She Just Met Me And Already Had Another Opportunity Waiting For Me
How I Met Sharissa: A Little Back-Story
If you’ve been keeping up with the Peep-To-Meet segment, which I really hope that you are because I’ve developed three calluses on my hands by typing away over these past few months so that I could see you all win, then you should recall me telling the story of how I met my third feature, author and motivational speaker Nikkie Pryce. In the article, I mentioned that I would be hosting Nikkie’s official Dreamer’s Take Action book launch event for which took place on September 15th. Well, little did I know that I would be meeting my next Peep-To-Meet that very same day, let alone, find myself working with her again just a few weeks after. Talk about fast networking…thank you Jesus! I’ll let her take over the story from here so that she can give you the full deets on how we met. Peeps, meet Sharissa- event manager, marketing guru and beauty & fashion slaya!
With no hesitation, I contacted my client and told her “I think we found our host”
How did we meet?
Sasha and I officially met during my client Nikkie Pryce book release debut on Friday, September 15, 2017. Sasha was the program host and moderator during the questions and answer portion of the event. During the networking portion of the event I pulled Sasha aside to let her know that she did a wonderful at hosting this event and would like to continue to work with her with other projects. In no hesitation, I contacted my client and told her “I think we found our host” I immediately booked Sasha for another project. In just a matter of days, after exchanging contact information and following up with Sasha she confirmed her interest with hosting my client Tiffany Toussaint, Fall / Winter 2017 runway fashion show on Sunday, October 1, 2017. Although this was our official formal introduction, I’ve seen Sasha around on Instagram and I have attended an event in which she hosted for other mutual friends but officially exchanged words during my client’s events.
Tell us a little more about what you do?
I am the Co-Founder and Creative Director of BeCrowned Event Marketing and Production Company. BeCrowned focuses on full services within experiential creative marketing strategies, event curation and planning, brand management and development along with public relations. We work with individual brands, small businesses and corporations at various levels. One of our largest project is an industry fashion social event entitled Brooklyn Elite, inside of the Billboard Lounge at the Barclay Center Arena in Brooklyn. My team and I spearhead all of the creative strategy, entertainment and manage the event timeline. Leading to the event we work closely with designers to ensure that they are maintaining their brand identity with our selection of models, hair and makeup. We also work closely with the arena’s program director to ensure all the logistics are in place with public relations, marketing and relevant consumer outreach. The overall objectives of BeCrowned productions is simply to provide quality worthy services proven to build influential brands by cultivating direct relationships and resources.
How have you used your platform to connect with others?
BeCrowned has grown so much over the past two years in business! We have received countless support and interest in our services. In the midst of working with others on production along the way noticing that a large group of creative individuals that are investing in their brands and skills but they are lacking the knowledge within marketing for their business. Many people throughout my journey has turned to me for creative consultation and direction within various marketing strategies to take their business to the next level. I thought to myself to create a unique platform that would effectively and strategically display creative emerging brands within the community. The development of the YES! Mixer, also known as the Young Entrepreneurship Mixer was born and grown swiftly within a year of continuous monthly events. The YES! Mixer has been summoned to empower, unite, and inspire energetic entrepreneurs within the Tristate area. Strategically connecting like-minded individuals within diverse industries to build relations through brand exposure and networking. This platform was intended to bring New York City’s most influential talented millennials under one roof for opportunities and growth. It has grown tremendously and we have received many interest with brands, sponsors, guest speaking engagements, collaborations and more.
What role has social media played in the further growth of your business/brand/company?
Social media has generated growth and opportunities for BeCrowned by opening up various connections through visual attraction. Social media became one of our brand go to platform for references, resources and analytics. We use this platform to directly engage with our followers along with assistant in useful feedback of our services. Overall, we turn to social media as our low-cost market research to help provide better services or products to our clients.
If you could choose just one, would you prefer to connect with someone online or in-person?
Always would prefer in-person connections over online connections. If find it that the use of online connections is great but the effectiveness of in-person is an even greater impact. The in- person connection humanizes your brand by showing your passion, character and personally. Online connections are effective as a great opener for discussion but strongly believe in following up that face-to-face meeting. The in-person connections provide you with more understanding of general ideas and leave little room for misunderstandings. This was actually another reason for creating the monthly YES! Mixers to prompt young entrepreneurs and career professionals to detach themselves for social media for the day and engage in effective in-person communication. Through our experience with developing the YES! Mixer platform we realize the usefulness of in-person networking and communication.
What is a personal ice breaking technique that you use?
Usually, my icebreaker is attraction! If I know that I am attending a networking event I am usually prepared with my business cards, elevator pitch and wearing something that represents your brand. My personal thing is my BeCrowned logo necklace that stands out and is usually a conversation starter.
What is one piece of advice that you would give to others about networking?
In networking go with a goal in mind whether it’s to connect with 1-5 relevant people during the event or to practice pitching your ideas. You should always have an objective and try not to leave until you have meet those goals. It is imperative to always remember to send your follow-up email within the next 24 hours. The Follow-up is the key in making your networking experience a success.
Who do you look forward to possibly meeting someday?
I use to watch David Tutera weddings all the time and always was intrigue with the way he would transform weddings. I think that was when my love for events and creativity began! I would love to meet and work alongside him on various projects someday.
“The Follow-up is the key in making your networking experience a success” – Sharissa
About Sharissa:
Way before the launch of BeCrowned LLC, I’ve fell passionately in love with curating, planning, marketing and managing events. I’m an absolute believer of anything creative, unique and customized details. I also believe that every event deserves to be personalized and just as unique as the crown you wear (your invisible daily crown). From any event, big or small our professional team brings a fresh and creative approach to the concept, planning and design process. Our team works with you from start to finish, every step of the way ensuring a memorable experience. Whether it’s your dream wedding, baby shower, birthday, corporate or intimate dinner, the details always differ but the outcome of an unforgettable day remains the same.
Things You May Not Know:
Certificate: Event Planning Certified from the New York Institute of Art & Design
Education: MBA in Business Management and Bachelors in Advertising Marketing Communication from the Fashion Institute of Technology
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Hidden Talent: Licensed Cosmetologist
Secret Obsession: With wellness and fitness
Favorite Part of Curating: Is being able to see my clients vision come to life through the help of my amazing team is extremely fulfilling.
