FETE ATELIER, C'EST ICI LA FETE COMMENCE

If uniqueness and a touch of class is what you seek for your event, then Fete Atelier is the place to go. They partner with their clients to create an event that reflects their personalities and sense of style. From a dramatic touch to a simple yet elegant look that will turn any dream into reality.

They promise you a memorable fete with elegant designs, impeccable service and an exceptional attention to detail.

Here is an interview they gave to DC. Happy Reading y’all!


DC: WHAT IS THE CONCEPT OF FETE ATELIER?
FA: FA is a full service event planning and design studio (services include event design and décor, florals, and stationery). We are a woman-owned and operated enterprise that takes pride in planning and executing unique and impeccable events to meet each client’s individual needs.

DC: WHO ARE THE FACES BEHIND FETE ATELIER AND WHAT IS THEIR CONTRIBUTION?
FA: Liz Agbor-Tabi and Akua Ardayfio are the ladies behind FA. Liz is responsible for driving the company’s creative focus and Akua works primarily on financial and strategic development. We also partner with an exclusive group of freelance artists and consultants to meet each client’s specific needs.


DC: HOW DID YOU TWO MEET?
FA: We met at a wedding through our then fiances and now spouses who have been long- time friends and during the peaks of our own wedding planning process. How serendipitous? Soon after we met, we realised that we shared a love for impeccably executed events and a desire to turn our passions into a profitable, sustainable business. Our initial meeting evolved into a friendship that was the perfect backdrop for the development and subsequent launching of fete atelier.

DC: HOW DOES YOUR PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP AS FRIENDS HELP YOUR BUSINESS?
FA: Akua and I have different, yet complementary personalities. I am more visual and she is more sensory and logical. I am artsy, adventurous and exuberant- she does a great job of grounding me. We share many fundamental beliefs, are passionate about our craft, driven and highly motivated go getters. We are both women of faith who love the Lord. Our relationship allows us to celebrate our differences while capitalizing on our combined strength. Coupled with great communication, this makes for a mutually beneficial business and personal relationship.

DC: WHY DID YOU START FETE ATELIER?
FA: We recognised a need in the marketplace for elegant yet affordable event solutions for the discerning client that appreciates attention to detail, special touches and a personalised and unique approach to event planning. Our mission was to provide an outlet where each event would reflect each client’s unique vision and style.

DC: WHAT MARKETING STRATEGIES HAVE YOU ADOPTED TO GET YOUR BUSINESS OUT THERE?
FA: We have harnessed the power of social networking and e-marketing tools. In addition, as an organisation, we believe strongly in cause-related marketing and have partnered with several philanthropic organisations as donors as well as offered our services pro bono. This enables a targeted approach to reaching our targeted client base.

DC: WHAT ARE YOUR PREVIOUS PROFESSIONS AND ACADEMIC BACKGROUND?
FA: We hold graduate degrees from Tufts University and the Johns Hopkins University respectively
Akua: I have a background in international economics and have worked both in the public and private sectors in the area of business development and strategic planning. Putting together aesthetically pleasing and exquisite events has always been a passion. Fete Atelier allows me to marry my strong business acumen and creativity.
Liz: I have a background in healthcare and public health policy. I have worked at the national and local levels in policy development, strategic planning and project management while freelancing as a floral designer and planner. Previous positions prepared me for my current role as managing partner of Fete Atelier.

DC: ANY TRAINING IN EVENTS MANAGEMENT & FLOWER ARRANGEMENT?
FA: We have a combined total of over 7 years of experience in floral design, crafts and event planning. We both share a life long passion for creating aesthetically pleasing “celebrations” and are innate planners.

DC: HOW EASY OR DIFFICULT WAS IT TURNING FETE ATELIER FROM A PASSION INTO A BUSINESS?
FA: The transition from passion to business was not an easy one! The creation of FA was a labour of love. Because we felt so strongly about this company, and believed in the vision and direction that we had- we handled each challenge with poise and grace. We were most confident that we were headed in the right direction and therefore had no reservations. We are both very hands on. Together we worked on everything from scratch; from raising the seed capital to designing a logo, website and an identity for our company and filing all of the necessary legal documents, we were relentless in our efforts. We spent tireless days and nights to get this company off the ground and are very proud of our success thus far.

DC: HOW DO YOU SOURCE YOUR SUPPLIERS?
FA: We have a rigourous selection process for our suppliers and work only with the industry’s best to ensure that our clients receive the highest quality products to meet their desired vision and budgets. One of our talents is in finding quality products and creative solutions across a wide array of price points to meet the individual demands of each client.

DC: WHAT IS THE SECRET OF HAVING A GOOD BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP IN YOUR OPINION?
FA: Communication, attention to detail, a commitment to understanding and meeting the clients’ needs.

DC: THE MAJORITY OF CAMEROONIANS HAVE NOT YET SEEN THE POTENTIAL OF HAVING AN EVENTS ORGANISER TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR PARTIES OR WEDDINGS...HOW DO YOU HOPE TO CONQUER THIS?
FA: With incremental exposure to our industry through voices like ours, Cameroonians will become more open to utilising event planners. The professionalism and ease of execution that a planner brings to the event planning process can not be underscored. A good planner provides seamless support and makes entertaining a joy for their client. They de- stress planning and can turn dreams into reality and will often exceed the client’s expectations. At FA, our work speaks for itself, we bring this and much more to event planning. We hope that as more Cameroonians are exposed to the quality and calibre of our work, they will become more open to the services that an event planner can provide.

DC: WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR BUSINESS HEADING IN 5 YEARS TIME?
FA: We hope to have a stronghold in the industry and to become an easily recognisable name. We believe in infusing our clients’ personalities, cultures, and way of life into events that truly reflect them and our goal is that this approach to event planning will set us apart and we will be known as a leader in this specialised approach both here and abroad.

DC: WOULD YOU VENTURE INTO CAMEROON?
FA: We would love to! We are looking for the right opportunity and partnerships and collaborations. We feel we could play a vital role in revolutionising wedding, social, and corporate event planning in Cameroon.

DC: WHAT ARE YOUR PERSONAL AMBITIONS AND GOALS?
FA: To expand our business to become internationally recognised as a premiere provider for wedding, corporate and social event planning services.

DC: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE HOPING TO START AN EVENTS MANAGEMENT COMPANY?
FA: First impressions matter, follow your passion, we cannot underscore; details, details, details! Must pay attention to details!

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If you are looking for an events planner to revolutionise your party, wedding or corporate event then why not contact the Fete Atelier girls!

Check out their website here: http://www.feteatelier.com/

Email: info@feteatelier.com

Liz: liz@feteatelier.com

Akua: akua@feteatelier.com

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DC: Dulce Camer

FA: Fete Atelier

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To the visitors and readers who have helped us reach the 13,000 mark, thanks for continually checking the blog and thanks too to the 20 members who follow us. We aim to make Dulce Camer the number one Entertainment and Culture blog.

Thanks for your support.

Camer for life!

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Stay sweet

Dulce

xxx