Meet Da’Shaundra Marie Merchant | Day of Coordinating Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Da’Shaundra Marie Merchant and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Da’Shaundra Marie, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I believe the ability to adapt, but also remaining who I am has played a huge role in my personal and professional success. I coordinate events that are original, charming, classic and most of all FUN by creating relationships with my clients. That means taking the time to get to truly know each of them. Their personalities. Their ideas. Their vision. Their wishes. By being a true partner with my clients, I are able to assist in turning their dream events into realities.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Planerella, we believe that every event should be a fairytale experience for not only you, but your guest as well. That’s why our team prides ourselves with the ability of adaptation. I become extremely hands-on and treat every event as an individual event and not so cookie cut, because everyone has their own vision. I like to introduce myself as being a “Borrowed Bridesmaid” or “Bridal Bestie,” because for that month, that’s what I become! I assist you with all your wedding details — from decor and catering, to location, seating, dress shopping & so much more! I’ll assist you in not only developing a budget, but staying within it…I will also help pick out trusted and verified vendors as well as a venue, and take care of the day’s timeline from start to finish, so you won’t have to worry about a thing except showing up. I’m there to make things go as smoothly as possible. I offer Day-of Coordinating services (really 30 to 60 days), including on-site hair, make-up, and emergency errands, if necessary; Think of me as a “Fairy Bride Mother” I do whatever is needed to take care of every worry you never even knew you had and guarantee your day will be a dream come true. Starting my company, I knew I had all of these organizational and creativity skills that I needed to release. I originally wanted to do it all, but the vision I originally had quickly shifted into what I truly love and that’s what Planerella has become in 2020. Again, being able to adjust and adapt, keep on learning. This business is overly saturated already, so finding MY niche and TRULY loving what I built.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This one is easy! My bestfriend isn’t from Texas, so when she comes to visit I try to give her a Taste of Texas each time; by showing her different things. We absolutely LOVE to eat, so most events are centered around food. I’m from Galveston County, so I would start with a trip to “Dat Island” is what my peers call it, to visit the beach and stopping my The Spot for some drinks and appetizers while enjoying the view. We would rent a bike from one of the many bike shops and then maybe go visit the Strand. The next day, take her to see my hometown of Texas City and visit family and friends while there. I would make sure we go to Tanger Outlets, Kemah Boardwalk, Baybrook Mall, the Galeria and other hot spots throughout the city! (She’s a homebody, so all of this would be a bit much.) We are always down for a goo movie and takeout!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
In this type of business, you have to be open to being corrected, because your vision isn’t always your clients. I want to shout out my tribe; the women and men who consistently correct me, encourage me, refer me and believe in me and my vision…even when the picture isn’t as clear as I think I’m making it!

Instagram: @yourplanerella
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/d-marie-merchant-5b6910122
Facebook: Planerella Events

Image Credits
Clear Shutter Photos, Chad Sanders