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  • 514 TARA GUERARD: Global Tastemaker with Southern Hospitality

    514 TARA GUERARD: Global Tastemaker with Southern Hospitality
    2024/09/09
    If you have been a longtime listener of the podcast, then today’s voice may sound familiar to you as it is her third appearance on the show! Andy is so thrilled to welcome back Tara Guerard, owner and creative director of Tara Guerard Soirée headquartered out of Charleston, South Carolina (and with an additional office in New York City). Tara is recognized as one of the nation's leading tastemakers globally, and she is here to share some exciting updates since she was last on the show. Listen as she and Andy reflect on the profound changes brought about by the pandemic and how it has influenced their approach to client relationships. Tara shares her struggle with the shift to virtual meetings, highlighting why it's important to have in-person connections and how much she values reading a client's body language and energy, something that is unfortunately difficult to replicate over the phone or through a screen. Tara shares some insights into maintaining energy and inspiration after decades in the business. She credits her success to her naturally high energy levels and an unrelenting desire to learn and grow, revealing her plans to pursue new creative endeavors when she turns 60. Tara also discusses the challenges of working in diverse locations where the level of service may not meet her high standards, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and her commitment to ensuring that every event is executed as flawlessly as possible. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of creativity and business, and Andy had such a great time chatting with her again! If you enjoy the show, then Andy urges you not to keep it to yourself! Share it with a few people you know who might also enjoy it and get something out of it, and he would also be grateful if you were to subscribe to the podcast if you aren't already so that you never miss a new episode! Be sure to also leave a top review wherever you listen because that really helps out the show and helps people find it! Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network. SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute! Time Stamps [0:26] - We learn that today's guest is returning guest Tara Guerard of Tara Guerard Soirée. [2:26] - Tara elaborates upon how meeting clients in person is more effective for connection than communicating electronically. [5:11] - High energy and enthusiasm drive Tara's lifelong learning and future aspirations, even at 55. [7:08] - Each wedding's uniqueness keeps Tara's work exciting, even when using her least favorite flowers! [10:22] - Pleasing people has fueled Tara's success, although she does sometimes go to extreme lengths to make others happy. [11:57] - The biggest challenge in wedding planning is working with vendors unfamiliar with high service standards. [14:48] - Tara reveals how balancing creativity with business acumen has led to success, including never being in debt. [18:04] - The book Unreasonable Hospitality inspires Tara to integrate exceptional service with effective business practices. [19:09] - Speaking at conferences and sharing her experiences as a business owner and mother is rewarding for Tara. [20:38] - Managing work and family life for Tara involves setting rules for herself and multitasking, with exercise as a mental and physical outlet. [23:11] - What about the future excites Tara? [24:57] - Andy reveals where Tara can be found online. RESOURCES Tara’s Previous Guest Spots on The Wedding Biz Book: Will Guidara - Unreasonable Hospitality Find Tara: Tara Guerard - WebsiteTara Guerard Soirée - WebsiteTara’s Instagram PageTara’s Twitter PageTara’s Pinterest Page Follow The Wedding Biz on Social: The Wedding Biz The Wedding Biz on Instagram: @theweddingbiz The Wedding Biz on Facebook: @theweddingbiz The Wedding Biz Network The Music Makers Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here. Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment.
