ESSENTIAL CONTRACT CLAUSES FOR EVENT STYLISTS: LESSONS FROM REALITY TV
Hello humans!
If you've been following me on Instagram, you might already know that I made my TV debut! Yikes!! While I still cringe a little thinking about it, I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to showcase my passion on screen.
So, here's the scoop: I was scouted to style an event for the Real Housewives of Nairobi (RHON) which is currently airing on Showmax. The day I got the call is embedded in my memory. It was a seemingly ordinary day when my phone rang with news that would turn my world upside down. Okay, that might sound a tad dramatic, but it did cut my Christmas holidays short and had me rushing back to the city. So yeah, it changed everything!
A potential client – a new housewife – reached out, asking if I could style her upcoming event for the show. She had attended an event I had styled for pro-bono in 2023 and loved my work. I'll be honest, I vividly recall pouring my heart and soul into that free gig. I was supporting a dear friend and I wholeheartedly believed it would lead to something bigger—and here it was!
The catch? I had only four days to prepare. Talk about pressure!
Initial Meeting w/ the client (featured on The Real Housewives of Nairobi S2, EP10)
Those four days were an absolute whirlwind. What started as a styling gig quickly evolved into full-scale event planning. I began by scouting venues, considering everything from layout to production-friendly spaces (think lighting, weather, the works). We finally settled on Yunion at the GTC Mall, who by the way, have the tastiest Paneer curry i've ever had. Go try it and let me know:) The restaurant manager, my client and I meticulously planned every detail of the event flow. My team and I arranged a flower crown-making activity that was in line with my client’s brief and curated thoughtful gifts for each of her guests.
The brief was clear: create an intimate and elegant tablescape that reflected the client’s sophisticated taste and vibrant personality, with a floral crown-making activity for her guests. From lush floral arrangements to bespoke place settings, every detail was meticulously crafted to perfection. With my small but mighty team we transformed the venue. We set up tables ensuring every place setting was perfect, and created stunning flower arrangements to bring the space to life. When my client walked in, her face lit up with joy. I knew I had understood her assignment! The event was set to be a smashing success—or so I thought.
As the event unfolded, everything seemed picture-perfect. The guests arrived, mingled, and soaked in the ambiance we had so carefully crafted. But if you know anything about the Real Housewives franchise, you know drama is never far behind. True to form, one of the ladies became so angry that she flipped the entire table! In an instant, my carefully arranged decor pieces and cutlery lay in ruins. The drama caught me off guard. I was seated in a corner waiting for the event to end so we could start setting down. I also had not slept well for 3 days so I wasn't paying too much attention to the scene. I was tired and irritable. I stood there, frozen in disbelief!!! Some of my precious decor pieces got damaged. I had never been in such a situation before!
Despite this setback, the experience was an incredible learning opportunity but boy did I learn my lessons and I couldn't wait to share them with you.
Here are some key lessons I took away from this event:
Add a Damages Clause to Your Contract: Always include a damages clause that covers potential harm to your decor pieces or other items. This not only protects your investment but also sets clear expectations with clients about their responsibilities. Stipulate Clear Terms and Conditions which clearly define how your items should be handled and what happens if they're damaged. This helps prevent misunderstandings and provides a clear framework for both parties to follow.
The Power of Pro Bono Work: One of the most valuable lessons from this experience was the unexpected impact of pro bono work. The free event I styled caught the eye of my client, proving that generosity can be a game-changer for your career. Pro bono work allows you to showcase your skills, build your portfolio, expand your network, and improve your craft, all while giving back to your community. It's an investment in your future that can lead to significant opportunities. However, it's crucial to balance unpaid work with paid gigs and be strategic about which free events you take on. My journey from a local free event to a national TV show demonstrates that when you put your heart into your work, regardless of the pay, it can open doors to amazing opportunities.
Charge for On-Site Hours: Even though the previous point on pro bono work is vital, remember it really is in the balance. Your time is valuable, especially during the event itself. Include a fee for the hours spent on-site as the event progresses. This ensures you're adequately compensated for the effort involved in managing and overseeing the event in real-time. Charging appropriately is also very important even if there's a marketing element involved. Charge a fee that would at least cover your expenses. Your creativity, vision, materials, and team deserve proper compensation.
Maintain Effective Communication: Keep open lines of communication with your clients and vendors. Regular updates and check-ins can prevent last-minute surprises and ensure everyone's on the same page. One of my suppliers completely let me down. He couldn't deliver a welcome sign on time. Thank God my client changed her mind last minute about not wanting the signage.
Stay Flexible and Adaptable: Events can be unpredictable, so be prepared to adapt to last-minute changes. Having a backup plan for various scenarios can be a real lifesaver when things don't go as planned.
All in all, styling this event was truly a rollercoaster ride, filled with laughter, fun, unexpected twists and invaluable lessons. Despite the drama, this experience taught me the importance of thorough planning, clear communication, and the need for robust contractual agreements. Each challenge I faced has made me a better stylist and a more savvy businessperson.
Every event is a learning opportunity, and each obstacle overcome makes you stronger and more prepared for future adventures in the world of event styling
Until next time
xxxx
See BTS here
