In today’s MP Local blog, we are so excited to feature Afzia Shareef, a wedding and event planner in the KW Region. We admire Afzia so much. She worked full time while building her business on the side, only to recently go full time with it – so exciting!
Afzia is a daily hustler and brings so much joy to people’s lives creating beautiful events and dream weddings for them. You won’t be able to take your eyes off her social feeds with her stunning wedding photos and couples in love!
We are excited to share her passions in life, how she got started and what keeps her going every day!
So, without further ado… meet Afzia:
Name: Afzia Shareef
Title: Owner, Creative Director, Lead Planner at Style & Elegance Wedding and Event Coordination
Your elevator pitch:
I own a wedding and event planning company here in the KW area. I have been working with couples for 10+ years to make their dream wedding a reality. Being a part of a couple’s special day, repeatedly during the year… who could ask for anything better!
One word to describe yourself:
Passionate
Why did you choose that word?
I approach every aspect of my life that way!
Why did you start the business that you did and what was the inspiration or reasoning of how it came it life?
I have always been a planner. It’s in my blood! High school was when it began with being on student council and eventually being school president in my final year. Since then I have been the designated event planner in my family and have received positive responses for anything I’ve put together.
With regards to weddings in particular – who doesn’t love weddings! I thought I would use my skills towards something that makes people happy. Bonus – I get to be a part of this happiness… repeatedly! I love being organized and I wanted to offer that to couples so that they could enjoy their big day knowing that it was in a professional hands.
First thought when you officially became your own boss:
Liberating!!! I have always wanted to be my own boss doing something that I loved and it finally became a reality in 2008. Although I had a day job at the time, my business was something that was my own.
I recently went full time as of Oct 2018 …in my 10th year of business!
When you’re not hustling, what do you do in your free time?
In my free time (when I have it!) I love to spend it with family (this happens regardless at some point), cozy up with a good book and a warm cup of tea, watch movies….of all kinds, catch up with friends and bake sweet treats!
This is just a small list!
Mainly I try to enjoy life! It’s too short to waste
Describe a day in your life:
A day in my life consists of waking up after hopefully a good night sleep, eating a good breakfast and then it will either go one of two ways… straight into emails and handling client files or out the door for meetings with vendors and clients. I am always keeping busy and I like it that way!
Don’t worry I do take time for myself and for my family! That’s very important to me to balance all aspects of my life as much as possible. We try to make sure and have dinner together as often as possible. Pretty soon that is going to be hard to come by as one daughter will be starting post secondary and the other one is not too far behind!
What is your biggest accomplishment?
My daughters - their well being, education and path to becoming successful adults is so important to me.
What are your top 3 bucket list items?
1. Travel the world
2. Swim with the dolphins
3. Learn to play the piano
What or who inspires you to keep doing what you’re doing?
My daughters – I want to set the example for them they can accomplish anything they put their minds to. I want to empower them to make decisions that will lead them to living their best life. If they see me creating the life that I want, they will hopefully do the same.
What is your spirit animal and why?
I feel like my spirit animal is a BEAR.
I say this because I am very protective of my family, friends and accomplishments.
I have been told people admire me for my strength, confidence and the ability to display leadership in my life and in others’ lives. I am also fearless when I take on tasks
What is your daily mantra?
Daily Mantra – “Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently” – Marie Forleo
For 2019 my words are SELF CARE
This could be taking the time to:
- sit down with a cup of coffee or tea and a good book
- go for a walk and keep active
- take care of myself.. who am I kidding.. I meant to say pamper myself!
This is so very important to me. I got into the unhealthy habit of always taking care of others and their needs and neglecting myself. We all need a little bit of “recharge” time to be able to be the best we can be. I am doing my best to focus on that a lot more this year!
What are some tips and tricks you use to stay motivated?
I check in with my industry colleagues and get re-energized about what my goals are. Also I refer back to a sketch of a brick and mortar store that I had drawn out when I first started my business… it takes me back to where I started and why.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt along the way?
“Collaboration over competition”
I have built a network of professionals that I am proud to know.
What’s next for you?
Since I have moved to running my business full time, I am looking to grow my client base and possibly my team!
How can our readers find you?
Instagram - @Styleand_elegance
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/StyleandEleganceWeddings/
Twitter - @StyleElegance
Email – Afzia@styleandelegance.ca
Website – www.styleandelegance.ca
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.ca/StyleElegance/
We are thrilled to feature Afzia and her beautiful business ‘Style & Elegance Wedding and Event Coordination’ on our interview series, as she is such a huge part of bringing joy to people’s lives. We can all appreciate the challenges and difficulties that come with planning any event, let alone the wedding of your dreams, so having someone like Afzia to help you through everything is a game changer. We are so excited to see what 2019 brings for Afzia's business and growing her clientele.
If you are looking for an event or wedding planner, Afzia is more than happy to help. Send her a note!
We are always looking to promote local businesses and freelancers in the community, so if you are interested in sharing a bit about your life and your journey, send us a DM or email us at hello@mintandpoppy.com.
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