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    26 分
  • 513 ANDREA EPPOLITO: AI for Wedding Professionals

    513 ANDREA EPPOLITO: AI for Wedding Professionals
    2024/08/19
    Andy is thrilled to once again be sitting down with Andrea Eppolito, a renowned luxury wedding planner and author of AI for Wedding Professionals. Andrea shares her initial hesitation toward AI and recounts how she dedicated daily time to understand and leverage this technology, highlighting its comparison to the invention of the internet in terms of impact. Hear Andrea's take on how AI, particularly ChatGPT, can serve as a powerful creative assistant, sifting through data, spotting patterns, and offering insights that would take humans weeks to uncover. She stresses the importance of training AI to emulate one's personal style, creating a tailored experience that reflects the user's unique voice and sensibilities. The conversation also addresses some of the common criticisms of AI, such as its perceived robotic nature. Andrea highlights her strategy of creating a personalized AI profile, which involves feeding ChatGPT with detailed information about her writing style, design preferences, and professional outputs, resulting in content that mirrors her voice (although still making tweaks to enhance it even further). Andy and Andrea additionally explore the practical applications of AI in the wedding industry. From content creation, communication, task management, and data analysis, AI tools such as ChatGPT, IBM's Watson, Grammarly, Trello, and Eventbrite are transforming how wedding professionals operate, and Andrea emphasizes the efficiency offered by AI, allowing professionals to reclaim time and focus on their creative and strategic endeavors. Listen as Andrea also provides some helpful insights for those new to AI. She advises starting with educational resources and gradually integrating AI into routines, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between humans and AI where continuous interaction and feedback lead to desired outcomes. By embracing AI, wedding and event professionals can enhance their creativity, streamline operations, and maintain a competitive edge in the industry! Andy had such a great time having this timely, insightful conversation with Andrea and hopes that you enjoy listening! If so, then please don’t keep it to yourself! If you can think of at least three people who would enjoy this episode, Andy would love it if you were to share it with them. He would also appreciate it if you left a top review wherever you listen because that really helps the show out. Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network. SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute! Time Stamps [1:03] - Today's episode is with Andrea Eppolito, who shares insights into using AI for wedding planning. [2:23] - Andrea explains how AI acts as a creative assistant, spotting patterns and offering insights quickly. [4:11] - Andrea has trained ChatGPT to mimic her style by uploading detailed personal profiles and content samples. [7:40] - Think of AI as a powerful personal assistant; you make final decisions and edits. [9:18] - Hear about Andrea's book, AI for Wedding Professionals. [10:26] - Andrea further advises listeners to train ChatGPT with specific prompts and feedback for accurate and personalized content creation. [13:06] - Hear how Andrea and her husband have used various GPTs for tasks such as legal documents. [15:27] - Andrea encourages listeners to use AI tools like Grammarly, Trello, and Eventbrite for efficiency in various tasks. [18:40] - AI saves time on grunt work, allowing focus on creative and unique tasks. [21:10] - We are encouraged to start with ChatGPT, ask for guidance, and spend daily time learning AI. [23:45] - Some people use AI for referrals to avoid ads and get unbiased, authentic recommendations. [26:23] - Andy shares a story in which he used ChatGPT to help him prepare a ten-minute presentation for a big opportunity. [28:25] - Once you overcome AI anxiety, you can balance its use with your personal touch and creativity. [30:17] - Hear where to find Andrea online. LINKS AND RESOURCES The Wedding Biz - 154 ANDREA EPPOLITO: Celebrating the Greatest Luxury of All Find Andrea: Andrea’s Website Andrea’s Facebook Page Andrea’s Instagram Page Andrea’s Pinterest Page Andrea’s YouTube Channel AI for Wedding Professionals: How Artificial Intelligence Can Help Your Wedding Business Follow The Wedding Biz on Social: The Wedding Biz The Wedding Biz on Instagram: @theweddingbiz The Wedding Biz on Facebook: @theweddingbiz The Wedding Biz Network The Music Makers Support The Wedding Biz by ...
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    31 分
  • 512 REVISIT COLIN COWIE: The Gold Standard: Giving Your Customers What They Didn’t Know They Wanted

    512 REVISIT COLIN COWIE: The Gold Standard: Giving Your Customers What They Didn’t Know They Wanted
    2024/08/05
