Creating Peace by Piece

Working as a young waitress in the city of Detroit, Terri Hammond discovered she was a people person. She loved meeting new faces, making new friends, and creating memories. 

After more than two decades of living a successful career in the hospitality industry, the Dallas-Fort Worth entrepreneur still works hard every day with the same zeal and enthusiasm. 

“My first job was as a waitress in a small diner when I was 17 years old,” Terri said. “Then my first hotel job was as a hostess, banquet server, bartender, and then a catering sales manager. I was hooked! I enjoy meeting new people daily.”

Terri moved from Detroit to Corpus Christi in 1993. After working for a private country club as the catering director, she went to work for Omni Hotels, first in catering senior sales, then in hotel room sales. In 2008, she was promoted and moved to Omni Mandalay in Irving. 

“Moving from Michigan to Texas was a low point, not knowing anyone, but I am not a quitter,” Terri said. “I started getting involved in the chamber and volunteering and soon made many, many great friends and business alliances along the way.

“Being outgoing and a people person, I just had to remind myself what my mother taught me — go after it, hard work always pays off as a positive result, it takes time and determination. Of course, she is always right with her words of wisdom,” shared Terri, who has lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for the past 16 years.

 Terri started working with HPN Global in January 2012 as an independent meeting planner and site selection manager. She assisted many companies, associations, and government groups in placing their training and conferences worldwide. She also built a small business called Partners Meetings and Events Matter.

“Being a single mom and raising a boy was also a strong motivator as the sole provider. It is never easy, but every circumstance has helped me grow. If you are not failing, you are not moving forward and learning more daily.”

Success in any career demands excellent listening skills, flexibility, honesty, and patience, which Terri has built up over the years. Assisting people is her passion, and she’s a pro at it. Many of her clients are now her good friends. 

“I love to hear how couples meet — my first question to them is, please tell me how your love story began. I met my first destination couple from a corporate event I had organized for their construction companies. I became very close to one of the HR gals, and she asked me if I would assist her in planning her
second wedding.”

The couple got married in Cabo, Mexico. “It was magical,” Terri shared. “I was there, and it was a privilege to have seen them on one of the happiest days of their lives. We are still very good friends.” 

“I assisted a young couple to throw their parents a surprise 25th anniversary party and recently assisted them again with their parents’ 50th wedding anniversary party. Seeing the smiles and photos of those two events was very gratifying and rewarding. These stories motivate me every day.”

Last year, Terri started her own wedding and event management business, “The Perfect Piece.” The tagline Creating Memories Peace by Piece speaks the truth that life is all about solving the puzzle. The Perfect Piece takes care of the planning and execution of weddings, events, and group travels. The business envisions making couples of all kinds happy and less stressed, creating memories, peace by piece. 

Along with her work and business, Terri’s active community involvements prove her impact and influence. She has been giving back to the community through organizations like Dynamic Women’s Alliance, North Tarrant County Chamber, Meals on Wheels, Mid Cities Food Bank, etc. She’s been honored with Omni President Circle Member, Corporate Achievement Award from Six Flags of Arlington, North Tarrant County Chamber Diplomat, and many such awards. Terri loves traveling, attending concerts, and
watching sports. 

“Let’s continue to support each other, network, and meet new people, and we will have many wonderful opportunities to live, love, laugh, and have a successful life with many joyful memories,” she added.