Millwood Business Spotlight: Helping Clients Make Dreams a Reality

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. The plan behind this series at Patch is to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

This is as much about supporting local businesses as it is about celebrating the places and faces that make our community special. Click here to get to a simple form where local business owners can answer a few quick questions to be part of this ongoing feature.

Our spotlight today is on Melisa Imberman.

Business: The Event Of A Lifetime, Inc.
Owners: Melisa Imberman
Website: www.theeventofalifetime.com
Address: Millwood, meet with clients by appointment only

How did you come up with the name?
From the start, my goal was to make each event special & unique, so The Event Of A Lifetime seemed perfect.

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?
When my husband & I moved here in 1997, I moved my office from NYC to our new house. When looking for a house, I knew I wanted one with a designated office so I could work from home.

Briefly, what business are you in?
The Event Of A Lifetime is a full service event planning company. We assist our clients in planning a variety of celebrations, the majority being bar/bat mitzvahs & weddings. We special in customizing each event to suit our clients’ needs, taste & budget

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?
Each event presents it’s own unique challenges. I think I’ve learned something from each event that I store away until I need to draw upon it when a similar situation arises.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?
It’s not always easy owning your own business, but this is definitely was I was meant to do.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?
I truly have a favorite moment at each event. I can’t count how many weddings I’ve been to & I still cry at each one.

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?
Many of my clients have great ideas, but just don’t know how to execute them. One of my favorite aspects of my job is figuring out how to make my clients’ ideas & dreams a reality.

How do you deal with difficult customers?
Planning a big event such as a wedding or bar/bat mitzvah can be an emotional time in ones life. So most of my clients can be difficult at times. I don’t think there is one magical solution that works with each client. However, I listen & try my best to come up with a solution & it usually works.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?
I’ve offered my services to be donated in silent auctions to raise money for charities.

I donate my time to assist with fundraisers.

I encourage my clients donate their special occasion dresses to those less fortunate.

I help my bar/bat mitzvah clients find meaningful mitzvah projects.