> What do you specialize in, what are you most known for? Event planning for intimate celebrations including weddings and dinner parties. > Everyone has a story about why they started, what’s your’s? My story is not as traditional as it may seem. Before I graduated from high school, I was confused and lost on what I wanted to study in college. It was the second semester of my senior year in high school when I attended a college fair and the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management was there to talk about their program. Although, I attended high school in the Third Ward area directly across the street from the University of Houston, at the time I was unfamiliar with what both the school and the program had to offer. I was immediately intrigued by the hospitality program and that was the only school I applied to. I was accepted and that moment started my training and experience. While there, my concentration was event planning and catering. I learned so much about the industry and was able to intern with top companies such as the Hilton, Landry’s Corporation in Galveston, Aramark where I lived in Alaska for a summer, and Music World Properties where I grew from intern to event manager and lastly Chic Soiree Events as an intern. Although I interned, I also worked for Pappas restaurants and City Kitchen Catering for 5+ years where I gained true customer service experience. These were the jobs that taught me the most about treating guests and clients with the utmost respect when it comes to owning and operating a business. I knew that I wanted to eventually own a business someday, but was unsure of what exactly it would be. Upon graduating in 2014 and not receiving a job offer, that motivated me to start my own business K. Benai Events. > Being in business can be hard and difficult sometimes, what keeps you motivated? What keeps me motivated is seeing my dream fulfilled. My family instilled entrepreneurship within my sister and I at an early age, ensuring that we attain multiple streams of income and I hope to make them proud. My goal is to open a bed & breakfast or boutique hotel within my community. I know that this is something that I will have to work extremely hard to attain so I currently seek several resources that will support me in achieving this goal. > What can we look forward to from you in the upcoming year? Within the next year, I plan to participate in more pitch competitions as well as plan and/or assist with several events. I was recently accepted to participate in the She Has A Deal hotel investment pitch program and am extremely happy to be involved. Currently, I have six events scheduled for next year including two weddings, 1 gala and 3 intimate dinner parties. > What has been the hardest thing about being in business? Personally, the most challenging part of being in business has been comparing myself to others within the industry and understanding to never take business matters personally. Often times, I look to social
media for validation when in actuality I should know my worth as well as know that people only show you what they want you to see. It is easier said than done, so I try to limit my time on social media and also consider what others would like to see versus how I feel at a certain moment. It is hard to not get emotional or become sensitive when you're not getting enough bookings or clientele as you think you should, but that uncertainty is what makes the strongest entrepreneurs. > What are the failures that you most cherish? There are so many things I wish I would've done better had I known the things I know now. Many times I have applied for opportunities and jobs that I believed I really wanted. However, not receiving those opportunities opened up many more for me and taught me that everything will not be handed to me. Most things I will have to work hard for and some things are just meant for me and no one else. I cherish these failures the most because they help me to continuously improve for whatever better is coming. > What did you want to be when you growed up? I remember at an early age I thought I wanted to be a lawyer, then in middle school a doctor and by high school I had my mind made that I wanted to be a forensic psychologist because I love True Crime Shows. Deep down I knew that I really wanted to work for myself while doing something creative within my community, I just didn't know how I was going to get there. > What do you do in your free time? I love to read, but never really have time to do it so I am hoping to get more reading done in 2020. I also love to spend time with my family and catch up on my favorite television shows. > How would you describe yourself in one word? Focused > What sets you apart from others who are doing the same thing? My determination and experience is what sets me apart. Attending the University of Houston Hilton College was a huge advantage in my career as well as attaining my Masters of Business Administration Degree from Howard University. Many people are scared to take that leap of faith and jump and I believe that is what sets me apart, my strength and fearlessness. > What is a philosophy or quote that you live by? "When you're authentic, people are drawn to you." > If you could offer one piece of advice to someone wanting to follow your path, what would it be? Remain focused and stay true to yourself in all that you do. For more information on K. Benai Events visit www.Kbenai.com; email them at info@ kbenaievents.com or call (832) 844-0938 Be sure to follow K. Benai Events on Social Media @k.benaievents on Instagram and @K.Benai Events on Facebook.
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