This Georgia based southern transplant has a passion for weddings and events. Based in St. Simons this event entrepreneur has a passion for creativity and her community. Learn more about Terrace Skaggs and her entrepreneurial story.
Your Name:
Terrica Skaggs
Business Name:
Cocktails & Details®
What You Provide:
Wedding Planning and Design
Where are you based?
Saint Simons Island, GA
Why did you decide to start a business?
I have always been a natural born entertainer and planner. I adore a good party. I love people. I enjoy great food and cocktails. Instead of pursuing a career in criminal law, I decided to follow a passion of celebration and love.
What is your favorite client story?
We had a wedding that we knew would be wrapped up in emotion and stress, as the groom’s father tragically passed away one week prior to the wedding in a boating accident. With the myriad of things to tend to, the bride didn’t realize that she didn’t pack her custom sand ceremony set until she was walking up the aisle. We ran to get the next best thing we could find— salt and pepper. Their officiant came up with the most amazing speech about being the salt and pepper in their lives— to offer flavor, grounding, spirit and vitality to one another through good times and bad. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house! The bride and groom wrote vows to not only each other but to their parents, their honor attendants gave out of this world speeches and the couple even planned the proposal of one of the groomsmen and bridesmaids in the middle of the dance floor. This ended up being one of the most amazing weddings of my career— after such tragedy, these families still pressed on in remembrance, love and happiness.
What is your website?
Who are some of your business idols?
Oprah and Walt Disney.
Do you have any mentors?
Sasha Souza is the most amazing mentor that I have ever had in any industry. She pours herself into people and commits to their success. The depth of my appreciation knows no bounds.
What is your favorite thing about being southern?
I’m a southern transplant—I relocated from Baltimore to the South, from where both sides of my family originate. One thing that was constantly instilled into me from both sides is a strong sense of family and hospitality. I carry that throughout my business, interaction with my team and fellow professionals. The warmth you give and get in the South is undeniable and irreplaceable.
What is your favorite southern dish?
Honestly, I just love a good biscuit. Living in Baltimore, I had no idea shrimp and grits was a “thing”, or that my area had a whole festival dedicated to it. Once I tried it, I was hooked. Just done, honey. It was a wrap for me. So, yeah— a thick, buttermilk biscuit, shrimp and grits and fried okra, oh, and some peach cobbler and I am there.
What is the most important thing you have done to build your business?
Hire a mentor. You cannot be a success in an echo chamber. You have to push yourself beyond the interactions of a peer group on social media. You need to invest in yourself by having someone invest in you. Having someone shine a light on your work, brand and process is the best way for you to pick out flaws and imperfections, as well as capitalize on your strengths.
What are your favorite southern brands?
Confession…and I’m not just saying this, but Black Southern Belle. Black women and the South, typically have a preconceived notion about what their personas should be. We’re beautiful, we’re homemakers, we’re innovators, we’re hostesses, we’re creators. We’re warm, charismatic stylish and smart. I love BSB because it shows that Black women are a big part of the fabric of the South, far beyond the roles of servitude that fade into the background.
What is your favorite item or piece of clothing to wear/use while doing business?
My Tieks and Apple Watch for wedding days! Office days— Spotify and our virtual office.
Credits:
1113, 1135, 1157, headshots, cocktails & details blog images : Brooke Roberts Photography – www.brookerobertsphotography.
ALP_B_W_AE_0013: Agnes Lopez Photography – www.agneslopez.com
Bradley & Katie – Tamara Gibson Photography – www.tamara-gibson.com
DKL – DKL Weddings – www.dklweddings.com
Duncan Petrie – Chris Moncus Photography – www.chrismoncus.com
Kadi and Matt, Greenery Runner – Meg Hill Photography – www.meghillphoto.com
MaggieConnor, Villa Marianna Wedding – Izzy Hudgins Photography – www.izzyhudgins.com
South Carolina Wedding – Christopher Brock Photography – www.chrisbrock.org
Headshot Images: Tamara Gibson Photography (www.tamara-gibson.com) at Straton Hall (www.stratonhall.com),