BY: ALYSSA MAHADEO
Entrepreneurship starts with an idea. The endeavour to create and build your own business from the ground up and manage the operation yourself is alluring to many of this generation as it allows for the freedom to be your own boss and command things your way.
“I always wanted to start a business, but I wasn’t sure what exactly I wanted to do,” explains Stevon Dyer, owner of the newly established Event Center Toronto.
Like many individuals, Stevon was drawn to embark on the path of entrepreneurship, unsure of what he would like to do, or what would make a successful business venture.
“My wife, Nafeesa, works in the wedding industry, and I work alongside her, so I decided to stay with what we were familiar with which is why I started the Event Center Toronto,” Stevon says.
Born in Trinidad, hailing from San Fernando, La Romain, Stevon came to Canada in 1993 as a young boy, settling in Montreal with his family.
“I was never the type to want to work for somebody, I knew one day I would eventually own my own business, but before that, I worked for other people not because I wanted to, but because you have to,” he shares.
“When I was a kid, I was interested in things like basketball, I thought I would become a basketball player,” Stevon laughs, knowing that sometimes dreams do work out like you want them too.
The custom when children are growing up is to enforce the importance of good education. Many people go through the motions of High School, College or University and some are lucky to end up in careers that they actually enjoy. It’s the dreamers, those people who have other hopes and aspirations for what they wanted to do with their lives that end up on the path to entrepreneurship.
“Even after some people finish College they ever end up in the field they wanted to, and it’s important for me to have a passion for what I do,” Stevon points out.
“Whenever I’m working on something, I like to give it 110% and that’s why I’m the guy they put in charge when things need to get done. I don’t play around when it comes to work.”
Stevon comes from a very entrepreneurial family, who are inspiring business owners and shining examples of who he aspires to be. “I grew up on a farm back home, and so I was always around businessmen and women who laid the foundation for all that I know.”
After meeting his wife Nafeesa, the owner of her own business Princess Decor and Gifts Stevon shares that his journey to entrepreneurship took a hard turn in the right direction.
“Since I met Nafeesa we’ve been on this whole business adventure,” he explains as his own business ties in perfectly with her existing one. “When I met her, I told her that I wanted to start a business, but I also didn’t want to start something just to start something.”
Princess Decor is a floral and decor company that specializes in elaborate outstanding decor pieces and beautiful real flower arrangements and centerpieces for weddings and events.
Stevon and Nafeesa have been working together for the past six years, helping each other out with whatever needs to get done.
“I had been working part-time, while also working alongside Nafeesa, and it became too much,” Stevon says, “The time commitment with her business working late nights, as well as my part-time job, had me working seven days a week.”
They got the name for the business a year ago initially planning on opening up a banquet hall called The Event Center. “We found a place, but it was too small, I wanted something local, easy to manage in a justifiable location, but after looking into all of the rules and regulations we would have to meet I squashed the whole idea,” Stevon shares.
The Event Center Toronto is a Boutique Rental Company, where you can come explore a showroom of premium rental equipment and props to make your next event the most fabulous you’ve ever seen. At The Event Center, you can choose from a selection of centerpieces, mandaps, backdrop sets, linens, decorative mirrors and other props that you would need to make your event stand out.
They specialize in one of a kind custom ornate panels, stage props, crystal centerpieces, elegant stage furniture and so much more.
“We rent out all of the items in our showroom and warehouse stock to decorators, and the general public to pick up and drop off when they are done,” Stevon explains.
The Event Center does not deliver or set up any of the items that they rent out, but they provide high-quality premium rental equipment that is easy to assemble and will be sure to add that extra sparkle to your event.
“I want this business to go as far as it possibly can, and I know it will get there eventually, but it’s going to take time,” Stevon shares. “Small business ownership is something more people choose to pursue because people enjoy working for themselves, and just because you work for yourself, it doesn’t mean you have to work less, you have to put in more than 200%.”
Stevon says that he wants people to know that they are a very reliable rental company if they have what you need in stock, it’s as simple as renting it out and pick it up hassle free.
“Because Nafeesa was already in the industry, and she was already familiar with it I decided to stick with it and start this business,” Stevon says. “We rent to business owners with a license as well as the public which is what makes us unique.”
Both Stevon and Nafeesa are experienced, easy going and friendly people. They work to help all of their clients by answering any questions they might have to ensure their event looks amazing.
“We help each other, I help her and she helps me with the things I don’t have experience with,” Stevon says, “I follow her lead when it comes to a lot of things she has the connections and knows the best ways to streamline the business to get the ball rolling.”
The Event Center is located at 222 Advance Blvd, Unit 6 in Brampton, and they will be hosting their very first open house July 10th from 6-9pm. They invite you to come by anytime to browse their selection of premium rental equipment and hope to help you with all your rental needs!
