Positivity, grit and a creative flair

– an owner’s guide to rolling with the punches

Buying an existing business is always an exciting and daunting task –I was combining my love of interior design with my creative flair and becoming the owner of Cheers Party Hire.

BY KYLIE SPRINGFORD

was so pumped. This was late January and no one could have forecast what was on the horizon. Within just weeks of buying the business, a global pandemic was announced and we were headed for lockdown. Now I have never been one to duck for cover until the commotion died down – I am more of a scrappy, passionate fighter – and this fight would be no different.

As soon as the lockdown was announced, I was faced with cancellations and postponements galore! But this made me want to do more, and do it well. You have to move with the waves, but buck against the trends –and I knew this could turn into a positive for me.

I spent time planning, thinking, creating new products for my business and figuring out how to move forward in what was a stagnant and, at times, gloomy outlook. I prefer to add the rosetinted glasses to life and was not going to lose my positivity now.

Not one day of lockdown went by when I wasn’t scheduling or making a ZOOM call to a new client, or chatting with someone about weddings and events for 2021. Afternoons and evenings, fuelled by sweet treats, inspiration would bloom and I would create great new packages, and ideas – like Party in a Box; everything anyone needs for a party, a bridal shower, a baby shower and more – all in a box for hire at a great price (and keeping it to 10 or under guests!). We created payment plans, so

those who had been financially affected, still had plenty of choice and could get what they wanted, and deserved.

Where there is adversity, there is strength. I continued to network online, and grew my base of local contacts even more. I made bookings for the next wedding season – many of which are for under 100 people, “just in case”. I talked to people about vintage or whimsical theming; how to best work to a budget but make it look amazing; or calmed nervous brides ringing from afar for their much-hoped for wedding in our beautiful region for 2021. And I did it all with a smile.

If it is one thing this pandemic has taught me, it’s that family and friends, and celebrating good times with great company, is just so important. Large events are off the calendar for now, but intimate, romantic weddings are back on the radar for many. Positivity just has to shine through, and for me, I am steaming ahead. Whangarei and Northland have an amazing business community, full of owner/ operators like myself, who are just doing the Kiwi thing – digging deep and keeping it moving. We appreciate your support. So, remember me, for events (big or small), for advice and for ideas. I am here for the long haul – pandemic or not!