Today we’d like to introduce you to Pearl Farquharson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Ever since I could remember, I’ve always had a passion for 3 things: art, people, and laughter. It is no surprise that I naturally created a career driven by my desire to create a space where I live out my dream every day as an Event Designer and Planner. As a child, I was intrigued by how celebrations brought individuals of all backgrounds together. And naturally, watching movies such as, The Wedding Planner, I knew that a career in event planning was the right decision for me.
During my college years, while I pursued my degrees in Culinary Arts and Food Service Management at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, I worked at Nordstrom as Personal Stylist. As I paid my way through college, I started asking clients if they needed help to plan their private parties. A client referred me to another client, who referred me to another friend, where at the age of 20, I unofficially became an Entrepreneur. After I graduated, I worked for a luxury caterer in Boston, The Catered Affair, as an Event Coordinator at the Boston Public Library. I didn’t know much at first, but I gained valuable knowledge about the event industry except that when January comes around, you might get laid off, which is exactly what happened. Coincidentally, weeks after my layoff, a client from my college years requested that I help her plan a private event at her home for the Rhode Island School of Design. This experience is what catapulted the birth of my brand Delsie which stands for Delivering Exceptional, Luxury Services with Integrity and Elegance and is of course, also my middle name.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
To transition from good to great, you must first fall in love with the process. I believe that there is no such thing as failing. Either we win or we learn. Every day, I am constantly reminded of this in the world of events. As a Planner, I naturally have a backup plan for my original plan, and a backup plan for my, “plan b”. Any seasoned Planner will tell you that no matter how successful your written plan is, something unexpected is bound to happen. It’s called life. And when life happens, you just have to use it as an opportunity to put on your fanciest rain boots, let your hair down and learn to dance in the rain. The storm is what makes the rainbow that follows so spectacular!
I have found my philosophy to be exceptionally true on my journey as an Entrepreneur. One of my greatest challenges was breaking into a saturated market with an unconventional design and planning style. Designed by Delsie was originally a catering company which I started with two friends in 2013- one of which was the person I thought I’d spend the rest of my life with. In November 2016, I made a painful decision to restructure my business to fit my personal and professional goals as my former partners and I went our separate ways. The dilemma was staying true to who I was as a professional and trusting my instinct. The more that I learned to embrace my unique style and authenticity, the more that my business flourished and the happier I became. As I look back at what was a difficult decision at the time, I’ve made the right decision. I could not be happier today.
And of course, there is always the pressure and yearn to please the client and deliver an exceptional experience. There was once a time where I literally found myself contemplating between two styles of chandeliers for over three weeks! My greatest competition is with myself. I have a passion for making events, grand, spectacular and better than the last, but I have learned that my vision is only as great at the team behind me. Each client possess a unique style, expectation, and need. I partner with talented vendors who are very knowledgeable about the work that they do, are equally as passionate, and help me to optimize any budget. I’ve learned to lean on and trust my partners, especially for technical support.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Designed by Delsie story. Tell us more about the business.
Designed by Delsie has been recognized for creating unique, bespoke, signature parties for milestone celebrations and corporate events. On average, an event requires about 3-18 months of planning, naturally, our clients and their families/ team become more like friends and we strive to develop a transparent and honest relationship during our time together.
At Delsie, there is only one golden rule- there are no rules. Inspiration comes from everywhere with our clients’ vision as our guide. I encourage them to have fun – we are planning a party, not taking an exam! My background in fine dining, luxury fashion, and hospitality also plays a vital role in my design inspiration. For several occasions, we’re creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences, so we strive to make every detail as personal as possible, For example, our couple owned a family farm in Upstate New York. For their Boston based wedding, we partnered with a Caterer to create a custom menu which featured their products for their special day.
I am most proud of my mission to utilize my gift of event planning to give back and support our community through collaboration and networking. In February 2018, I founded a women’s networking group, TOAST: The Empowered Black Women’s Collaborative. TOAST is a seasonal social networking soiree for women who identify with the African American diaspora. The purpose of TOAST (To Obtain Anything, Start Thinking) is to provide an outlet where women appreciate and empower one another while establishing relationships that carry on throughout their personal, career and entrepreneurial endeavors. We also strive to provide Entrepreneurs and professionals with valuable resources required to obtain their goals.
I am also proud to be a Mentor for YearUp, an organization that works to close the, “Opportunity Divide” by providing urban young adults with the skills, experience, and support that will empower them to reach their potential through professional careers and higher education. I believe that it is so important to lift while we climb.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I personally do not believe in good luck or bad luck.
Success (or good luck) is preparation meeting opportunity. Living your dream and acquiring success requires time dedication, effort and the resiliency to bounce back after unexpected setbacks (bad luck). Throughout my journey as an Entrepreneur. I have learned that there will be phenomenal days where you feel like you can climb Mount Everest, and there will also be days where you just want to curl up in a dark corner with Netflix and Ben & Jerry’s and sob (well at least for me). I’ve learned to embrace failure as a valuable, inevitable lesson to be learned, and to celebrate even the smallest of successes. “Bad luck” is all perspective. 5% of the bad situation is what matters. 95% is how you chose to react to the situation. Through this philosophy, I have learned even to take the most bitter lemons and make a phenomenal Lemon Drop Martini.
Collaboration has also been key. I started my business very young and much of the skills that I have acquired, I have learned on my own through my passion for continued learning. I have learned to focus on my strengths, while utilizing the talents of others to compliment my weaknesses. I have accepted that I do not have to wear the super woman cape and know it all. I have to trust in the abilities of my collaborators and remember that there is so much power in asking for help.
Pricing:
- Day of Coordination: Starting at $2500.00
- Full Service Planning: Starting at $5000.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.designedbydelsie.com
- Phone: 4012499291
- Email: pearl@designedbydelsie.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedbydelsie/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designedbydelsie/
Image Credit:
Jamal and Lashana Photogtaphy
Switch Photobooth
Blueflash Photography
Brittanny Taylor Photography
Hourglass Photography
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
