Jillian Ziska
Owner/Creative Director, To Be Designed, LLC
What inspired you to pursue a career in events?
Growing up in a home where my mom was always hosting people and parties, it just felt natural as I started planning some of mine own for high school gatherings, then family parties post graduation and on to friends weddings. The more events I planned and decorated, the more my love grew for seeing the finished product. I always say I'm the biggest sucker for a thank you, but there really is nothing more gratifying than sketching or designing a vision and watching it come to life on the day of the event!
Years in the Event Industry
12
What is your role in the event industry?
Event Design and Production
What sort of events do you produce or you are interested?
We love all events - our company specializes in both corporate and social with an emphasis on weddings.
Describe your typical day?
I'm not sure you can say there are "typical days" when you work in the event industry. I usually arrive to the office around 8AM, get right into my email responding to whatever is most important at that moment. The rest of my crew comes in to start their day around 9 and from there we are in and out of production meetings, marketing meetings, fabrication meetings, etc. Usually in between that I sprinkle in some client meetings, walk throughs at venues for various events, phone calls, etc. I'd love to say it was glamorous with champagne and roses, but its a lot of logistics, talking, planning, coffee, some wine and lots of laughing.
What's the biggest lesson you have learned that you would like to share with those new to the industry?
To have grace with yourself and others around you. In a high stress, high stakes environment, we sometimes lose sight of our human abilities and have expectations of people that might be unrealistic or unfair in the current moment. We are all human and sometimes things aren't going to go perfectly - they just don't. It's important we remind ourselves of that, be humble in knowing when to admit your wrongs and show grace and kindness to others when they didn't execute as you had hoped. Honesty is my best policy and the only thing that can make or break your business.
What would you like to see improved in the event industry?
I'd love for people to have healthy, competitive business relationships. The more pressure our industry continues to add and the amount of new blood coming in to the industry has caused a major disconnect in pricing. Many businesses are undercutting one another and mistaking that for competition. This is the biggest misconception and ultimately will one day be the destructive factor that brings down the event industry.
What event are you looking forward to this year?
Quality over quantity. Building a business is an exhausting feet with the constant pressure to take all and everything that walks through the front door. Now having a presence and reputation in San Diego, we are excited to focus on the events that fuel our fire and excitement! We are looking forward to some larger, returning events that challenge our creative and design skills!
Your post event beverage of choice?
Beer
Follow To Be Designed on Instagram to see there gorgeous collection.
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We have supreme admiration for our event industry leaders. If you would like to be featured contact us at hello@theeventindustry.com
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