Event Planning Archives

Nirjary Desai of Atlanta, Georgia, spent years working in the hospitality and travel industries. But it was her multi-cultural background – she is of South Asian ancestry, born in Zambia, raised in South Carolina and educated in London – that ultimately led her to launch her own event- planning company, KIS(cubed) Events, in 2008. Around that time, Desai had observed more South Asians in the U.S. using full-service venues for their events – but many hotels lacked the cultural knowledge for these celebrations. Suddenly, Desai found herself being pulled into meetings to help organize events and weddings, and that was when she realized she had a unique offering to provide the industry. Since launching KIS(cubed) Events, Desai and her events have been featured on Bravo TV, and in Harper’s Bazaar, Bride India and The Huffington Post. Here's our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project. How is your business different from others in your industry? I work with a very diverse clientele and my events are centered around hospitality and creating a welcoming environment for everyone. As KIS(cubed) continues to grow and reach new audiences around the world, I hope to keep expanding my business as a socially conscious organization. My focus is on fostering inclusivity within my brand, while working with unique individuals. Tell us about your biggest success so far. Establishing myself as an entrepreneur and aligning my personal growth with my professional goals. Success as a business owner is more than just meeting financial goals. My branding and recognition are a result of hard work, as well as self-growth. What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it? I had to pivot once Covid hit and remind myself why I started KIS(Cubed). If you can remember why you started, you can find ways to continue on your journey. I went back to basics during the pandemic and looked at how I could continue to contribute to the industry while events came to a halt. How could I help our community and build a better industry moving forward? I was forced to confront manufacturing and supply-chain issues, which was challenging but extremely rewarding. What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs? Every day is different and brings new challenges. The way that you perform in adversity and how you take on those challenges is what makes you successful. Don’t let what others say about you influence you. You have to take your emotions out of business decisions, and make decisions based on fact and logic. How do you find inspiration on your darkest days? I am a firm believer in holding my head down, focusing on doing my job, and being amazing at my craft, rather than looking around and trying to hear the rest of the noise out there. What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days? I don’t have a particular song – but I do love this playlist. Who is your most important role model? My parents are my role models because of their resilience and the adversities they have overcome. They moved to a different country to make a new life for themselves. Instagram: @kiscubedFacebook: @kiscubed Share your story! Check out our Advice + Tips for entrepreneurs starting-upWatch our latest videosSubscribe to our podcast

Event Planning

She Brings a Global Perspective to Event Planning

For Event Planners, Cancelations Are the New Normal

She’s in the $4 Million Business of Bringing People Together

The Independent Life – Tanya Costigan

The Story Exchange

Event Planning

She Brings a Global Perspective to Event Planning

For Event Planners, Cancelations Are the New Normal

She’s in the $4 Million Business of Bringing People Together

The Independent Life – Tanya Costigan

The Story Exchange

Follow