Check Out Eliza Harper’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eliza Harper. 

Hi Eliza, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
First let me say that I am honored to have this opportunity to share my story with you. I’m a new business owner based in South Phoenix. I consider myself an Az Diamond. With enough pressure you get a diamond. Rare, beautiful, strength of character and ethics. I’ve shown the ability to over come the pressures of life. And I shine brightest in the face of adversity.  I chose the red diamond as my logo because like me they are the rarest diamond and very few have been found. I am approaching my one year anniversary operating Az Diamond Events, an event rentals business. Event rentals is a steppingstone for the plans I have for Az Diamond Events. I began with the rentals to establish my business and build up my business credit. I’m hoping to evolve into another area of the industry soon. My journey to launching Az Diamond Events was inspired by several factors. To supplement my income, to supply a need in my community, and to offer community service.

Some would say that I’m a busy body. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always worked multiple jobs. I had my one main job but held different part-time and temp jobs to supplement my income. You name it, I’ve probably worked it. One day I decided instead of working so many side jobs I would invest in myself and start a business that I could work on the side and eventually work when I retire from my government job.

Over the years I planned birthdays and other social gatherings. One of the things I was always faced with was finding a facility and rentals that were within my budget. When I did find someone to rent from, I was always hit with high delivery fees because of the distance the company had to travel to come to my neighborhood. And facilities always had unavoidable extra fees and were never nearby. Most of the event venues and rental businesses cater to companies and not the parents trying to plan a nice graduation party or a family’s backyard boogie. Because I started the business with my community in mind, I established a low base delivery fee that covers multiple zip codes in my area. I set my rental rates under the average rate for the rentals, and I can work with people based on their situations. If someone needs rentals, I want them to have them. Whatever the situation that might hinder their ability to rent, we can work it out.

I believe community service is important. I am always looking for ways to give back. As a business I am giving back by promoting other businesses on my platforms, offering free 360 video booth sessions with the local schools and in my neighborhood, I have a rental package for funerals, and on top of my already low rates, I offer multiple discounts. My most exciting give-back will be on my one-year anniversary. I am hosting my first annual “Kickin it for the Hood” kickball game and picnic. I’ll be providing food and entertainment for FREE. Not soliciting or selling anything. Just planning to feed the people and have a good time at the park-like we used to do when I was growing up. It’s my way of bringing the community together and saying thank you.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting a business was more than I expected. It’s so time-consuming and it keeps me busy. In the beginning, it was a little overwhelming. I went from working 8 hours a day to 24 hours a day. I literally wake up in the middle of the night and start drafting estimates, invoices, designing overlays for videos or prepare social media posts to go out. I felt like every free moment I had was going to business operations. I’ve had to decline invites, reschedule, and cancel plans to make deliveries. At a time when I was ready to start living my best life, I started working harder. I used to ask myself, what have you gotten yourself into? But I’m good now. I am super thankful for my team AKA my family who ALWAYS comes through for me. They keep me sane during some of my chaotic moments. And despite their busy schedules, they VOLUNTEER their time to make sure I have the support I need. They didn’t sign up for this business venture, but they have supported it from day one. Despite the overwhelming beginning, I must say that I am happy with my journey so far.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My business is an event rentals business. I provide various equipment needed to put on a pleasant event. My inventory consists of tables, chairs, tents, portable air condition units, blue tooth speakers, ambient lights, projectors with screens, dance floors, and a 360-video booth. I would say most people know me for the tables and chairs. However, since my last purchase of the 360-video booth, I have had more requests for the booth versus the tables and chairs. I am very proud that I am able to provide quality equipment and services at a reasonable rate. Some in the photo booth industry look down on owners like me for having such low rates. They feel it diminishes the value of the service we provide. I don’t offer lower rates to undercut other businesses. I offer the rates based off what I as an average consumer would be willing to pay. I feel that my rates are completely acceptable. I believe what sets me apart from others is the fact that I am not in this business just for the income. It may sound like a cliché but I care about other people. I believe everyone deserves to have the resources to put on quality events without going broke. What sets me apart from others is my compassion for people. I am flexible and work with you. Some on my team didn’t like how I was operating because at times I was not making the money I should because I was working with people. I’ve since come up with other ways to help people without losing money. But most importantly what sets me apart is that this business will never be just about the money.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like best about Phoenix has to be the climate. I would take our blazing summer sun before a tornado, earthquake, snow, hurricane, or flood any day. What I like least? Nothing! I’m a native. I love everything about Phoenix and don’t entertain any negative talk about my city. At the rate we are growing tells me that others know what I know and that is Phoenix is a great place to be!

Pricing:

• $500 for 3 hrs /video booth
• $1 chairs
• $5 tables
• $50 accessories

Contact Info:

• Email: Azdiamondevents@gmail.com
• Website: https://azdiamondevents.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/azdiamondevents
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AzDiamondEventsSS