Behind the Hustle: Iman Dean (@eventsagencynyc)
“Always remember to fall asleep with a dream and wake up with a purpose.”
Before making her mark in New York City’s ultra competitive catering market, Iman Dean learned the field from her parents by way of their family business, Kim’s Katering. Honing her craft until she turned sweet 16, the eager Tampa, Florida native took her talents up north to “The Concrete Jungle,” where she would start off hosting various Manhattan hotspots like chic establishments Babbo, Nobu and Jean-Georges’ Spice Market. Over the course of five years, she did whatever it took to make the venue run smoothly. And it was this diligence that earned her a manager position at Patroon, where Iman discovered the artistry behind the “universal language of food.” Keenly aware that while hands-on training was priceless, formal training would maximize her talents, Iman enrolled in City College, taking courses in Hospitality and Event Planning. She also took a variety of culinary courses at the Culinary Institute Of America. While in school, Iman consulted for up-and-coming eateries. The result was becoming Manager and Director of Events for the upscale Puerto Rican establishment, Sofrito, which increased in name recognition and buzz during her tenure. From there, she bolstered her clientele working with the Hudson River Café which garnered rave reviews from customers and media, alike, such as Crain’s Online Business Magazine who gave high praise to Iman as a “savvy professional.” Iman continues to keep her roots in the food industry by serving as a personal restaurant savant and guide in New York City for friends and colleagues. Which is why the online publication XI Magazine made her their first and only weekly food writer, conducting restaurant reviews as well as interviews with the likes of Bobby Flay and G. Garvin. Exceeding expectations that even she never conjured in her sleep, Iman Dean is a living testament that from passion comes skill, endless opportunity…and purpose.
“hi, my name is…”
The world knows me as(name): Iman Dean – but some call me Ms. Sweet Potato – the terminator with a smile…
I’ve also been known to respond to the names: Ms. Dean, ID, The Dean, Snuggs (only one person calls me this) J
I am wicked good at(brag!): making people feel good.
Least favorite house chore: DISHES!
My go-to guilty pleasure food is: Fish Tacos or anything Mexican…
Favorite App: I guess IG but they all drive me insane, my phone rules my life.. HELP
Favorite quote: Fall seven times, stand up eight
“The Hustle”
Job Title: Owner- CEO
Professional Superpower: Business Development and Planning
My primary role in the events industry is: assure my clients experience events the way they want them.
Years in the events industry: 8
To me, being an event hustler means: Bringing life to milestone moments, conceptualizing unique ideas and making people feel like they are not working with a planner but with a friend who cares about what they want and how they feel.
The top 2 most surprising things I’ve learned about the events industry since starting are:
- The community of planners is a lot tighter than I expected, unlike other industries, planners are eager to work with likeminded people.
- There are so many types of planners…
How did you get your start in the events industry? It was by chance coming from the restaurant industry with a huge database of clients, I started promoting parties part time. From there some of my venue partners saw I had more to offer and encouraged me to turn it into a bigger production… I did!
My biggest event industry pet peeve is: Seeing events not executed properly.
“No such thing as TMI”
One thing that would really surprise people to learn about me is: I am really into soft electronic music, like A LOT
You can only keep 2 albums in your entire music collection -those albums would be: not a fair question- The Dynasty – Jay Z and Urban Flora – Galimatias & Alina Baraz
10yr old me thought I’d grow up to be: a lawyer
Text or phone call?: phone please, I am horrible with text.
Android or iphone?: IPhone
Toilet paper roll – Over or under?: Over
Connect with Iman:
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