Events management is a business idea or field I have discussed before. There are several niching options when it comes to events management. One of them is wedding planning. Wedding planning can be a smart choice in Zimbabwe given how often weddings are held. If you are one of those people who are passionate about wedding planning, then this article is for you. This one here is an entrepreneur profile and our eyes today are on Kevin The Wedding Planner. He is undoubtedly one of them, if not, the most notable wedding planners in Zimbabwe. You probably might remember him from his 2021 Valentine’s Day Luxe Flora bouquet roses that were costing between US$350 and US$700.
Who Is Kevin The Wedding Planner?
His full name is Tendai Kevin Zhou. He was born in Bulawayo, his mother passed when he was aged 7. During his primary and high school years, he lived with his grandparents. He subsequently relocated to Harare where he was living with his aunt.
He is a Wedding and Event Planner or Designer. He can do that anywhere in the world. He is one of the most reputable wedding planners in Zimbabwe. He has well over 50 weddings under his portfolio in Zimbabwe and beyond. He is responsible for events management from conception right through to execution. The type of events he does is exhibitions and fairs, weddings, conferences, promotions, product launches, and social events.
He also serves in the Zimpraise Trust’s Public Relations department. He is also passionate about empowering young people with event décor and floristry training. He actively serves in the Rotaract Club as well.
Business Interests
Kevin The Wedding Planner
Kevin The Wedding Planner is a brand. The specialization is in organizing top-notch bespoke weddings. The service range is broad and includes the following:
Complimentary Consultation Sessions
Unlimited In-Person Meetings
Budget Supervision
Design and Concept Planning
Venue Selection
Guest List Management
Pre-Ceremony Or Reception Onsite Walkthroughs
Final Décor Setup
Full-Day Wedding Coordination and Management
VIP Hosting
He is the Co-Founder of VIP Hosting. VIP Hosting is a luxury events design service. VIP Hosting is a comprehensive service event management, furniture hire, and designs firm; they design and plan special events. They provide customized, strategic event experiences. Their main thrust is personal relevance and memorability. They provide everything from the creative vision to the full rollout of any event. The other Co-Founder is Craig Zoowie who is an award-winning Stylist and Grooming Consultant. He is a Luxury Event Designer and has over 8 years of industry experience.
Education Profile
He received his primary school education at Hugh Beadle Primary School. His high school education was at Northlea High School. He then underwent Culinary Arts or Chef Training at the Culinary Arts Academy in Zimbabwe; graduated with a distinction. It was during that time that the drive to venture into event management started. This is because at one time he was an intern at a hotel and got to assist in events management.
Kevin was also trained at the South Africa School of Weddings. He has also undergone various training programs e.g. The Art of Planning Masterclass and The Coterie Retreat, amongst others. He has a Certified Chef qualification from City and Guilds. Additionally, he has certifications in Clothing Design and Technology. He is also a certified Interior Designer. You might be interested to know that Kevin initially wanted to pursue a career in medicine.
Accolades
2021 – Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 (Forbes)
October 2014 – January 2015: Kevin worked on an Indian Wedding Walima Reception at the Rainbow Towers Hotel together with VIP Hosting.
2015 – Was an awardee during the Zimpraise CEO’s Awards
Kevin was once invited to Mexico by the tourism board. He was one of a selected few from various countries to go experience Mexico’s tourism industry. The whole experience was concluded by a meet and greet with the Mexican President.
‘Believe in yourself and chase your dreams relentlessly’, is Kevin’s encouragement to you. His business philosophy is centred on prioritizing a firm focus on clients’ needs. He underscores the importance of gaining and delivering on the trust of your clients. This, he says, is what distinguishes you from others. By the way, Kevin is the one covering Olinda Chapel and Njabulo ‘Tytan’ Nkomo’s upcoming wedding as they renew their wedding vows on July 2nd 2022. He is someone to keep an eye on for entrepreneurial inspiration.
bmakombe@ymail.com