Successful Sistas is an interview series featuring successful women pursuing their dream careers.
Job Title: Owner of Praise Unlimited Weddings [praiseunlimitedweddings.com]
Job Description: Wedding planner, floral designer, etc.
Why did you decide to pursue this field? [I] always liked decorating and doing floral arrangements. After 21 years of being a foster parent to 91 foster children, my husband retired, and we made the decision to just do respite foster care and [allow] me to do my dream job. For the past eight years, I have run my business debt-free, and [it's]growing daily.
What do you love most about your job? Helping brides make their dream wedding fit their budget.
What is the most stressful aspect of your job? Bridezillas, over controlling mothers or other family members.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? Hearing a bride say,”It’s just what I wanted.”
What’s the craziest thing that’s happened at work? I should have known we were headed for trouble when the couple wanted beer mugs for their toasting glasses. The cake had barbed wire and cows on it, and the colors did not match. They brought in horse troughs for the beer. The mom got drunk and cursed out everyone, and the bride was crying. What were they thinking? Many vendors did not get all their money due them. [It's] a wedding we won’t forget and sure don’t want to repeat.
Describe a typical day at work for you. Each day is different for my business. We have rentals so Monday is return and wash day for linens starting at 7 AM. Tuesday and Wednesday is meeting with brides by appointment. Thursday, we start loading vans for weekend deliveries and decorating. Friday is decorating and rehearsal day. Saturday is last minute decorating and directing day.
What advice or tips would you give someone who wants to do what you do? Find someone who is successful in the business that’s not close to where you live, and ask them all the ins and outs of the business. Take a class to be certified. Try to run your business as close to debt-free as possible.
Finish this sentence: This career is for you if___This career is for you if you are creative and have the patience to do what your client wants and you have the flexibility of hours.
