Meet Seyi Olusanya
Creative Director
Cedar Events
Founded by Seyi Olusanya in 2002, Cedar Events is an event design, planning and management company. Based in Surrey, the company specialises in creating luxury events at destinations around the world.
Seyi was born in Lagos, Nigeria and has lived in the UK since the early 90s. After a successful career in the IT industry she established Cedear Events to follow her true passion for all things design.
The company is currently working on a number of events, including destination weddings in Paris and Cape Town and a 50th birthday party in Senegal.
Cedar Events is also a finalist in the Inspirational Wedding Supplier category of the Credible & Incredible Supplier Awards.
Why did you decide to start Cedar Events?
I started the company because I wanted to pursue my passions for spatial design and hospitality.
What was your career path prior to starting your business?
I worked in the IT industry as a Systems Test Analyst for nine years.
Did you always know that you would start your own business?
Yes I did. I knew I wanted to do something creative and more fulfilling and I was just waiting for the right time.
Can you tell us more about some recent events you have produced?
Our last event was for the award-winning couture designer Yemi Osunkoya of Kosibah. Cedar Events designed, planned and managed a very successful event for our client by all accounts. The event was held at the prestigious 116 Pall Mall in London.
The summer has been quite busy as well with a number of weddings.
What are you working on at the moment?
We are currently working on a number of projects. We have got a couple of destination weddings coming up, one in Paris and the other in Cape Town. We have a 50th birthday coming up in Senegal and a spring wedding at the Marriott Hotel in Kensington.
Can you describe your typical working day?
I am usually at my office by 9.30am most days. My day starts with responding to emails and enquiries that might have come in.
I then spend the day preparing and working on client proposals and preparing mood boards and design concepts for clients. I work on our social media and PR strategy, call suppliers and conduct negotiations on our clients’ behalf.
I run event planning meetings, attend networking meetings, follow up on client enquiries and sending out appropriate company literature.
I also spend time conducting site and vendor meetings with clients and allocating tasks for my intern to do as well as overseeing their training.
What have been the highlights of running your own business?
I love being my own boss and I love the fact that my day can be so varied.
I am a people person and my job brings me into contact with people all the time. I get to have the privilege of sharing some of the most memorable and intimate events in my clients’ lives.
What is the hardest part of running your own business?
Administration and tax returns – thank God I have a great accountant.
What has been your proudest business moment so far?
There have been many, but in particular pulling off a grand award ceremony for over 600 guests with just two weeks’ notice.
If you could turn back the clock would you do anything differently?
I would have networked more and done more PR earlier on in my business.
What, or who, inspires and motivates you?
I am inspired by people in the industry who have made a mark for themselves like Martha Stewart, Preston Bailey, David Beahm.
My husband is my greatest motivator, he believes absolutely in me and my gift. And of course, my many cheerleaders who constantly offer support and encouragement.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering starting an events business?
Do your research and don’t be afraid to be yourself and do things your own way.
If you have creative gifts, hone them with training to develop the right skills to showcase your gift. Also network, network, network!
Fast forward five years, where do you think your business will be in 2016?
Cedar Events will have an office in Nigeria covering our Africa business. We will also be doing more training which I get a lot of enquiries for.
Seyi, is there anything else you’d like to share?
By popular demand, in March 2012, I will be sharing my secrets on managing all aspects of weddings and events. Ranging from attracting clients, budget planning, crisis management, working with high quality suppliers and securing the best deals, right through to creating flawless weddings and special events.
Our Wedding Planning Workshop will be held in the sumptuous and luxurious surroundings of an exclusive 5 star hotel in Knightsbridge. It will provide an opportunity for participants to tap into my 10 years worth of experience in the industry. I will be supported by my dream team of award winning industry experts whose clients include royalty and celebrities. Extensively published in national and international magazines such as Conde Nast Brides, OK! and Hello they are rated as amongst the best in the United Kingdom.
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For more information visit www.cedar-events.co.uk. You can also find Cedar Events on Twitter, Facebook and WordPress.
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Seyi Olusanya was interviewed by Octavia Goredema, founder of the Twenty Ten Club.
The Twenty Ten Club is an award-winning social enterprise designed to connect, inspire and
support Black female entrepreneurs. You can also find Twenty Ten Club on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Do you have a question for Seyi? If so, please feel free to post a comment below:
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Awards
Future 100 social enterprise award winner, 2010
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