We had the good fortune of connecting with Shumaila Panhwr and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shumaila, what do you attribute your success to?
Reputation and integrity! The event industry much like the entire service industry is all about how you treat people. Whether that means clients, potential clients, vendors or staff. I’ve seen so many people work without strong integrity and even if they’re successful, overtime they’ll fail. I can proudly say we have a spotless reputation and have always made this a key factor in everything we do!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I was BORN to do events. After every wedding, I’m on a complete “wedding high” and the motivation spikes for the next big event. It’s an endless cycle. Just when I think I should slow down, I feel even more motivated. We initially started with just coordination. A few years later, we expanded to Full Planning. Another few years, we expanded to design assistance and just last year we added on rentals. I can proudly say we are now a full planning & production company. The most exciting part is being able to take an idea and turn it into reality!! Unlike traditional “coordinators” who throw together a timeline and assist on the event date, we really pride ourselves in fully designing and managing the event day from start to finish from both a production and aesthetic stand point. I’m also super transparent with my brides and always have their best interests in mind.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh God!! There are SO many amazing places in Southern California. Just another reason why So Cal is a sought after destination wedding spot. My favorite spots in So Cal would be #1 Disneyland, #2 California Adventure and #3 Downtown Disney. Wait, can you tell I’m a Disney girl through and through? Who doesn’t love being at the Happiest Place in the World?? Aside from Disney, I do love the beach! I would say Laguna Beach is one of favorites with the pretty views, hikes, art scene and restaurants. And if in South OC, Dana Point & San Clemente is another must-see before stopping by Newport/Fashion Island for some shopping or the Irvine Spectrum. Long Beach is another fun city with a lively night life, water activities, aquarium and tons of museums and restaurants. Then there’s Santa Monica, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes are always go-to recommended spots for out of towners.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Before I initially started So Cal Event Planners, I had a strong passion for events and wanted to experience it all – from corporate events to fundraiser galas and everything in between. During this process over ten years ago, I interned at a well known event planning company. After just one short shift at my very first wedding with them, I was told I didn’t seem like a good fit to work with them or in events. I was shocked and super bummed. Instead of taking this feedback in and sulking around or giving up, I turned around and started So Cal Event Planners. If I wasn’t a good fit for them, I thought I’ll just start my own – and I did. 10 years later, we are thriving!! There have been so many amazing supporters along the way and my go-to vendors know this! My friends and family have supported me many times over. By being my sideline cheerleaders to helping me with small tasks when I was shorthanded to even small things like switching dates for hang outs to accommodate my crazy schedule. Those things all mean so much and I am so appreciative. But in all honesty, the people I would love to shoutout is all those that DID NOT support us/me because they are the reason I kept working harder and hustling! Don’t let any one bring you down if you believe in yourself. Haters gonna hate lol.

Website: www.socaleventplanners.com

Instagram: socaleventplanners

Youtube: socaleventplanners

Other: www.socaleventrentals.net

Image Credits
reel initiative

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.