Born and raised in Texas, Tammie studied art history and hospitality management at Texas Tech then moved herself and all her talent to Georgia over 20 years ago. Tammie founded the company 15 years ago out of her love of hosting fabulous events in her home! An invitation to a party at her home was a hot ticket. All invited knew that whatever was planned was sure to have the “Wow” factor.
Word spread quickly and Tammie was asked by friends and organizations to plan their events because of her past successes. The word around town was if you needed help with your party or event call Tammie….. you know, “the party girl”!
Her passion, perfection and personal touches have been the success of her growing company in a sea of cookie-cutter events. Tammie gets to know her clients on a personal level and then can translate that into an event that is uniquely theirs. When the event is over she has made new friends for a lifetime.
Tammie is a Diamond Award Winner 2020, 2019 and 2019 Women of Power & Influence Winner.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve ever faced while planning an event and how did you overcome it?
It has been fairly smooth, but of course, every business owner faces challenges. I feel each challenge has made us a better company because we have learned from them.
Our biggest challenge over the years has been growth at a fast pace. We have handled it well, but there are also times it has been a bit overwhelming to keep up with the demand. I’m definitely not complaining and know that any challenge that comes our way, we will overcome!
What are 2 trends in the event planning industry that you’re excited about?
One trend I absolutely love right now are the beautiful dessert bars that we bring in for our social events. They are over the top gorgeous and themed to whatever we ask for!
Another trend I am loving are baby’s birthday parties becoming much more glamorous and styled. The bar has definitely been raised for the little cuties’ parties.
What are some tips for creating an elegant and memorable event on a tight budget?
Budget = Guest count…. If you are on a budget, please start with your guest list and pare down where you can. Having an event that you are proud of and with all of the details you have dreamed of is doable as long as your guest list is equal to your budget.
If you had unlimited resources, what would your dream client and event look like?
Well…..I had the pleasure of planning my daughter’s wedding this past fall and I had a blast doing it!! I got to add all of the details that I have ALWAYS wanted at our events and my daughter let me take the reigns with full trust!
It was Napa and Italy inspired and we felt we were in the middle of a vineyard. It was stunning! Go check out the pictures on our website: https://www.partygirlatlanta.com/copy-of-wedding-with-a-view
How important are your relationships with vendors and what are some ways that you successfully cultivate and ensure good rapport?
I have always said, “We are only as good as our vendors!” Our vendors are the heart of our business and we love them. We have great relationships with them and they are part of the family!
What’s the first event you can ever remember planning and how did it go?
I will never forget the first wedding I planned. It was for a teacher at my daughter’s elementary school and I was petrified! I knew the importance of having a PERFECT DAY for our bride and groom and I worked hard to make it that way.
Overall it was a success and what I learned that day is that guests/clients don’t see the flaws that you see as a professional. We know what to look for, but the average guest/client doesn’t see or look for the same things we do behind the scenes. Whew!
I was happy that my clients were thrilled about their big day and they referred me to a million future clients.
What are some things you wished you knew before starting your businesses?
I wish I had known how much business sense you have to have to run your creative business. When I first started, I thought my creativity and talent would take me all the way, but you have to know how to run the other side of your business as well. Payroll, Taxes, Licensing, Cash Flow, Sales, and Liability are all very important parts of your event planning business and navigating through it when you are first starting out is challenging to say the least.
What’s the most surprising or unusual request you have ever received from a client and were you able to fulfill it?
I was asked to do a Wiccan Wedding and had no idea what this was. I have had so much fun learning all of the different religious traditions in my years of planning events. I have planned Catholic, Mormon, Wiccan, Jewish, Baptist, Non-Religious events and love learning about each with my families. I love learning and it keeps my profession so interesting!
Anything else you’d like to comment on while we have you?
If you are wanting to start an event planning business, please find a mentor that can help you navigate the path to success! It’s a great way to make fewer mistakes on your way up to the top!!
Also, you absolutely have to have a passion for the event industry or you should choose another field of interest. It is HARD WORK, but if you have a passion for events, you won’t ever work a day in your life!
