Party girl | A conversation with Mackie Faye Hill, owner of Events by Mackie
Photo/Jason P. Smith
Mackie Faye Hill
Events by Mackie
Founded: January 2010
Employees: 0
Startup costs: $4,000
Projected revenue, year one: $9,000
Projected revenue, year two: $35,000
Contact: 631-2035
Mackie@eventsbymackie.com
www.eventsbymackie.com
What is Events by Mackie?
Events by Mackie is a full-service wedding and event design firm that specializes in designing and managing innovative parties.
As an event designer, I begin the process with a thorough interview with the client. Through that, I discover exactly what each client envisions and I design a setting and timeline that embraces their individuality and style. The next step is making connections. I search out products and services, negotiate contracts and execute agreements for venues, catering, entertainment, décor, etc. Once these are in place, I pull together and manage the event.
I design and manage anything from a small themed dinner party to a multi-venue citywide celebration. My clientele has included engaged couples, families and organizations such as the city of Bangor, the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce and the University of Maine.
Why did you start the company?
My move to Maine in October 2009 was an opportunity to realize my dream of starting an event design company that combines my experience managing galas for a New York City Broadway event company with my love for set design, which I acquired through many years of teaching and directing youth theater. My vision for Events by Mackie is to create unique, fantastic worlds in which clients can relax and celebrate. The economy was not ripe for event designers in early 2010 — many people felt that hiring an event designer was an obsolete luxury. But I knew there was a need for a progressive and original event design company in this region and this need will grow as the economy rebounds.
How do you market the company?
My first marketing strategy was really good, old-fashioned word of mouth. I planned a launch event in April of 2010 and began networking within Bangor organizations such as the chamber of commerce, Fusion and Tuesday Forum.
I also try to maintain a strong online presence. I have a company website and blog, I use Twitter and I am very active on Facebook.
Lastly, I have partnered with some reputable industry vendors and other local businesses to boost visibility. We market for one another and offer specials to our mutual customers.
How do you finance the company?
The company was financed originally through a loan. Now it is out of pocket. As I grow, I want to make sure that Events by Mackie does not acquire a huge amount of debt. I would rather grow modestly, but steadily, and stay debt-free rather than be responsible for large interest payments in the future.
What has been your biggest challenge?
The biggest professional challenge for the company has been convincing people, especially in this economy, that my services are valuable and worth the money. So many people think what I do is easy and they can do it themselves, but it is a skill. Maneuvering through all of the hoops it takes to plan a successful party, whether large or small, is never easy.
The personal challenge has been to stay focused on why I started this company and what I wanted to accomplish. All too often the lure of beating the competition can entice you into taking on tasks that are not necessarily beneficial to your company.
What are your goals for your company?
In the short term, I would like for Events by Mackie to design and coordinate at least two events a month, whether they are for private citizens or corporate entities.
In the long term, I want Events by Mackie to be a financially viable, internationally known event planning company that attracts business from all over the world to this region. The reason I relocated to Maine was for my partner’s job in innovation at the University of Maine, so through her, my commitment to the growth and development of Maine as a competitive market has progressed. Having large innovative events draws the attention of national and international businesses, which in turn brings money into our state. To be an events company responsible for some of that incoming state revenue would be wonderful.
Interview by Carol Coultas
New Ventures profiles young companies, 6-18 months old. Send suggestions and contact information to editorial@mainebiz.biz.
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