In the heart of Prescott, Arizona, Annie and Holly Favour, the spirited duo behind One Hundred Chairs Events, embody the essence of their hometown's values. Their story, steeped in the history of a fourth-generation Prescott family, paints a picture of two entrepreneurs whose local roots deeply influence their business ethos. The mission of the Favour sisters evolved into a dual purpose: to offer a service they are passionate about while maintaining a steadfast commitment to preserving the small-town charm and personalized service that defines the Prescott business community. 

A Personal Reflection

Over nearly two years of curating this online magazine, I've encountered a myriad of remarkable individuals, gaining invaluable insights into the journeys and trials behind their success in both life and business. Yet, the narrative of Annie and Holly Favour strikes a profoundly different chord with me. The fortitude and integrity of small business owners in our community never cease to amaze me. Engaging with Annie and Holly felt like embarking on a journey of profound self-discovery, leading me to question and re-evaluate my own life perspectives. Their authenticity, intelligence, and grace are extraordinary. Throughout life’s journey, one occasionally crosses paths with individuals who seem divinely anointed, possessing a rare blend of struggle and grace that defies explanation. Annie and Holly are such individuals; a reminder of the extraordinary human spirit and the profound impact it can have.

Meeting the Favour Sisters

My introduction to the Favour sisters dates back to the early days of launching Prescott Days Magazine. As newcomers from California (though Codi is a local), we naively reached out to them to seek their expertise and partner with us for our launch party. To our surprise and gratitude, not only did they agree to collaborate, but their involvement transformed that evening into something truly magical. This experience sparked a curiosity about the Favour sisters, who had effortlessly made us feel at home in Prescott and inspired us in the nascent stage of our business venture.

So with the kids, drone, and camera in tow, we embarked on a journey to the One Hundred Chairs facility, eager for deeper insights. Initially, I half-expected to find a bustling team managing calls and handling computers. However, it quickly became evident that One Hundred Chairs operates as a highly efficient and streamlined operation. Annie and Holly are the conductors of their creative and logistical orchestras, working with their skilled team to create unforgettable memories. One Hundred Chairs Event Productions confidently stands at the crossroads of art and commerce, transforming any space into a magical stage.

 Annie’s Journey

Annie Favour, a proud graduate of Northern Arizona University embarked on a professional journey that took her through various management roles in the local business landscape. This initial phase of her career was more than just a job; it was a foundational experience that allowed insights into the intricacies of customer service and the inner workings of business operations. Her time in these roles was a masterclass in understanding client needs and navigating the complex dynamics of the business world.

As her career progressed, Annie's path took a turn towards a more personal endeavor—homeschooling her children. This period was not just a hiatus from the professional world but a transformative experience that honed her innate qualities of leadership, patience, and creativity. Homeschooling demands a level of dedication and adaptability that is rarely found in traditional work environments. It was during this time that Annie cultivated a unique set of leadership and people skills you just can’t learn in school.

This combination of professional experience in business management and the personal growth gained from homeschooling converged to shape Annie's role at One Hundred Chairs Events. Her background became the cornerstone of the company's approach—one that is deeply personalized, detail-oriented, and client-focused. Annie's journey instilled in her an understanding of how to deliver services that not only meet but exceed client expectations, ensuring that each event is a reflection of her commitment to excellence and innovation.

Holly’s Journey

Holly Favour's career trajectory, though initially paralleling her sister Annie's at NAU, diverged in a uniquely extreme direction. Drawn to the challenging world of professional rodeo, a passion deeply rooted in her childhood memories with her father, Holly embraced a path filled with adventure and competition. This choice wasn't just about following a hobby; it was about dedicating herself to a lifestyle that demanded discipline, courage, and some grit.

Recognizing the need for a flexible educational route that could accommodate her rodeo pursuits, Holly chose to study fashion merchandising through online courses. This decision reflected her ability to adapt and innovate, balancing her academic goals with her commitment to rodeo. The world of rodeo, known for its rigorous demands and intense competition, became Holly's training ground, far beyond the physical aspects. It taught her invaluable life lessons in perseverance, strategic thinking, and the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement.

These qualities, cultivated in the high-stakes environment of Rodeo, have integrated into Holly's approach to business. In the realm of event planning, her ability to see the big picture while articulating small details translates to excellence. Her meticulous attention to detail and drive for self-improvement ensure that One Hundred Chairs Events is always at the forefront of innovation and creativity. Holly brings an energizing perspective that is dynamic and forward-thinking. The success of One Hundred Chairs is prima facie evidence that life experiences contribute to a successful, multifaceted business approach.

The Fusion of Experiences

The Favour sisters weave together a tapestry of experiences, where their distinct journeys create a harmonious blend of traditional values and innovative practices. This synergy forms the heartbeat of their business, combining Annie and Holly’s unique talents. Their shared values, rooted in a sense of community, manifest as a commitment to excellence and personalized service. 

