We had the good fortune of connecting with Doris Goodson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Doris, can you tell us about a book that has had a meaningful impact on you?
Excellent Question!

The “Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz are four powerful principles that can guide you to personal freedom and a fulfilling life:

1. **Be Impeccable with Your Word**: Speak with integrity and say only what you mean. Avoid using your words to speak against yourself or to gossip about others.

2. **Don’t Take Anything Personally**: Understand that what others say and do is a reflection of their own reality, not yours. By not taking things personally, you can free yourself from unnecessary suffering.

3. **Don’t Make Assumptions**: Instead of making guesses about what others are thinking or feeling, ask questions and communicate clearly. This helps avoid misunderstandings and conflict.

4. **Always Do Your Best**: Your best will vary from day to day, but by always doing your best, you can avoid self-judgment and regret. Doing your best helps you stay aligned with the previous agreements.

The four agreements promote personal growth, improved relationships, and a more peaceful life. I have laminated printouts of these agreements in several places around my home and office as a daily reminder.

What should our readers know about your business?
Overcoming challenges as a small business owner and event producer is a bit like being the star of a reality TV show—full of drama, unexpected plot twists, and the occasional meltdown! One minute, I’m negotiating with a vendor about the perfect shade of indigo, and the next, I’m solving a last-minute seating crisis because someone thought ‘plus one’ meant ‘plus ten.’

You learn to embrace the chaos like it’s your quirky best friend. I’ve mastered the art of turning ‘Oh no!’ moments into ‘Aha!’ solutions—like when the cake arrives and it’s, well, more Picasso than pastry. It’s all about improvisation and a sprinkle of creativity.

And let’s not forget the power of a good cup of coffee (or three) and an unwavering belief that every challenge is just another opportunity to create a memorable story.

So, whether it’s dodging last-minute changes or charming a room full of guests, I tackle it all with a smile, a dash of humor, and the mantra that if I can survive this, I can survive anything—bring on the next event!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Who am I, you ask? Well, I’m a delightful mosaic crafted from a vibrant array of influences that have crossed my path. Take my cousin Sarah Murray, for instance—she’s got a heart so big it could double as a cozy blanket, always approaching life with empathy and an insatiable curiosity. A talented real estate agent and dedicated mother.

Then there’s my former boss, Trinity Gawthrop, a self-made powerhouse who’s as strategic as a chess grandmaster and leads by example, proving that actions speak louder than words.

I can’t forget my dear friend Margie Newman Tsay, who sees the value in my work and champions me like a true advocate, whether I’m in the room or not.

My husband, Felix Goodson, who is a master salesman and my unrelenting hype man, always ready to lift me up.

Let’s not overlook my vendor partnerships, which transform my events from ordinary to extraordinary, or my incredible girlfriends who lift me up like a well-timed motivational speaker.

And, of course, there’s my sweet baby Chloe—7 going on 33—who always keeps it real. She is my comedic relief and my greatest teacher.

In essence, I’m a patchwork quilt of inspiration, shaped by these remarkable individuals and many more, each adding a unique piece to my story and business success.

Website: https://www.SanDiegoEventsCompany.com

Instagram: sandiegoeventscompany

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorisdunkelgoodson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SanDiegoEventsCompany

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/san-diego-events-company-san-diego

Image Credits
www.amysuemillard.com
www.jessicarice.co
www.focusedbliss.com

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.