Interview in prestonbailey.com
Tell us a Little about yourself and your journey into Planning?
The opportunity to explore this industry came about in a very special way. After obtaining my dream job at one of the most prestigious companies in my country, my mother had to have knee surgery. I decided to quit my job to take care of her. At this point in time, I took a break and reevaluated my options. My best friend at the time was helping me taking care of my mother and driving her to her therapy sessions. A year later, I was planning my wedding as we became engaged! It was then that this part of my journey began. After my wedding, I realized that a lot of people were calling me. My mother was feeling very excited, and we decided that we wanted to do something new. That’s how we set up Elegant Flowers! Today we are about to celebrate our 10 year anniversary!
Congratulations! What do you enjoy most about being a planner and what do you find is most challenging?
I really enjoy all that I do. My job constantly keeps me interested and in my mother’s company. What I like most is event planning. It was for this reason that I got certified as a Wedding & Event Planner and, of course, I learned from the best! The challenge for me is flower arrangement. I understand the language of flowers, but it is my mother who executes most of the actual arrangements. I handle the event planning part of the business.
What is the most rewarding event that you have ever received from a client?
I have felt rewarded by every single one of them, and not just by way of planning. I get so involved with each client that all of the brides end up being my friends! Obviously, we are not just talking about monetary rewards, but of achievement and personal satisfaction. In this business, one does not always make a lot of money. At times, earnings are minimal, but that does not make it less interesting or rewarding for me. It must be profitable, for sure, but each event allows me to participate and become a fundamental part of a great story. I simply love what I do.
What are you most inspired by?
I am inspired by a lot of things: nature and its colors, fashion and trends, and people I know. The brides are my biggest source of inspiration. Listening to their stories makes my imagination fly. When we meet for the first time they tell me their stories and I start imagining how that day will look.