Community Highlights: Meet Debra Quintyne of Events by Debra’s Details & Designs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Debra Quintyne. 

Hi Debra, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today? 

I grew up living life by the books. My parents taught me to work hard, go to college, get a “good” job, and work until it’s time to retire. My mother always said, “Stay on your path” and that’s what I did. 

After graduating from Smith College, I began a career at IBM and started down life’s “correct” path. But, early on in my IBM employment, a friend invited me to a seminar for wedding vendors; and, while I didn’t really know what this event was about, it seemed interesting and so I attended. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that was a life-changing experience. I loved everything I saw and heard that night and knew that wedding planning was made just for me. I left the event on cloud nine, but the elation was short-lived as I realized that I would have to tell my father about my new career choice. It didn’t take long for me to chicken out and talk myself out of such crazy thoughts. And, as you would expect, I continued down the “safe path” and forgot about my wedding planning interests until another life-changing event in 2015. 

This is when I attended a personality seminar sponsored by my church. My Pastor and First Lady talked about God-given talents and gifts; and, quite frankly, I left that seminar feeling a little lost and confused. By this time, I had been working for IBM for about 30 years and I really couldn’t identify my special talents. But I promised myself to be open to investigating new possibilities. About six months later I stumbled on a Facebook post about an introduction to a wedding planning course and decided on a whim to give it a try. 

As the saying goes, the rest is history. The wedding planning bug bit after the first 15 minutes of that class and I’ve not looked back since. I remember how much fun I had doing my class project which was to plan a 25th-anniversary vow renewal in Delaware. My life trajectory completely changed after that class; and, before I knew it, Debra’s Details & Designs (3-D) was formed. 

While it requires lots of desire and determination to start a business, training is also a must. Since 3-D was born (yes, it’s my baby), I’ve honed my craft by interning with other planners and gaining certified wedding planner status from both The Bridal Society and Association of Bridal Consultants. But honestly, I love all things events, not just weddings. Therefore, I completed the George Washington University event planner certification program and Sandals and Beaches Resort travel specialist training. And, most recently, I had the great fortune of completing one of the Launch Wake Entrepreneur Development Programs which is a must for every small business owner. 

But, after all of the training, the proof is in the actual events. It’s hard to believe that 3-D is now five years old and, after several events under my belt, I can honestly say that I have loved every minute, timeline, vendor meeting, and HAPPY CLIENT. It took me a while to find my passion, but it has been worth the wait. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way? 

It sounds like a cliché, but it is true that nothing worth having comes easy. It’s the things that you’ve really had to dig deep to achieve that you truly appreciate. Of course, the road has not been smooth. There have definitely been contracts that weren’t signed after spending hours creating proposals and being ghosted by potential clients never makes you feel good. But you learn to make each disappointment a teachable moment and give your best to those you are fortunate enough to work with. I can honestly state that every client has been a blessing. 

We’ve been impressed with Events by Debra’s Details & Designs, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others? 

Events by Debra’s Details & Design, which I affectionally call 3-D, is based in Wake Forest, NC. We provide event planning support from concept through clean-up and all the details in between. 

Some may ask how an IBM auditor (yes, that’s me) could be an event planner. On the surface, the two vocations seem to be quite disparate; but, there really is a common thread. 

As an auditor, I am constantly looking for ways to break the system and verifying if desired outcomes are at risk. I bring this same skill to my event planning business. Once I understand the vision (desired outcome), I spend my time designing and mapping out plans to make the dream happen. While planning, I am constantly looking for gaps that might cause the event to suffer; and, then, I put preventative actions in place. 

As the saying goes, “The devil is in the details.” On numerous occasions, vendors that I have worked with have commented and thanked me for such detailed timelines. While it seems like overkill upfront, it always pays off in the end. 

I’ve never been told that I over-planned; but, several of my clients have said, “Wow, didn’t think about that. Thank you!” This is my specialty and my happy place. 

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned? 

No matter what type of event you hold, everyone wants to feel celebrated and understood. It goes without saying that all attention should be given to the event’s guest-of-honor. However, there’s also something special about giving some love to the event attendees. I’ve learned that the mark of a truly successful event is when everyone on the guestlist feels that their comfort and enjoyment have been a top priority. When that happens, everything else falls into place. 

Pricing:

• Wedding Planning: Starting at $1495
• Milestone Event Planning: Starting at $1150
• Intimate Affair Planning: Starting at $750
• Sandals/Beaches Destination Event/Vacation Planning: Complimentary

Contact Info:

• Email: info@debrasdetailsdesigns.com
• Website: https://www.debrasdetailsdesigns.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debrasdetailsanddesigns/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debrasdetailsanddesigns
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/debrasdetails

Image Credits
CinemaOne Films
James Joseph Bloomer III
Chandalyn Star Photography
The Winning Lens Photography