For this blog post, we catch up with Karen Garside, president of sales on how she has been dealing with the pandemic and working with clients to host wonderful events.
What has kept you motivated and going through this pandemic?
To be honest, it has been challenging to find motivation every day, but counting my blessings as clichéd as it sounds has truly kept me going. Bill and I believe in doing something for someone else whenever we are not feeling our best, this practice has kept us grounded throughout the years. It is the little somethings, like taking the dogs (Hinckley and Remy who are also the chief security Officers of NSE) for a walk or cooking our favorite recipe from Jerusalem by Ottolenghi that always keep me on the positive side of the spectrum.
What growth are you expecting to see in your business as we are coming out of the pandemic?
2020 was a tough year, as we all felt it. It was one of the most challenging years in terms of business, as our industry was heavily impacted by not only the shutdown but also the restrictions that were put on by the state government in terms of hosting a party/wedding. However, we are seeing the business pick up in the second quarter of this year as restrictions are starting to get a bit more relaxed. My advice for brides and grooms out there is to book their dates and hire their vendors for 2022 as it is going to be like the roaring 20’s.
How has it been keeping the business going as you try to collaborate with your clients?
I have to say, that our clients have been greatly understanding and are willing to collaborate with us in order for us to best service them. At night shift we are blessed to have a team that cares about their job and the service they provide to the clients. It has been comforting to help the clients navigate the new normal for weddings as through these conversations we have built lasting relationships. Ultimately our goal is to build partnerships and together throw the best events so that everyone can enjoy and have a good time.