The Event Stylists

Tell us a little bit about your business journey, when did you set up and what does your business offer?

We set up our business, Rhubarb Events t/a The Event Stylists, in January 2023, originally starting it alongside our other jobs. At the time, we didn’t really know what to expect — we were just seeing what might happen. Within six months of launching, the workload had grown so much that we had both left our full-time employment to focus fully on the business. Since then, the journey has been incredible. In 2024 we won the National UK Florist of the Year Award at Kew Gardens, which was such an honour and highlight for us. We’ve also been nominated for the Wedding Dresser of the Year Award in the North West for the last two years — in 2024 we were highly commended, and we’ll see what happens at this year’s awards in November! Today, we’re proud to be working full time as The Event Stylists, providing wedding décor and planning services as well as corporate event dressing, and we’re excited for what’s to come.

How has the Enterprise Support Scheme helped your business?

The Enterprise Support Scheme has been a huge help in getting our business off the ground. The funding allowed us to invest in essential equipment and cover some of the early setup costs, which gave us the confidence to grow faster than we could have on our own. Beyond the financial support, the guidance and mentorship provided through the scheme have been invaluable — from learning about marketing strategies to understanding business planning. It’s really given us the tools and encouragement we needed to take our business to the next level.

How did you find the experience of receiving support? (from enquiry to final receipt of funding/training/advice)

Our experience of receiving support through the Enterprise Support Scheme was very positive. From the moment we first enquired, the team was approachable and responsive, making the process feel straightforward and not overwhelming. The application steps were clearly explained, and we always felt there was someone available to answer our questions along the way. Once approved, the transition to receiving the funding and training was smooth, and we felt supported at every stage. Overall, the process was professional, well-organised, and genuinely encouraging.

Tell us about your business – what do you enjoy most about the work you do?

Our business specialises in providing wedding décor and planning services, as well as corporate event dressing. What we enjoy most about the work we do is being part of those special moments — whether it’s creating a dream wedding setting for a couple or transforming a corporate event into something memorable and professional. We love the creativity that comes with designing unique themes and bringing our clients’ visions to life. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the joy and excitement on our clients’ faces when they walk into the finished venue. Every event is different, which keeps our work fresh, inspiring, and full of energy.

Why did you choose the Isle of Man as the destination for your business? 

We chose the Isle of Man as the destination for our business because it offers such a unique blend of community spirit, natural beauty, and opportunity. The island provides stunning backdrops for weddings and events, which makes our work even more special. There’s also a real sense of support for local businesses here, and we’ve been able to build great relationships with clients, venues, and suppliers. The Isle of Man feels like the perfect place to grow our business, as it allows us to deliver high-quality, personalised events while being part of a vibrant and supportive community.

Outside of work, what do you like to do?

How do you spend your free time? Outside of work, we’re both outdoors girls and spend much of our time on the farms where we live. Caring for our animals is a huge part of our daily lives, and we love the balance it gives us alongside running the business. We’re also both mums to young families, so family life is very important to us and keeps us busy in the best possible way. On top of that, we enjoy socialising with friends and family — whether it’s a catch-up over coffee, a night out, or simply quality time together. Having that mix of farm life, motherhood, and social time keeps us grounded and re-energised for the busy events we create.

How did you hear about the support schemes offered by the Department for Enterprise?

We first heard about the support schemes offered by the Department for Enterprise through word of mouth. Other local business owners had spoken positively about their experiences, which encouraged us to look into the schemes ourselves. From there, we explored the options available and quickly realised how valuable the support could be for helping us grow and develop our business.

Would you recommend the support scheme to other businesses and what would be your top tips for going through the application process?

Absolutely yes — we would definitely recommend the support scheme to other businesses. It’s been such a valuable source of funding, guidance, and encouragement for us, and we believe other businesses could really benefit from it too. Our top tips for going through the application process would be to take the time to gather all the information you need in advance, be clear about your goals and how the support will help you achieve them, and don’t be afraid to ask questions along the way. The team is very approachable and supportive, so use that to your advantage. Staying organised and focused makes the whole process much smoother.