Headquartered in Toronto, with satellite offices in Vancouver and Miami, Simmi Prasad, Owner of Biji Planners encourages clients to believe in the impossible. Intimate or grandeur, the event outcome is always beyond expected. Every client is inspired and influenced to embrace their creative vision that excels their dreams. At Biji Planners Simmi strives to step outside the normal and provide a magnifying guest experience. Her influence spans beyond brand collaborations, worldwide magazine script, styling, and industry brand launch to events that consistently speak of sophistication. Read on to learn more about Simmi and her favorite Aisle Planner features!
What inspired you to enter the wedding industry?
My goal in life was to be an entrepreneur and have my own business. What that looked like, I had no idea. What I do today is an opportunity that sort of fell in my lap. I was the maid of honor at my cousin’s wedding over a decade ago and in that role I realized that Big Fat Indian Weddings needed event planners. During my market research we didn't find anyone that offered such a service at the level that we were hoping. In Toronto, the Indian wedding market was very new and just growing at that time and I ceased that opportunity to enter and start a business with a very specific niche market in mind. Twelve years later, here we are offering our services to the affluent bride with desires of an extravagant wedding.
Why did you start Biji Planners?
My early career helped me gain experience in hospitality, food and beverage operations, and project management with some of world’s leading corporations. My combined experience with my business degree allowed me to be the right fit for an Event Planner.
If you could change one thing about the weddings and special events industry, what would it be?
How you can enter the industry as a passionate individual and not as a certified practitioner in all of its categories. You can pick up a camera and start a photography company… Individuals like this lack professionalism and sense of business ethics and practices and it effects the actual professionals trying their best to create consistencies in the industry.
How does using Aisle Planner help you deliver the client experience you want to?
Aisle Planner sets us apart from our competition. It creates a very thorough and detailed planning experience that our clients expect from us.
What's your favorite Aisle Planner feature?
The Timeline! It's user friendly, easy to navigate, and also sets our itineraries apart from a basic Word document.
If you weren't the Owner of Biji Planners, what would you be doing instead, or what would your life be like?
If I wasn't running Biji Planners, I'd be a Director or CEO of another corporation. I've thought about this question many times personally and I realized that I'm not a stay at home or an office desk job kind of individual.
What are three things you never show up without on event day?
1. A second pair of shoes! I can't work in sexy heels all day and be productive.
2. iPad or clipboard with the printed schedule and extra copies for other vendors.
3. Body Spray. Gotta smell good all the time.
What’s your personal philosophy on becoming a great wedding and event planner?
Provide a humble experience to the clients, maintain business relationship with fellow vendors, and reputation is everything.
What’s your trademark in the client or event experience?
Work under pressure with a smile.
Is there anything you're particularly excited about working on this year?
We have a glamorous wedding happening in Greece in the midst of a very busy season locally! I'm excited about this challenge.
Just for fun
I’m dying to take a trip to…
Paris...again and again and again! Can't get enough of that place.
Dogs or cats?
Cats
If you owned a restaurant, what food would it serve?
Alcohol! And easy eats like wings, pizza, and flavorful fries.
What skill would you like to master?
Singing
Non-work related hobbies?
Working out and painting.
On my days off you can find me…
By the lakeside drinking wine.
Want to see more from Simmi? Check out her website bijiplanners.com!
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