Name:
Keren Precel, creative director
Company:
Simply Perfect Events
Contact info:
info@simplyperfecteventsny.com / Tel: 347-237-1882 / www.simplyperfecteventsny.com
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
Since 2012. (Our previous name was “Keren Precel Events”)
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
As a long time graphic designer, I ventured into special events design after my son was born in 2010. We have just moved to Scottsdale, AZ for my husband's studies and I found myself a new mom, alone, with no family or friends. I always LOVED to entertain, but had no one to invite so I decided to make a business of it and started to contribute to my son’s school parties. One thing led to another and I started getting party requests. When we moved back to NYC, a client saw pics of my son’s second birthday on “Stroller Traffic” (a well known NYC mommy blog) and contacted me and from there it was a word to mouth thing.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
Being a graphic designer and have a florist on the team really allows us to give a holistic design solution and execute our vision the way we see it for the best price possible, without having to count on outside vendors. I design all my parties from the smallest tag to overseeing the whole production. I am involved in every detail.
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
Our dedication and our emphasis on personal service. More than 50% of our clients are returning clients, and when it comes to their family - we pride ourselves in being there from their kids first birthday to their teen years, couple’s anniversary parties and even family weddings. We have truly become a “part of the family” to our clients.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
No matter what part of town you are from and how healthy your kids eat at home – usually kids parties are filled with candy, sugary drinks and pizza. We pride ourselves in serving all organic food and always suggesting alternative and healthier, yet delicious options for the kids: it can be our custom designed compartment boxes that are filled with baked chicken tenders, home-made mac and cheese and fresh veggies, serving fruit instead of cupcakes, organic candies instead of regular or serving all natural ingredients pizza etc. You will be amazed how kids welcome this change and the parents are delighted.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Nothing compares to the look on people's faces, corporate clients or private, when they first walk into the room you’ve designed for their event. Their whole face suddenly lights up because of what we have done and it fills my heart with joy. I know it sounds corny, but it’s the truth!
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
I’m running around all day long and one thing that I love to do is to be around water. I love to take a ferry to Dumbo or to Long Island City park and just sit on a bench and admire the city’s views. The scenery is fantastic and it reminds me to be grateful of being a part of this amazing city and appreciate all that I take for granted on a daily basis.
How do you benefit mamas?
As a mom of two myself (5.5 and 19 months old) I know life, especially in the city, can be very stressful. Working with us is 100% stress-free as we take care of all the details, so the mom and dad can show up five minutes before the party starts and simply have fun. We take care of EVERYTHING!
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
A few years ago, I did a baby naming party for a client, without knowing it was very hard for her to conceive and even a worse experience to deliver the baby. When the party was over, the client came to me in tears and told me the whole story and how because of this event, she will finally have a good memory of the baby’s first days and how me made everything so magical and special. I will cherish this memory forever.
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field:
Kelly Cobb, our best florist (http://2hflowers.com), can understand me with no words and has been a part of the “Simply Perfect” family since day one.
What is the best advice anyone has ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
“Be yourself”. It’s a cliché but it’s so true. I am who I am and I think that that’s why my clients like me. I never sugarcoat anything or tell you what you want you think you want to hear.
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
Make lists and block out time on your calendar for the things that are important. I LOVE lists and since I have so many things to do and remember at the same time, it helps me stay in focus and prioritize. I even put date night on my ical!