“Even though I knew the entire team here at Jacaranda, what I had heard was true – walking into the office on the first day was as daunting as starting at a new school. Everyone was so lovely and accommodating but you can’t help but be constantly paranoid that you’re doing everything completely wrong.
The first few days were what I call the ‘sponge days’, it just consisted of absorbing as much information as I could (and yes, there was a LOT)! Learning the ins and outs of emailing clients, staff, and finding my way around the software was just the half of it. Luckily, there was no event for me on my first weekend, just two tastings that opened my eyes to the importance of great professionalism and confidence. The couples and their families had come along to taste our food and meet the team to gauge whether they wanted to put planning the biggest day of their lives into our hands… no biggie!
From a former waitress’ point of view it was so useful to see how the day is formed, from the initial enquiry, to a quote, to then the final event. For me, the most exciting part is when a new email or call comes in about a potential event and you get to meet an eager couple and discuss their big day. Our Event Managers are so energetic and personable that they form a bond with the clients that not many people can. Forming that fundamental relationship with the clients is so important and I think this is one of the reasons that the company works so well.
Obviously for my first events I did not have this bond. In a sense, I was still just a waitress who had been helping in the office for two weeks. This first event could not have been more complicated – the phrase “throwing me in at the deep end” springs to mind. Although it was scary, it was probably the perfect event for me to start with as it incorporated aspects from all different companies and it was definitely not your ‘standard’ event. I can safely say I was exhausted after this event, arriving home at approximately 5am but I learned a lot and managed to have fun too! I was able to see how the marquee was built (and met the South Downs team), dealt with numerous suppliers and got to taste some amazing food. Minty was like a machine that weekend, working on about 3 hours sleep – I have undeniably learnt a lot from her.
Since then I have taken part in four more events and I finally feel as if I am improving with each one. I obviously still have a long way to go, but seeing progress in yourself is such an important step. Minty, Ian, Nigel, Jamie and the rest of the team have been amazing with me; put up with my blonde moments (there were a few), but have also encouraged me to just go for it! Moving from a waitress to seeing yourself as a manager is a strange feeling, but luckily, I have never had a problem with wanting to tell people what to do! And hopefully, with the team’s encouragement, I can continue to grow and contribute each week.”
Jules