By Serena Lopez
Now more than ever, the world is seeing the effects of female empowerment reflected in the business world. The number of female entrepreneurs increases every year with women in Canada being the most likely to open their own business than in any other nation, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Canada Report on Women’s Entrepreneurship of 2017.
If you’ve ever wondered what goes into designing over-the-top birthday bashes and ethereal weddings, we talked to one of the people behind the magic, Phylicia Mendes— an ambitious, creative talent from Toronto who owns an innovative event-planning business. Jubilee Luxury Events specializes in events for corporations, fashion editorials, and weddings. I got to sit down with Mendes to talk about how she built her brand, what setbacks she’s faced, and what it takes to be your own boss.
Photo courtesy of Phylicia Mendes
Name: Phylicia Mendes
Age: 25
Job Title and Description: Owner and Creative Director of Jubilee Luxury Events Co., focusing on providing luxurious and quality events for every client.
Website: https://www.jubileeluxuryevents.com/
Instagram: @PhyliciaMendes
What lead you to pursue a career in event planning?
I have to correct you on the “event planning” verbiage; I prefer to be classified as an Event Designer. I love all the layers of creativity that could go into event design. At first I thought it would just be weddings, like some sort of TLC segment, but I learned it was the one place I could combine my love for design, fashion, and being able to know you’ve just created a memory that will stick with a person forever. I’ve learned so much about myself as an artist through event planning, having had the experience of going to an art [high] school. I was always a dance major but there was never a name for what people like myself liked to do, besides building your mediocre stage set for the school musical, or being able to create a statement wedding, shower, or runway is, to me, one of the most impactful things I could do for people and art.
What inspired you to start your own company?
Well, I came into this industry never wanting to own my own business; I never thought I could. I knew I was a hard worker, but I thought, eh, I’m young, not very well rounded in business– there’s no point. I have to thank college for opening my eyes to the idea, then I did my own research and said “why not?” God bless Google, and the Toronto Public Library, and Kim Kardashian, my business mentors without knowing it.
What obstacles did you face when starting your company? How did you overcome them?
My business started as a partnership, and this alone was the start of me underestimating my ability to stand on my own two feet. I always felt like I needed support until I realized I was my own support. Also, being a woman in business will be the biggest ongoing struggle because I have to be twice as strong and twice as competitive as a man would be.
I overcome both of these by really accepting who I am and what I am capable of, understanding my strengths and weaknesses– once you understand yourself you’re invincible. As for being a woman in business? Just by showing these men women are tougher than we seem.
What accomplishment are you most proud of? What are some things you hope to accomplish with your company in the future?
I would have to say my biggest accomplishment thus far is being published in the same publications I’ve watch my mentors grow in like Wedluxe, Today’s Bride, and Elegant Wedding Magazine. I hope to take that a few steps forward by being in Forbes, Bizbash, and Vogue as the top luxury event design firm in North America.
Photo Courtesy of Phylicia Mendes
What are the positives and negatives of being your own boss?
The positives are that you do what you love your way, the only person you can be mad at is yourself… I know you’re thinking I’m going to say sleeping in, but…I never sleep.
The negatives? No sleep, you can only be mad at yourself, and you’re more critical of yourself.
What advice would you give to a young female entrepreneurs?
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Never give up. Cry, fight, smile, but never give up.
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Be patient, take your time.
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Get help, because you will need all the little support you will get.
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Collaborate, do not compete, it’s the best form of competition.
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Meditate on love everyday.
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Remember you are capable of doing anything.
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Accept failure and rejection.
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Do not bite off more than you can chew.