I figure my first post here will be the biggest piece of news - the official launch of the business! This is a project I’ve been thinking about and chipping away at for a while, but the stars have aligned and the timing seems right to pull the trigger to finally launch the business.

Welcome to TENEIGHTYONE. A brand marketing and events agency.

To introduce myself - my name is Ryan Smith. Proudly born and raised in the suburbs of Adelaide in South Australia, a career in product development, retail buying and brand management took me to Melbourne and overseas for a number of years.

During this time, I developed products and brands for Myer and JayJays, managed social media accounts when brands were just starting to use those as tools to engage with customers, and then worked for licensing agency Haven, where I helped to strategically bring brands such as WWE, Pusheen, Tokidoki, Pantone and products from artists including Frida Kahlo, Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat to the Australian market. I worked on projects with all the major retailers - Target, Kmart, Cotton On and more, plus some niche brands and labels including Peter Alexander, Gorman and cycling brand Attaquer.

I worked with Westfield Doncaster on their events and social media, and also managed the Target account for manufacturing company Designworks, bringing Bluey, Peanuts and Warner Bros product to the market.

In 2020 I studied the award-winning Diploma in Event Management and Cert III in Live Production at Holmesglen TAFE and found my second calling in Event Management. Working for various clients, couples and councils I’ve just about done it all - conceptualised, planned and executed weddings, parties and brand launches, been an MC for the main stage of a festival and hosted numerous events both big and small. From event manager to coordinator, assistant to everything in between - the past few years have really kept my on my toes.

But after enduring the crazy Melbourne lockdowns during 2020, I opted to move back to SA to be closer to family and have settled down in beautiful Port Elliot on the Fleurieu Peninsula where I’ve worked to launch Salt at the Elliot’s Wine Bar and Event Space over the past Summer - and where I still do occasional freelance work. The first official clients of TENEIGHTYONE.

And so - here I am. With a wealth of experience ready to support local businesses, residents and our region in any way I can. Wedding Planner, Event Manager, MC, Host, Social Media Manager, Copywriter and Brand Marketer Ryan Smith, at your service.

Get in touch, I’d love to hear from you.

- Ryan Smith.
Director, TENEIGHTYONE.
19/09/2023