Today we’d like to introduce you to Tessa Gerald.
Tessa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
This is the story of a little girl born in Brooklyn NY and raised in Jamaica Queens. It all started with my dad, James Gerald, who was from South Carolina and then moved to New York where he became a successful entrepreneur, owning JG Limousine Service. My mother Leatrice Dockery was from North Carolina who also moved to New York. She is my quiet storm, full of knowledge, wisdom, and very talented. She instilled in me the motivation to chase my dreams and always keep God first. As a kid, my dad took me to work with him, and sometimes, I even had the opportunity to pick up and drive his clients to their weddings, so I could see what it took to become a successful entrepreneur when I grew up. I learned that “everything is in the details”. “People don’t invest in ideas; people invest in people”.
At home, my dad would always entertain by having events like birthday parties, BBQs, family functions, and sporting events. I noticed these events always put smiles on the faces of all those who attended, and I was front and center waiting for my turn to put on events when I got older. My dad was my motivation, he had charisma and was a smart businessman. My parents were my inspiration, and the reason I am where I am today.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Wow, LOL, where do I start? It hasn’t been a smooth road I’ve faced in this journey called life. As a single mother and an entrepreneur pursuing my dreams, life was challenging. While balancing my business and home life, I turned down management positions, that would have advanced my career and increased my knowledge base because my children were too young. The hours required for those positions were a detriment to my children’s well-being. Like most mothers, I was there for everyone else, giving of my time, and not taking “me” time, for myself. When my children were older, I had to constantly remind others, and myself, that it was time for me to focus on my desires, dreams, and passions. I invested in myself, taking courses to master my skills, and further develop my talents. That focus and dedication helped me to build a strong, successful business. One of the hardest challenges I faced, while building my business, was finding trustworthy and hardworking talents, that eat, sleep, and breathe event designs with the same passion as I have. Through it all, my business has survived and thrived.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an Accredited Special Event Designer, and a Certified Event & Wedding Specialist. I have a passion and a flare for special event designing, coordinating, and bringing everyone’s vision into fruition. My company creates and executes designs, that transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary events. In addition, with my experience in the hospitality industry, my company provides five-star service to all of our clients.
I started creating unique designs at small celebrations in my home for family and friends. With my love for entertaining and attention to detail I wanted to gain more experience in large venues settings, so I began working in the hotel hospitality industry. Eventually, I became Banquet Manager. In this role, I oversaw banquets and restaurant operation with a staff of 25 plus. This experience was an invaluable education on providing five-star customer service for a wide range of events: multi-cultural (Asian, African American, Indian, and Italian) weddings, social events, corporate meetings for over 1500 attendees, spatial relationships, etc.; This also provided the knowledge base for me to open my business.
After ten years of crafting my visions for others, in 2000 I took my talents in conjunction with my experience in the hotel hospitality industry and ventured out and formed “TMG Unique Event Designs”. Today TMG Enterprise NY LLC is an accomplished company that creates seamless events that showcase our client’s sensibility and style with effortless ease. I have over 20 years experience as a leading event designer, and 14+years as a well-versed veteran in the hospitality Industry.
To Date, TMG Unique Event Designs has expanded from New York to North Carolina/South Carolina. My motto” Believe in yourself and Trust the process, it all starts with you”.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
~Yes, what I learned from the Covid-19 Crisis is that during these trying times social gatherings all over the world have been put on hold due to the pandemic. We all know that this will not stop people from celebrating the milestones of life in the comfort of their homes. Events such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, etc. will continue to be commemorated. I decided I was going back to where it all started… Transforming residential spaces for their events.
~As for myself specifically, I learned time is not on our side, and the use of time should never be taken for granted, wasting time is not an option.
~ As for health, taking your health into your own hands should be a priority.
Pricing:
- 30 minute virtual/phone consultation – Free
- Price varies on space, location, and designs.
Contact Info:
- Email: tmgevents@tmgenterpriseny.com
- Website: www.tmgenterpriseny.com
- Instagram: @tessageralddesigner
- Facebook: TMG Enterprise NY – Event Designer Tessa Gerald
Image Credits
Andre Alridge
Kevin Jordon