“We are fourth-generation Prescottonians, so our roots to Prescott are strong and, in our opinion, say a lot about how we were raised and what we felt were non-negotiables when it came to what we wanted our business qualities to reflect. Maintaining the best qualities of everyone's hometown drives a lot of our business decisions: personalized service, relationship building, quality, and camaraderie,” the Favour sisters emphasize.

Their generous support of a fledgling local digital magazine is a testament to this, underscoring the Favour sisters' commitment to uplifting other local businesses. As they forge ahead, expanding the reach of One Hundred Chairs, Annie and Holly continue to demonstrate how a blend of local roots and life experience can create a business that is not only successful but also deeply impactful and integral to the community.

Sibling Dynamics

Having worked with a sibling myself, I was curious about how the Favour Sisters have managed to bridge the divide between personal and professional roles. For Annie and Holly, the intertwining of these roles does present challenges, particularly in balancing their business and personal lives. However, these challenges often lead to rewarding experiences. Their strong mutual respect and enjoyment of each other's company made the transition into a business partnership a smooth one. They recognize and capitalize on their differing strengths, understanding that each brings unique and equally important qualities to their venture. This blend of sisterhood and partnership has created a special dynamic in their business, making the journey not just successful but also uniquely fulfilling.

The Inception of One Hundred Chairs Events

Annie and Holly’s journey with One Hundred Chairs began in a serendipitous and inspiring manner. Their entry into the event industry wasn’t born from a long-held plan but rather from a fortunate convergence of opportunity and passion. Their enthusiasm for crafting memorable experiences for friends and family became the driving force propelling them into professional event production. This natural progression transformed their heartfelt hobby into a business that continues to bring joy to both them and their clients.

"The Favour Flavor"—a moniker I bestowed upon them for their unique ability to make large spaces feel intimate—perfectly captures the distinctive touch the sisters bring to their designs. Their venture began when the opportunity to take over the business from respected local entrepreneurs in Prescott presented itself. Recognizing this as a once-in-a-lifetime chance, Annie and Holly's innate ambition spurred them to seize the moment. Their passion for celebrating life’s moments became the cornerstone of their business ethos, with their approach to event planning rooted in the desire to create meaningful and lasting memories.

Overcoming Challenges

Annie and Holly Favour's initial foray into managing One Hundred Chairs was characterized by a blend of enthusiasm and formidable challenges. Their ambition to expand the business was met with the practical hurdle of streamlining operations, a task that proved to be a significant learning curve. “The dream of growth was there, but the know-how to streamline in order to maintain it was a real struggle for a while. Annie and Holly reflect, "Taking the reins of a business by jumping in first was both the best thing and the hardest thing for us."

The most daunting aspect of their journey was the overwhelming sense of struggling to keep pace with the demands of the business. Being responsible for every facet, from client communications and order preparations to the physical delivery of items, presented a relentless daily challenge. The pre-existing bookings and commitments of One Hundred Chairs meant there was no grace period for the Favour sisters to gradually acclimate; they had to hit the ground running.

The need to manage the business's rapid growth, develop its distinctive brand and systems, and learn the ins and outs of entrepreneurship all at once added to the pressure. Balancing these professional demands with their personal lives added another layer of complexity. The late-night worries about logistical details, or fixing unexpected issues, were emblematic of the constant vigilance and adaptability required in their roles.

Annie and Holly's experience underscores the multifaceted nature of taking over an existing business. It involves not just inheriting a brand, but also quickly adapting to its rhythm, understanding its operations, and integrating their vision into its framework. Navigating these initial challenges demanded their full dedication and adaptability. Their journey demonstrates that a strong commitment to one's goals, along with a willingness to learn and evolve, can transform daunting challenges into opportunities for success.

Creating Memorable Events

The Favour sisters’ journey is punctuated with numerous memorable events that have left a lasting impact on them. While weddings always hold special significance, marking momentous life transitions, they also revel in celebrating other milestones—be it birthday parties, showers, or appreciation events. Each event offers a unique canvas to paint unforgettable experiences.

However, it's the events in which they are involved from the ground up—from the design development stage to providing curated rental pieces and finally styling the event—that hold a particularly special place in their hearts. These occasions offer a deeper connection with their clients, allowing them to witness the evolution of an idea into a beautiful celebration. This involvement, from conceptualization to realization, is where the true magic happens.

Closing the warehouse door after such an event is always a mix of feelings. There's undeniable exhaustion, event production requires hard work and long hours. But more overpowering is the elation and inspiration that come from seeing their vision come to life and knowing they’ve created lasting memories for their clients. This sense of fulfillment and the bonds they form with their clients make every challenge worthwhile, reinforcing their passion for what they do.

In essence, Annie and Holly find that the physical tiredness fades quickly in light of the emotional and creative satisfaction they gain from each event. It's these experiences that fuel their drive and make their journey as event planners not just successful but profoundly meaningful. The story of Annie and Holly Favour and One Hundred Chairs speaks to the power of community, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. Their journey continues to inspire, setting the example that with passion and commitment, remarkable achievements are possible.