We had the good fortune of connecting with Richandra Nickerson-Ukpong and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Richandra, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
I think something that they are probably unaware of how much time goes into planning each event while still running the business. Event Planners don’t get much sleep! (Truth be told, when we do finally sleep, we DREAM about events.) I am grateful to be able to delegate many marketing activities, social media, and design activities to other team members (who are better in these arenas than I am). Most people have no idea that as the CEO & Lead Planner of Fervent Designs, I work in the business day in and day out. I am always on the clock- meeting with clients, vendors, venues, teammates, and potential clients.
But meetings are just the start! I also do the planning- planning, prepping, and managing weddings and events that are at different stages. Some events are only a month away, while others are over a year away. I am constantly sending emails, creating timelines, going to look at venues, training interns, and a gazillion other things. But at the same time, I am also handling being a wife, mother, sister, daughter, board member… all at the same time. Here is where my time management and organization skills come into play. Each day, I pray that I can continue to give my full attention to each client (or at least whomever I am with that day). Most days, I do a great job, but some days, I have to give myself some grace. No matter what happens, our team prioritizes our clients and execute their vision effectively and efficiently. It is a juggling act that we do well.
I also don’t think they realize how much goes on behind the scenes on event days and how taxing it is on our bodies. During an event, the team and I put out so many fires – big and small. Most times, the event finishes successfully without the client event knowing there was a problem. And all of this is SO taxing on our bodies. After executing an awesome event and ushering out the last guest with a smile, then we must clean up the venue, load out (on time), drive away, unload the van, get home, shower, and SLEEP. Then we wake up sore. It is like a hangover minus the drinks!!! Most weddings I clock 25K steps. Some days I don’t even get to eat the fancy dinner that everything raved about. And sometimes, we have to wake up the next day and do it all over again… and yet, people wonder why I need Mondays off and can’t answer text messages.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Fervent Designs is an award-winning wedding planning and event design company. A true one-stop shop, we offer planning, decor, DJ services, photo, video, and more. We pride ourselves in our customization, attention to detail, and our affordability. Themed weddings, destination weddings, and multi-cultural weddings are our specialty. Our team is passionate about helping our clients and couples create unique, custom events.
Our motto is “We’re passionate about personalizing your party!” Each teammate shares this passion for unique designs coupled with excellence, professionalism, and personalization. We work together to make each event a success. Each celebration receives an abundance of intense professional care, thought, and effort. Every detail is tailored to the client’s needs, theme, and taste. And, we always strive to stay within budget. Whatever we do, we do it FERVENTLY while telling the client’s story.
We use our tried-and-true systems and budget-driven processes for both our team and our clients, and by integrating checks and balances and workflows to become even more organized. Whenever I do anything, I always seek efficiency gains. That’s the “Analysis and Improvement” thinking that was drilled in me in my corporate years. It is no secret that I am very picky and like things done a certain way. As a planner, I always create a Plan A, Plan B and Plan C, and I prepare for all outcomes.
I believe that you must have balance in whatever you do. Therefore, during the busy seasons, delegation and teamwork are key. I understand that there is no way that our company would be successful if I had to do everything all by myself. As my business and clientele grew, I learned how to delegate amongst my team members. Now, I purposely teach my teammates not only the what and HOW to do things, but also the WHY. I no longer want to be the “bottleneck”. I wear many hats, so not only do my teammates and clients depend on me; but I am also a wife, mother, sister, sorority sister, etc. Therefore, it is important for me to my team ‘how to fish”. In the office and during planning, I spend extra time explaining to my team the reasoning behind why I do things the way I do. I train them on the processes (and alternatives) by role-playing, recreating scenarios, shadowing, etc. That way, no matter who shows up to an event, you get the same, consistent, beautiful results that meet the high standards that are set by us and are expected by our clients and vendors. This ensures that work done by Fervent Designs is done one way- “The Fervent Designs Way”. And in turn, it allows everyone on our team be able to have a great work-life balance. When we’re on, we’re on. We give our clients and events 110%. But, when we are off, we can truly be off. We can enjoy our friends and family. Then we can relax and unwind and be ready for the next celebration.
If we work hard and do things right the first time, then when the work is done, we can “turn off” and then enjoy ourselves. We like to party and have a great time. Who wants to plan the party of the year if they can’t participate?!? Even at weddings, we often hit the dance floor at least once, which is something that most of our brides and grooms look forward to. They know that Fervent Designs will “turn up” because we always work hard and play harder.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The good thing about Houston is there is always something to do. It is a melting pot of cultures, so there is always great variety of food and fun. I love to eat, so most of my life outside of work deals with food. We will start with brunch at Taste Bar + Grill or Brennan’s. One day for lunch, we can hit up Seafood Heaven Central for some seafood, Caribbean Hot Pot for Jamaican food, or The Greasy Spoon for soul food. Also on the weekends, POST Houston always has something going on, and many lounges have cool day parties. For dinner I recommend dressing up and making reservations at Thirteen, Davis Street or Taste of Texas. I don’t get out much at night since that is when I host my events, but for nightlife I you can always find fun at Prospect Park, Trez Bistro & Wine Bar, or Bar 5015. Other spots to see some culture are art exhibits and museums, such as The Museum of Fine Arts of the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS). For some family friendly fun, then Pinstripes and The Aquarium are always a hit. Before ending any trip to Houston, I recommend shopping at The Galleria or the shops at Harwin (depending on the budget and what you are shopping for).
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Behind Fervent Designs is a dedicated and caring team. The most important factor behind the success is the team that I get to work with every single day. We are a family here at Fervent Designs. Some teammates are my blood relatives, including my parents, who were there when I started the business, and most of the rest of the team started as interns throughout the years. And my best friend over nearly 25 years, Bianca, is the Event Manager and Lead Bride’s Assistant.
Each team member plays a unique role and has invested blood, sweat, and tears and has worked their way up the ranks. We trust each other to make our weddings and events happen in the best possible way. Sometimes, it seems effortless. (Well, at least that is what our clients say.) We are a talented bunch who help and support one another at work and play.
One of the best things about my company is that we all share similar values. For example, we are all grounded by family, faith, passion, and helping people and we all believe in the power of hard work. Our clients trust us to help them make decisions and know that we will tell them the truth and are there for them- not just on their event day, but forever.
Website: https://www.ferventdesigns.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ferventdesigns
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fervent-designs
Facebook: www.https://facebook.com/ferventdesigns
Image Credits
Adauro Photography, JF Studioz, Elle Reaux Photo, O’Ryan Photography, Rae Kade Photo