Fanfare Events, continuing to make occasions special

Alexis John knew that he wanted to get into his own business, but hadn’t a clue what that would be.

However, as they were winding down at his then workplace, one afternoon in late 2009, he got a brainwave and felt strongly that he was onto something with real possibilities.

“I stayed up [the] whole night on the Internet researching …and visiting events businesses across the US,” John told SEARCHLIGHT.

He also put in a lot of legwork, as he continued to explore the possibilities for what we now know as Fanfare Events, the business which the public voted Best Events Rentals in the Best of SVG 2017 Awards.

“At that time, I had no capital, I didn’t have any big set of money saved; all I had was an idea, “John recounts.

He also had a drive to succeed, and parents who were prepared to provide collateral to help him realize his dream.

However, when he presented the business proposal for financing, he was turned down by the first two financial institutions approached; they did not consider the proposition viable.

On his third stop, the results were positive and soon, his three elegant, high peak tents became a regular sight at events.

“It was a big surprise for many, because not too many persons knew of high peak tents, or they would have seen them, maybe, but not on a large scale…and at the same time, the promoters were very delighted because the promotion got enhanced,” explains John in specific reference to his first event, a private beach event, organized during Carnival.

John quit his job in 2014 to go full-time into the events rental business and he has been gradually expanding.

“We are now into full scale styling and décor; we are now renting linens; we are now renting centrepieces; we’re now into event planning; so in the last couple years, I think we have been growing fast; I think right now… we are the biggest event supplier in St Vincent.”

The business currently provides full-time employment for some nine persons and, depending on the event, other persons have to be engaged. It prides itself on elegance and client satisfaction.

“Before Fanfare came along… there was not the need for it, but now that the market is fully aware that there are facilities now available, they are going after it; so I think there’s a huge demand and it’s going to get even bigger and better; there are huge opportunities,” observed John.

At this stage, he has realized only about 50 per cent of his vision for the company which opened an office in Kingstown in March this year, so there’s much more growth ahead, and John has no regrets over the business decision he made.

“What makes me happy most of all… one, I am providing employment for several families – providing value to the economy of St Vincent and the Grenadines and that’s good; and two, when you‘re finished doing an event …and you look at… the work of your entire team and then to get persons saying how happy they are, there’s nothing better than that feeling because your clients are happy.”

John is also pleased with the placement of Fanfare Events in the Best of SVG Awards.

“I don’t think I could ever stop saying thanks to St Vincent and the Grenadines…that was huge for us and that is something that we will always cherish and hold onto.”

Fanfare Events can be contacted at: 531-6834 and 497-5197; via WhatsApp at 1784-434-1837, via email at info@ fanfare eventssvg.com or on Facebook.