Styling should be from client’s viewpoint –Oluwatosin Akinwale-Oloshunde, CEO, Duchristo Events
Have you ever wondered what the fuss about event decoration is all about and wonder, “What on earth do I need them for?” Maybe, when you’ve seen beautifully styled events and wish to have a replica of such breath-taking space, then you will have the answer to all all of your queries! In this illuminating interview with event stylist, Oluwatosin Akinwale-Oloshunde of Duchristo Events, her meticulous attention to detail, driven work ethic and refined sense of style, Tosin goes above and beyond to make her clients’ dreams come true.
Describe your role – what actually is an Event Stylist?
Event Stylist designs concepts to elevate an event to the next level by creating a particular look and feel based on a client’s vision. This can be on a large scale, say a culture-themed celebration, Gala Dinner for 600 people, or an elegant cocktail party for 50 people. I love trying to bring new approaches to a re-occurring theme and making sure we keep on trend with the props we have to hire. They make your event look beautiful; create a lasting and timeless memory for your day. I must point out here that event styling is different from event planning and event planning is different from event co-ordination and event coordination is different from event management. Event planning is whereby a client comes to you for their wedding; they might not have a hall. It is the Event planner that will look at their budget, get all the vendors, the decorators, the caterers, the drink service from scratch. The coordination is whereby the people know what they want, they have actually booked the hall, they have done most of the things on their own, it is your duty on that day to coordinate all the vendors for them. And the management, you manage the event. We have some people that are so blessed that they do all the aspects together, we have some that are just co-coordinators and event stylists; some are planners, some management. Someone like Bisi B, she is a coach. Mrs. Sotunde also is a coach, she does events and planning. Some people are so versatile that they can manage different aspects together.
Talk us through how you found your way into this role. What was your experiential background?
I got my first break as an event assistant, working with my aunt who was into this business. This is my tenth year in this business, co-coordinating, managing and styling events. My jobs have involved end to end event management of small workshops to large conferences to retreats and fully styled dinners. To gain a bit more experience, I ventured with big names in the industry. I’ve always had a passion for styling and as I gained more experience within event management, I realised that the creative avenue was where I wanted to be.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Every day is unique as it’s all client-driven. I have to be really flexible with my daily tasks and be a multi-tasking whiz! Each day sees me liaising with multiple clients, designing concepts or sourcing items for designs.
What are some common misconceptions about your role?
Three things: (1) It is a lot of hard work, long hours and weekend commitments. While it is really fun and sometimes rewarding, it can be hard to deliver on people’s visions when working with venue and budget restrictions. (2) How much styling actually costs. While I love Instagram and social media, it has created a market of clients that want those jaw dropping “insta worthy” events but don’t fully understand how much those people have spent to create those looks. (3) While I am in a creative role, being an event stylist is extremely admin heavy. All designs are done on the computer and for an event to come to life, I have to do up different types of paperwork and instructions for the operations team and any external suppliers to ensure it’s all set up as per the plans. It is a very busy role.
What has your experience(s) as part of this role, venue stylist?
The journey has been full of ups and downs, trying times so many times. I started this while I was in school but there are still so many challenges. Sourcing for materials, you know that some clients are very demanding, so you have to bring yourself to their level and work with them so that the work will go very well.
Do you have a favourite styling prop?
As a venue stylist, I do all the styles; contemporary, traditional; it depends on what the clients want, then we deliver but you know you cannot restrain yourself to one particular thing but I will say I always love the classic styling.
What advice would you give to someone considering becoming an event stylist?
One of the most important things for styling is remembering that the details matter, no matter how small.
I must say that having my event management knowledge of what it is like to be the client has really helped me understand and provide a better service. Being able to read between the lines and know what the end event will look like from my client’s point of view really helps me design and create appropriate styling for different types of event. They should also be persistent because it is not as rosy as they see; you have to work very hard, put your trust in God then work harder some more.
How would you describe Event Planning in Nigeria?
The industry is growing fast and we are actually doing very well. We have people that go abroad to study event planning and management. We have foremost companies that are really working hard and making the industry to triumph and go forward.
How do you think we can do better in the events industry in Nigeria?
Yes, in Nigeria, we are doing great right now and we can still do better because a well-informed person will do very well. Through trainings and certifications, you get to know more about the organisation you are in, you get to meet people, in case you have a challenge or difficulty you get to know who and where to contact and channel it to.
How long does it take to break through in this Industry?
We have so many decorators and so many event stylists; so, when you have created a niche for yourself, you will definitely get to the top and scale through.
Who do you admire most in this industry?
Funke Bucknor and the likes of Indonises Décor; I love them. I follow them on social media. There are so many people out there that one can look up to but my personal favourite is Yewande Zaccheus.
Every industry in Nigeria is suffering except this industry because Nigerians are party goers; do you agree?
No! The industry is actually suffering because the party is not as regular as it used to be, partly due to Covid but we are trying to manage. Events that are supposed to have 500 guests get cut down to 250. You have to reduce what you have to charge for 500; so, we are just trying to manage the situation.
Why does anybody need a venue/event stylist?
Yes, you need us because you cannot just put your chairs and table in a ragtag formation. You need it to be set beautifully; you need precision for it to be well arranged. You need ambience and style. You might underrate us but believe me, a venue not well arranged or set leads to a chaotic event, confusion will definitely set in. Your guests will be lost in the sea of chaos and it will end up being an embarrassing debacle. Most times, your family and friends are not available for you; you don’t have anybody to arrange the hall so we are at your beck and call to ensure that everything goes on well.
Are you insured? Is there some kind of insurance you do?
For an organisation like ours, you do insurance for yourself and for your staff. It is very important.
What kind of bonus can you add to your clients?
There is no way you have an event of 300 guests and there won’t be overflow. This is Nigeria, there is always going to be overflow so you should always make room for overflow; you must always plan for it. Let’s say you are catering for 150 guests, it is probably an 8-8 or 10-10 table setting. You have to take extra table covers in case there are some overflows. People will always come late and it will not look good for your work and reputation if they sit on a chair without a table cover. So, there is always an overflow and you must be prepared for it.
How often do you invest in new designs?
As often as possible because if you are stuck with a particular prop or design that is outdated, people will not patronise you. Things are evolving and i am evolving with them.
What would you say is your strength as an event stylist?
My strength is God, first and foremost then my table settings…it’s a winner every time!
