Member News
Donna Smithey Wins "Serial Entrepreneur" Dandi Award
“The best business advice I ever got was do what you say you’re going to do and get everything in writing,” said Donna Smithey owner of Tallahassee’s premier party and event rental business, In Tents Events. Smithey shared this advice at e2eConnect’s First Annual Dandi Award celebration where she won the Dandi Award in the “Serial Entrepreneur” category. The event honored local entrepreneurs in seven different categories.
Smithey began her entrepreneurial career in south Florida with the opening of two community theaters. In 1983 she moved to Tallahassee and dove into the party & event industry with the purchase of a Singing Tallygram business. Eight years later she purchased Balloon’s Unlimited which she owned for eight years until developing a life-threatening latex allergy caused from the over exposure to latex balloons. Her balloon days were over and in December 1999 In Tents Events was born.
In Tents Events is a full-service party and event rental business specializing in marquee tents, tables, chairs, linens, tent flooring, dance floors, lighting, staging and a variety of unique rental items. They’ve been honored with the People’s Choice Tally Award for “Best Party Rentals” for three years in a row. Their highly experienced staff prides themselves on top-notch customer service and quality unique rentals.
The naming of the Dandi Award was inspired by the dandelion and its ability to thrive under any conditions. Smithey’s grit and determination to overcome adversity and succeed in her business ventures reflects the true entrepreneurial spirit. Watch Smithey’s unique acceptance speech here: http://youtu.be/hiL07qtFZgQ.