    Join Andy as he revisits his September 2021 interview with Colin Cowie this week! Having had celebrity clients such as Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Lopez, Ryan Seacrest, Kim Kardashian, Lil Wayne, Nicole Kidman, and Demi Moore, this episode’s returning guest has enjoyed quite the career so far. Colin Cowie has also had many corporate clients such as Dom Pérignon, Warner Brothers, CBS, Whitney Museum of American Art, Architectural Digest, and so many more! Colin is also a published author, having written books such as Dinner After Dark: Sexy, Sumptuous Supper Soirees, Colin Cowie Chic: The Guide to Life as It Should Be, and Colin Cowie Wedding Chic: 1,001 Ideas for Every Moment of Your Celebration. Colin, as he discusses with Andy in this episode, is all about making sure that he delivers the ultimate experience for his clients. Colin and Andy also talk about Colin’s new book, The Gold Standard: Giving Your Customers What They Didn’t Know They Wanted, which is Colin’s eleventh published book! Colin discusses luxury and what it means in any business – that it is about customer service and not just the product that you are selling. He discusses how to ascertain what customers want so that you can provide it to them before they even realize what they want. We also hear Colin talk about the importance of not only having good relationships with your clients but also with the employees of your company, how important that protocol and consistency are to him, how to get customers to keep coming back to you, and so much more! Andy has known Colin for nearly two decades and is so impressed with everything that he has accomplished. He always has such a blast with Colin, when he has him on the podcast, and is grateful for his time. Andy encourages you to go back and listen to his previous episodes with Colin and to also check out his new book The Gold Standard: Giving Your Customers What They Didn’t Know They Wanted. Please share this interview with at least three good friends who might also enjoy it, and leave a top review of the podcast wherever you listen! Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network. SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute! Time Stamps [0:40] – Andy reveals that this episode is a revisit of his September 2021 interview with Colin Cowie! [2:22] – Colin explains why he decided to write his new book The Gold Standard. [5:17] – Colin expounds upon his belief that customer service is the new luxury. [6:24] – We learn how to deliver to customers what they didn’t realize they wanted. [8:55] – Colin gives examples of how to build relationships with clients. [10:16] – Colin affirms that you need to make sure that your employees have an emotional connection with you. [12:20] – Andy enthuses over how the COVID-19 pandemic gave us opportunities to reform company culture. [13:27] – Colin emphasizes how crucial teamwork and communication are. [16:48] – Andy and Colin agree that creating and owning your brand is important. [19:19] – We are persuaded of the importance of including everyone in meetings, even receptionists. [21:45] – Colin asserts how important protocols are to him. [24:39] – We discover that Colin is always updating protocols based on new things that are learned. [26:25] – Colin gives an example of great customer service provided by a pilot. [29:24] – We learn how we can get customers to keep coming back to us. [31:49] – Colin provides insight on failure and both its inevitability and its importance. [33:07] – Colin reveals what about the future excites him. [35:21] – Andy shares where online we can find Colin. LINKS AND RESOURCES Colin Cowie – Dinner After Dark: Sexy, Sumptuous Supper Soirees Colin Cowie – Colin Cowie Chic: The Guide to Life as It Should Be Colin Cowie – Colin Cowie Wedding Chic: 1,001 Ideas for Every Moment of Your Celebration Colin Cowie – The Gold Standard: Giving Your Customers What They Didn’t Know They Wanted The Wedding Biz – Episode 128 REVISIT: Colin Cowie: Part 1 Creating Groundbreaking Luxury Experiences The Wedding Biz – Episode 135 Colin Cowie: Part 2 Creating Groundbreaking Luxury Experiences The Wedding Biz – Episode 267 A Conversation With: Colin Cowie Ryan Holiday – The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph Find Colin: Colin’s Website Colin’s Instagram Page Colin Cowie Lifestyle – Instagram Page Colin Cowie Lifestyle – Facebook Page...
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    36 分
  • 511 LIENE STEVENS: Current State of the Wedding Industry and Investing in Yourself

    511 LIENE STEVENS: Current State of the Wedding Industry and Investing in Yourself
    2024/07/22
    In this truly enriching episode, join Andy as he connects with Liene Stevens, the acclaimed author, behavioral psychologist, and CEO of Think Splendid! Liene brings a wealth of knowledge from her extensive experience in the global wedding market, having collaborated with clients across 97 countries and revolutionized operations for numerous luxury brands and resorts! Tune in as Liene shares her unique journey from an unexpected promotion at a nonprofit right out of high school to becoming a key player in negotiating the release of hostages with the U.S. State Department! Her unorthodox path led her to found Think Splendid in 2005, where she has since become a trailblazer in wedding industry consulting. Andy hopes that you will listen in to hear insight into the intricacies of running a successful wedding business! Liene discusses the current challenges facing the industry, including the implications of a slowing market in 2024. Contrary to popular belief, Liene clarifies that the dip in engagements post-pandemic is a myth that is unfortunately perpetuated by major jewelry companies. She instead attributes the