Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Toronto-based event planning pro Diana Pires, who left the security of retail to pursue her dream and now runs one of the city’s top event production companies. We caught up with her to find out what it took to take the leap and how other young professionals can follow suit…
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WORK
Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
I am the founder and creative director of Truly Yours Planning. I get to work with dreamy couples on a daily basis while producing, designing, and executing all of their event details to perfection.
What was the inspiration for your career route?
I’ve always wanted to run my own business and knew it would be something I would want to be very involved in personally. Working in hospitality and fashion for several years has opened my mind to the many possibilities of how I can contribute to wedding and event production. I knew at the age of 19 that this was the right direction for me.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
Back in 2011, I took a leap of faith. I decided to invest full-time in my event planning business. I used to be a district manager for a clothing store and had worked very hard to get to that position. However, I really wasn’t happy. At that time, I was also running my event planning business part-time. I always told myself I would never want to regret anything I did because I didn’t give myself the opportunity to try. This is by far the most memorable milestone to date because none of my accomplishments would have happened if it wasn’t for the leap I took back then.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
In 5 years – Expanding my brand and building the ultimate dream team. I’d also love the opportunity to take on corporate accounts and more social events across Canada and the world.
In 10 years – Continuing the dream, as well as mentoring young entrepreneurs.
In 20 years – Travelling, family time, mentoring, and continuing the dream.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Never look at other people’s success and compare yourself to them because we all measure success differently.
Focus on yourself and be the best you can be! You are really the only person who can stop yourself from your own success. Work hard and don’t give up. Trust yourself.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you
World Wildlife Foundation & Sick Kids Foundation. The Sick Kids Foundation is very important to me because I have a son and have had the team at Sick Kids care for him. I praise them for all their efforts and value and appreciate so much what they do for children. Spread the love!
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
Balance! I tend to #werk #werk #werk #werk # werk #werk and I forget I can’t be in three places at once. (Although sometimes I wish I could be!)
What does the word notable mean to you?
Hard work is paying off and people are noticing.
PLAY
Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
Brunch at Colette Toronto, by far my favourite in the city. Not only is their food delicious, the interior design wins my heart every time.
Copa by the Sea; I love the vibe, entertainment, and their grilled pineapple.
Cibo Wine Bar; their appetizers and wine are a dream.
Utopia for their burritos – best I’ve ever had.
What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
My email browser, followed by Vogue and Paolo Sebastian (I creep his page). The most played song on my phone currently is One Dance by Drake.
Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
Paolo Sebastian. Every design he creates is a dream. I really admire his work.
What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
I love Portugal, and will continue going back as much as I possibly can. I love spending time with my grandparents, and learning about my family heritage. Besides family values and culture, it is such a beautiful country. Every time I visit, I feel inspired, at peace, and fall in love over and over again. It’s really like no other place I have been to. Next on the agenda is New York City.
What gives you the greatest FOMO?
I’m afraid I will never get over my fear of flying. I am working on this because I eventually want to travel the world.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
A glass of white wine while watching Scandal and How to Get Away With Murder. Two must-watch shows!
What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
Coffee; I drink too much and need to stop.
Spa days. I definitely need more of those.
And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
Inner happiness. The ability to help others throughout my life while reaching my own personal goals.
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