was a dire need for a plan to mitigate this issue. Leveraging my creativity, I started creating customized signage that provided a cost-effective and visually appealing alternative to expensive decor options. This eventually resulted in me setting up a comprehensive decor closet for my clients, where they could source sustainable and reusable decor that not only helped cut down on waste but also ensured that they didn’t have to spend excessive amounts of money. In a world where vendors mostly stick to lavish and wasteful options, I take great pride in being different and providing sustainable and responsible solutions.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
The thing I would like to double down on for the readers is to always keep an open mind and never give up on yourself or your dream. After countless years of experience in the wedding planning industry, I have come to realize that my most notable quality is my open-mindedness and I wouldn’t trade that for any other characteristic. This attribute is reflected in numerous glowing Google reviews that I have received over time. I firmly believe that every client should have the wedding day that they want. If donuts are what they prefer over a three-tier wedding cake, then so be it. As I continue to grow in this industry, my goal is to stay abreast of the changing times and encourage my clients to have their dream weddings according to their preferences, all while eliminating the stigma associated with lavish and expensive weddings.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.allthethingsevents.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allthethings.events/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allthethingsavl/

Image Credits
Him & Her Photography
Anastasiia Photography