Tonya Shadoan, MBC™
Circle City Planners, Circle City Designers, www.TonyaShadoan.com, Carmel, Ind.Employees: 5 full-time, 4 part-time, 1 internRevenue Breakdown: 90 events annually plus coaching—45% planning, 45% floral, 10% miscellaneousContact: 317.770.4321, hello@tonyashadoan.com, tonya@circlecityplanners.comwww.circlecityplanners.com, www.circlecitydesigners.com, www.TonyaShadoan.comTwitter and Facebook
Family: She has three children: Katelyn, 12; Kendra, 8; and Kyle, 6.Education: Bachelor of Arts in communications/theatre and Master of Arts in education from Indiana University in Newburgh.Hometown: Fishers, Ind.Past Career: Taught British literature, theater, and television in high school for seven years and ran the Broadway productions.ABC Involvement: Was an ABC™ for several months, became a PBC™ for three years prior to earning the MBC™; break-out speaker at the 2009 ABC Green Weddings National Conference; break-out speaker with Mary Dann, MBC™ at the November 2011 Business of Brides.On Becoming a MBC™: I value education and always want to learn. You are never too smart to learn something to make you better at your career. My gift is helping other planners across the country grow their knowledge of the industry and stand out in a crowd.The Business: We offer personalized planning and décor for the high-end but approachable bride. We only specialize in weddings. I also am currently speaking all across the country to local ABC and ISES chapters.Getting Started: I started my business in 2000-2001 with, literally, $121 dollars and an idea. I collected the loose change around my house, went to the bank, and started with what I had. I immediately sought opportunities within my community, landed my first high-end wedding, and the rest is history.
Mentor: I immediately hired a coach to hold me accountable for my decisions as my business began to grow. Ciara Dykan opened my eyes on the potential of building an empire and having it run without me being at every single event.Goals: My goal is to service a bride to the degree that she feels like she is our only client and, at the same time, create a community of togetherness. We are family focused. I would love to continue to help other planners and event professionals grow their business internationally. I love to speak and be with the people, listening, and preventing people from making the mistakes I have made over the last 10 years.Inspiration: Big influencers, for me, are people who are willing to love an idea for five minutes; if it doesn’t work, pick yourself up and try something new. Always hire people who are experts in their area of specialty.Marketing Strategy: We use social media, but do not advertise locally. Networking and relationship building is the foundation of a great business.Staying Fresh: We have staff retreats and monthly team meetings to keep everyone on the same page. We just got back from a two-day retreat at a resort out of town. It helps us get a new perspective and outlook.On Her Bookshelf: Live Your Best Life Now by Joel Osteen. My favorite book is Funky to Fabulous by Eli Davidson.Favorite TV Show: Anything on Bravo and “The Office.”
In Her Free Time: I spend time with my kids, go running, shopping (for anything), dining at fine restaurants, and hanging with my people.In the Media: My work has been published in Style Me Pretty, The Knot, Indianapolis Monthly, Indianapolis Women, The Indianapolis Star, North Magazine, and Fishers/Geist Magazine and been seen on Fox affiliates and local radio stations, radio podcasts of the “Diva Toolbox,” and various Internet publications. Plus, I have a book deal and will be published in January 2012.Awards: ISES Esprit Award in 2010 for Best Team Effort.Words of Wisdom: Dream big, bloom bigger. Write down your goals and find someone to help you create an action plan immediately! I read and subscribe to marketing and business publications. I have a local coach to help with my accountability every day. It’s very important in creating a strong business.