We had the good fortune of connecting with SheMeika Arogbonlo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi SheMeika , we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Hello, I am SheMeika Arogbonlo, the “SHE” behind SHE Rocks Tiny Weddings and I am honored to share my story once again with you all! I officially launched this new business venture in March of this year but this baby was in the works prior to.

I am a member of a few Facebook groups with Brides in the surrounding areas (Houston, Austin, etc.) and often times, I would see comments like “Where should I get married, that won’t break the bank?” , “I don’t want a big wedding” or “I don’t want to get married in the courthouse so should I elope?” After reading those comments, I just remember thinking that all couples deserve something unique and special, regardless of their budget or size. I also found out that not every Bride is looking for a large gathering or even planning their own weddings (I truly thought every little girl dreamed of that moment) . So, I begin researching smaller weddings and noticed the words “pop up weddings” or “microweddings” kept appearing in the results. I learned that concept originated in Australia a few years ago and had moved to other parts of the world. I was in love with the concept and knew it would be a great option for many Couples who did not want a big wedding or go to the courthouse. Since I already had another business (SHE Rocks Events), I wanted to this one to be a little different, only focusing on smaller events, yet keep my original name. That’s how SHE Rocks Tiny Weddings began and the story is still being written.

With SHE Rocks Tiny Weddings, we believe that in every love story, the “tiniest” details matter! We want our Couples to still have some of the traditional elements of a wedding such as delicious cake, beautiful decor, unique location, and breath-taking photos to remember their day, but on a smaller scale and without all the stress. We are collaborating with some of Houston’s best wedding venues and vendors to make their day one to remember! So far we’ve orchestrated three tiny ceremonies in San Antonio and Las Vegas and we are looking forward to hosting our first official Houston Tiny Weddings in the Fall 2020 so stay tuned!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Oh no… Being an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart. Every job comes with it’s own obstacles and challenges and for me, I have faced several! One obstacle I am recently faced was adjusting to the “new normal” due the COVID-19. This pandemic has added new roles such as “Stay at Home Mom”, Homeschool Teacher to my boys, Virtual Teacher for my own students while still being a Wife, and Business Owner of two companies! In the beginning, I was a bit overwhelmed as it was a lot of roles to take on at once, but thankful that “troubleshooting” is one of my best qualities when it comes to a situation. As an Event Planner, you use that skill often so it was no different in my household. I found a “schedule that works for my personal and professional matters and every now and then, I have to make a few adjustments.

Secondly, with this pandemic, it has really affected the wedding industry, especially small businesses, as we are not able to conduct any events over 10 guests (due to social distancing). I have one Couple that has been affected by this pandemic and has caused then to reschedule their weddings to a later date. Thankfully we were about to be proactive about the new plan, but for many, it has brought so many emotions and uncertainty. For me, I’ve learned to find the positive in any situation and I knew that many other Couples were going to be affected and needed support from us wedding professionals to help them move forward in the planning process. That’s when I started hosting weekly webinars called “SHE Talks Weddings” that provides tips and advice from not only myself but other great vendors in the Houston area, from caterers to florists. This was definitely outside of my comfort zone because I have an introvert, but I am glad that I took that leap of FAITH. We received great feedback from many Couples about them and have really enjoyed giving them a little relief in the process. Not only did I host webinars, but I also took the time to rebrand my business SHE Rocks Events, and partner with new vendors and venues. I believe that many more blessings are to come for me this year! 2020, I am not counting you out just yet!!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Wow, believe it or not, when I am not planning an event or wedding, I live a pretty boring life to say the least! If my friends were trying to see the Big City for a few days (let’s say a weekend), I would definitely do the following Massage Envy, head over to Turkey Leg Hut for brunch, and hit up the outlet stores for a little shopping (yeah I’m frugal). Phil & Derek’s Restaurant would be our last stop to listen to jazz followed by The Breakfast Klub for a late night meal to end the weekend! With my circle of friends we love to just sit back and relax while reminiscing on “back in the day” moments from elementary, high school, to college. Yea, my tribe and I have been rocking together for over 30 plus years!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My favorite quote is “Behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women who have your back.” Not only is that quote my favorite, but it is definitely true and it doesn’t just stop at women, but PEOPLE! I would not be where I am today with out the support and prayers from my Family and Friends. They have pushed me out of my comfort zone many times and been my biggest cheerleaders through the trials and blessings. I couldn’t have done it without them in my life: First I have to give recognition for my Heavenly Father, for giving me the gift to serve others! My Husband, Mike and 2 Boys, Christian & Micah My Mothers, Patricia & Eunice for being the drive I need to keep going forward. Lastly, my Best Friend, Shronica Holmes, and Sister, LaMeika Brookins because they believed in my vision with a host of other amazing ! There are too many that I can not name them all! THANK YOU, THANK YOU ALL!

Website: https://www.sherocksevents.com/tinyweddings
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/srtinyweddings/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/srtinyweddings
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/she-rocks-events-houston

Image Credits
Shronica Monique Photography Camille Elise Photography Shay_na Photography (Las Vegas Photographer)