Today we’d like to introduce you to Yasmina White.
Alright, thank you for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
For as long as I can remember, I have always been into party decorating and wedding planning. I loved how pretty everything looked, watching all the colors, and small details came together. I am a mother of 2 little girls, so planning their parties always allowed me to be a little “Extra”! Most importantly, it’s always been the reaction from people that made my heart melt when they entered a room for the first time as their guests were waiting. Not that I have ever designed a party for a stranger before starting my own business, but just being a guest and seeing that genuine jaw-dropping reaction has always had an extraordinary place in my heart. Upon graduating High School, I immediately joined corporate America, where I have been since 2009. Specifically in the Mortgage industry.
I am very fond of people, especially in the realm of social issues in our country and worldwide. As I’ve gotten older, I have grown bored with my current career. Since returning to school, I have obtained my Associate’s degree as of August 2022 and still plan to pursue my Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. I have been yearning for a new career move away from the Mortgage industry. I was hitting brick walls (and still am) like Sonic the Hedgehog, trying to find a different job for the last 12 months. I would apply to jobs and get an instant rejection, go on rounds of interviews, and be told the company decided to go with another candidate, the role had been canceled, or even that the role had been put on hold. At time I found myself waiting to hear from companies daily feeling so discouraged. It was as if my application had gone into a black hole! It was on the night of September 7th, the same day I was rejected from another job (LOL). I was a ball of mixed emotions, anger, frustration, sadness, and even feeling worthless. I wondered to myself, “why will no one hire me?” and would think, “I am more than qualified for the roles I am applying for.”
I was scrolling Instagram, a local white bounce house company crossed my timeline, and the lightbulb went off. I was like, “I’m going to open a luxury bounce house company.” I didn’t even think about how I would do it or who would help, how I would transport it, or anything. I didn’t think about anything! I just did it. I’m a “dweller”; if I think too much, I’ll talk myself out of it! That whole night until the wee hours of the morning, I was searching for manufacturers of White Bouncers, searching the Jacksonville Market for who currently rents them, what price point, searching keywords as to how often they are requested/rented, literally everything! The next day I got on Canva, made my first Logo, and came up with the name “Swanky Bounce.” I love everything the word “Swanky” or “Swank” stands for. It was perfect!
Then came Balloons; these Bouncers are pretty swanky. They aren’t your average Bounce House. Hence why I call them “Bouncers,” adding the “House” sounds juvenile (LOL). So, because these Bouncers are also targeted toward adults, including the hottest trend right now, Weddings. They also come with these hooks on them where you can add Balloons. So initially, my thought process was, “I’m not a balloon artist. I do not want to do balloons, I’ll use preferred artists, and they can do them.” Boy, did my plans show me differently? Not only do I rent Swanky Bouncers, but I also am a Balloon Designer. Realistically, the balloon work has teleported my business to heights I never imagined. This has ultimately dipped me into adding more inventory to my business, such as Flower Walls, Shimmer Walls, and Event Rentals like furniture, tables, chairs, pedestals, you name it, swanky will have it!
My business is evolving rapidly, and I hope my readers know words cannot describe how grateful I am for their belief in me. As of January 2023, we rebranded to So Swank Event Co. from Swanky Bounce. catalyzing the overall service of Luxury event rentals, Balloon Design & (drum roll), full-service Event & Wedding Planning! We are so excited to restructure the business’s overall mission where fun & aesthetics go together. Your aesthetics, Our commitment!
Would it have been a smooth road, and what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Business is never smooth, but it has not been anything I couldn’t handle. This is one of the many reasons I do not believe in the term “Small Business” because there is nothing “small” about any business. I firmly believe in keeping your circle small with quality people you can depend on, learn from, and equally inspiring. My circle has never let me down. These bouncers are pretty heavy. One, I can move by myself; another, I absolutely cannot (LOL); whether it be rearranging their schedules to help me or coming by before they started work or even while on a break, my circle has never let me down. Learning who to buy Bouncers from, balloons from, and other inventory consistently had my eyes crossed from reading reviews on what vendors to use and what brands were the best balloons and didn’t pop in seconds. What insurance was the best to use, etc., etc., etc.! See why I don’t believe in “Small” business? No one will teach you this stuff because people want you to find out on your own, or they think you’re competition; you have to get it on your own! With that, we should always be learning in life, and I have always enjoyed and thrived in the challenge; though it has its stressful days, it has been so rewarding to work hard for something that is ultimately mine!
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have always been big on treating people how I’d want to be treated, especially regarding business. I am always mindful of how I communicate, ensuring every level of detail is shared and letting my clients know the next steps. Clients can contact me anytime (within reason, of course) and expect a response almost immediately. Those who know me know that I also have a servant’s heart. I enjoy volunteering with non-profits in my community and have been volunteering in my community for the last 5 years around the city. When you think about it, it’s no wonder why I even found myself in the business of service in a celebratory way.
With the market being very competitive, and many of us in the industry offer similar services, what sets me apart is so simple. Everyone provides a different level of Client Experience. I worked for about 4 years of my mortgage career in the Client Experience department and learned how important any business’ Client Experience is to the overall success of its business. Our goal is to leave impressions. I am confident those impressions have already been planted as I consistently refer to myself as “Queen Swank” (LOL!) My products, designs, & execution will always speak for themselves; the Client Experience adds all the additional flavor to the Swank!
What matters most to you? Why?
The entire spectrum of my business matters. From the conception of the first inquiry to the “good-bye & thank you for everything” from the client. The trust someone puts in you to execute their vision is complementary enough in itself. I know every inquiry will not turn into a customer, which is okay. The simple thought of “wow, she does nice work,” “she has nice things I could use for my Baby Shower, Wedding, or First Birthday, let me inquire about getting a quote.” Those first steps reassure me I have a service/product someone is “WOW’d” by enough to want to inquire about my services. Of course, we are all in business to support our livelihood, but I, too, am in the business of creating lasting relationships. I want repeat clients and referrals. I want clients to say, “I’ve been using Yasmina with So Swank Event Co., since she started, she is fantastic, and I would never use anyone else.” I want big-name clients to feel this way, too. I want “big jobs,” corporations! Those same corporations that wouldn’t hire me as an individual contributor, well, how about we hire me this way!? (LOL)
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soswankeventco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085615061054
Image Credits:
James Schlefstein (professional pictures only).