slowdown to broader economic uncertainties and changing consumer behaviors. Also emphasizes the importance of continual self-improvement and creative rejuvenation, Liene highlights the need for wedding professionals to elevate their standards in tandem with their prices, providing actionable advice on refining business practices, enhancing team skills, and staying creatively inspired. Liene and Andy additionally take a deep dive into the vital role of mental health in business success, with Liene advocating for the value of professional therapy over business consulting when addressing personal challenges that impact business operations, drawing from her own background in behavioral psychology. Andy sincerely hopes that you will tune in to hear Liene's invaluable insights and practical advice that can help wedding professionals navigate a slow market, enhance their offerings, and ultimately thrive in the ever-evolving wedding industry! If you enjoyed this captivating episode with Liene, then Andy hopes that you will share this episode with at least three people who might also enjoy it! Be sure to also subscribe to the podcast so that you never miss an episode, and Andy would also appreciate a positive review wherever you listen to the podcast! Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network. SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute! Time Stamps [0:04] - Andy reveals that he has recently taken his daughter to Telluride for hiking and catching up with an old friend. [0:57] - Andy announces that this episode’s guest is Liene Stevens of Think Splendid! [2:08] - Liene clarifies that she is a business consultant for wedding industry companies, not directly for brides and grooms. [3:00] - Hear how Liene delayed college to work at a nonprofit; she was promoted quickly and led 180 employees! [4:42] - Hear the incredible story of how Liene negotiated a hostage release, working closely with Colin Powell's office and keeping it out of the press. [8:14] - Liene started the first B2B blog for the wedding industry as a marketing tool, which still exists. [10:03] - Liene touches upon how Signet Jewelers affected engagement sales but did not clarify if it included non-diamond rings. [12:18] - US weddings fluctuate between 2.2-2.4 million annually, and election years cause spending hesitation and longer engagements. [14:58] - Liene argues that last-minute spending is challenging for businesses that are used to longer engagement cycles; slow years are opportunities for critical business reflection. [16:34] - Focus on refining your sales process by including training and team skills to enhance client interactions. [18:16] - Andy points out how investing in team bonding and skill enhancement is crucial because it improves client and planner connections. [20:02] - Rather than just raising prices, wedding pros should really be focusing on improving skills and evolving creatively. [22:50] - Liene explains how The Artist's Way suggests morning pages and artist dates to spark creativity and stay ahead in the artistic industry. [24:28] - As a behavioral psychologist, Liene emphasizes the importance of therapy over coaching for personal issues that impact business. [27:56] - Liene argues that meditation and therapy not only enhance business decisions but also enrich all relationships in life. [30:07] - Andy reveals...
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    31 分
  • 510 REVISIT JOSE VILLA & LAURIE ARONS – Discuss Working Together As Photographer & Planner/Designer and More!

    510 REVISIT JOSE VILLA & LAURIE ARONS – Discuss Working Together As Photographer & Planner/Designer and More!
    2024/07/08
    Listen in to this revisit as Andy chats with two guests, both of whom have been featured on the podcast multiple times in the past. Laurie Arons is a planner and designer of Laurie Arons Special Events and has been featured in numerous magazine publications and has been listed in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Martha Stewart Weddings as one of the top worldwide planners. Her clientele is made up of trendsetters such as Sophia Coppola, Vanessa Getty, and Christy Turlington as well as prominent business moguls like Gary Friedman, Frank Caufield, and Eddie DeBartolo. Laurie has also created and runs a very successful wedding planner master class. Also joining Andy is Jose Villa, a fine art photographer who is considered by many to be the top event photographer in the world. He has been published in numerous magazines and was named one of the top wedding photographers by Martha Stewart Weddings, Harper’s Bazaar, Style Me Pretty, and Vogue. He was also named one of the top ten photographers in the world by American Photo Magazine and was named one of the most influential photographers of the decade. Jose, in addition, runs workshops and authored the book Fine Art Wedding Photography. Laurie and Jose have been working together for nearly a decade, and they each elaborate upon what it’s like working with the other. Laurie describes her business as live theatre only not with actors, a feeling which gives her butterflies because she puts a lot of thought into it. They also discuss at length how they address unexpected obstacles such as challenging weather, what’s important to them as far as the guest experience is concerned, what they look for in a good venue, and what they are seeing happening currently in their business now that we are (hopefully) nearing the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Andy had such a fun time talking to Laurie and Jose again – especially at the same time – and encourages you to go back and listen to their previous episodes of the podcast by going to The Wedding Biz’s website and typing in their names in the search bar. Be sure to also subscribe to the podcast so that you never miss an episode, and if you can think of at least three good friends who would benefit from listening to the podcast, share it with them! Andy would also appreciate a positive review wherever you listen to the podcast! Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network. SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute! Time Stamps [0:24] - Andy reveals this episode’s two guests – Jose Villa and Laurie Arons – and gives their credentials. [2:11] - Jose reveals that location and communication are some of the key elements for a successful collaboration with a designer. [3:02] - We learn that Laurie considers a lot of photography experience as well as commitment to be very important when working with a photographer. [4:39] - Laurie and Jose talk about their collaborative process together, and Jose reflects on the stressful aspects of his job. [7:39] - Laurie explains how she tries to keep Jose as informed of details as possible. [10:30] - Laurie reflects a little on the difficulty of obstacles such as the bride wanting her hair redone and how that negatively impacts a set schedule. [11:25] - We hear examples of how weather can negatively impact events. [14:47] - Laurie and Jose share what’s important to them in relation to the guest experience. [16:06] - Laurie and Jose describe a very long wooden pathway that Laurie was involved in making for a particular client. [18:25] - Laurie discusses venues and what makes a good venue for her. [21:20] - From a photographer’s perspective, Jose expounds upon what makes a good venue for him. [23:42] - Jose talks about the importance of a venue eliciting a certain mood. [25:11] – Jose and Laurie reveal what they are currently seeing in the business now that we are approaching the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. [27:29] – Andy explains how to go about finding Laurie and Jose on previous episodes of the podcast. LINKS AND RESOURCES Laurie’s Previous Guest Spots on The Wedding Biz Jose’s Previous Guest Spots on The Wedding Biz Jose Villa – Fine Art Wedding Photography: How to Capture Images with Style for the Modern Bride Find Laurie: Laurie Arons Special Events – Website Laurie Arons Special Events’ Facebook Page Laurie’s Instagram Page Laurie’s Twitter Page Find Jose: Jose’s Website Jose’s Blog Jose’s Facebook Page Jose’s Instagram ...
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    26 分
  • 509 SUSAN LACZ/Ridgewells Catering: Quality and Culture in Business

    509 SUSAN LACZ/Ridgewells Catering: Quality and Culture in Business
    2024/06/24
    Join Andy this week as he sits down with Susan Lacz, the CEO of Ridgewells Catering. With a career spanning over three decades, Susan has been a pivotal force in the catering and events industry, steering Ridgewells Catering through significant transformations and challenges. Listen in as Susan shares her inspiring journey, starting with her early influences, notably her grandmother, whose culinary skills and hospitality left a lasting impression on her. She discusses her initial foray into the food business, from working at a deli in Wyckoff, New Jersey, to bartending in Washington, D.C. Her passion for sales and marketing, paired together with her love for food, set the stage for her ascent in the catering world. In this candid conversation, Susan recounts the challenges and triumphs of taking over Ridgewells Catering in 1997, a company with deep roots dating back to the 1920s. She describes her mission to restore the company’s former glory by emphasizing quality, creativity, and fresh culinary approaches. She reflects on key milestones, such as firing her former boss to initiate positive changes and hosting an innovative rebranding event at the Halcyon House. Susan emphasizes the importance of culture in her company, highlighting the sense of ownership and appreciation that permeates the workplace. She and Andy also touch upon the broader shifts in the catering and events industry, from the increasing focus on decor and presentation to the critical role of staying ahead of trends. Susan’s insights into navigating the saturated market, her strategic decision to divest from rental equipment, and her recent exclusive venue management agreements offer valuable lessons for industry professionals, and Andy hopes that you enjoy listening to this conversation with her! If so, then please don’t keep it to yourself! He would appreciate it if you were to share it with a few good friends and industry colleagues who might also enjoy it! Andy would also appreciate it if you were to leave a top review wherever you listen to the show because that really helps the show out! Lastly, don’t forget to follow The Wedding Biz on Instagram and subscribe to the podcast so that you never miss a new episode when it drops! Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network. SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute! Time Stamps [1:01] - Today’s guest is Susan Lacz, CEO of Ridgewells Catering. [1:57] - Susan's grandmother, an immigrant from Poland, was her strong role model and inspiration in cooking. [3:16] - Susan explains that she is a salesperson first and enjoyed selling food and beverages, including pastrami sandwiches and drinks. [4:18] - Susan wanted to restore the company's original quality and allure after multiple ownership changes. [5:19] - Hear about some of Susan's milestones, such as firing her boss, focusing on quality, hiring new culinary leaders, and creatively rebranding Ridgewell. [6:54] - Susan prioritized creating a strong, appreciative culture, guided by mentors including her entrepreneurial father. [9:34] - Hear about some of the challenges Susan faced, especially during COVID, and how she credits her team. [11:25] - Susan noted the shift from food to decor in the industry and evolved by focusing on culinary excellence. [13:35] - Susan is excited about managing the iconic Mellon Auditorium, now a preferred caterer there, which opens new opportunities for her team. [14:53] - Prioritizing balance and mentorship, Susan believes in taking care of herself to be a good mother and leader. [16:26] - How does Susan define success? [17:15] - Andy reveals where Susan can be followed online. LINKS AND RESOURCES Videos: Ridgewells Catering - “Erin Go Glam 2024” Find Susan: Susan’s LinkedIn Page Ridgewells Catering - Website Ridgewells Catering - Instagram Page Ridgewells Catering - Facebook Page Follow The Wedding Biz on Social: The Wedding Biz The Wedding Biz on Instagram: @theweddingbiz The Wedding Biz on Facebook: @theweddingbiz The Wedding Biz Network The Music Makers Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here. Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment.
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    18 分
  • 508 KERRY BRACKEN & JENNIFER ROCHER/LAVENDER & ROSE: A Marriage of English Charm and French Elegance

    508 KERRY BRACKEN & JENNIFER ROCHER/LAVENDER & ROSE: A Marriage of English Charm and French Elegance
    2024/06/17
    Andy welcomes Kerry Bracken and Jennifer Rocher of Lavender & Rose this week! Lavender & Rose is an exclusive event planning company based in the enchanting French Riviera. Join Andy as he explores their captivating journey and how they have crafted bespoke weddings in the stunning locales of Southern France and Paris! Listen as Jennifer and Kerry share personal stories of how they first got into wedding planning, with Jennifer bringing her local French expertise and Kerry contributing her British flair after moving to France in 2007. They reveal how their partnership began organically, evolving over time as they discovered their complementary skills and shared passion for creating unforgettable wedding experiences. Kerry and Jennifer offer valuable insights into the unique aspects of planning high-end weddings in France. They discuss the allure of the French Riviera and Paris as prime wedding destinations, emphasizing the luxurious venues, from coastal estates to historical buildings. They also highlight the typical budgets for these lavish celebrations and the seasonal considerations crucial for planning. Jennifer’s and Kerry’s aesthetic and dedication to guest experience shine through as they describe their approach to wedding design, and Andy is so honored to have had them on The Wedding Biz! He hopes that you enjoy this interview, and if so, please don’t keep it to yourself! Share it with a few good friends and industry colleagues who might also enjoy it! Andy would also appreciate it if you were to leave a top review wherever you listen to the show because that really helps the show out! Lastly, don’t forget to follow The Wedding Biz on Instagram and subscribe to the podcast so that you never miss a new episode when it drops! Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network. SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute! Time Stamps [0:34] - Today’s guests are Kerry Bracken and Jennifer Rocher of Lavender & Rose! [2:25] - What was Kerry doing before partnering with Jennifer? [3:14] - Learn what Jennifer was doing prior to partnering with Kerry. [6:52] - Jennifer's and Kerry's partnership surprises people because we're very different, with unique backgrounds in France and America. [9:22] - The ultra-luxe wedding market focuses mainly on the French Riviera, Provence, and Paris. [10:59] - Learn what the approximate budgets are for ultra luxe weddings in France. [12:09] - The ideal wedding season is late April to early October, avoiding peak tourist times and events. [15:03] - Jennifer explains that the south of France has a short wedding season, from late April to early October, with many venues closed the rest of the year. [17:38] - The high cost of labor in France, including staffing and delivery fees, surprises many international planners. [20:39] - In France, modifying contract clauses can be slow due to limited legal resources and translation needs. [22:55] - How would Kerry and Jennifer describe their signature and style? [24:14] - Lavender & Rose focuses on bespoke designs, emphasizing intricate details and prioritizing the guest experience. [25:29] - Hear about the challenge of limited availability of decor in France compared to the United States. [26:35] - We learn that, furthermore, limited furniture options and storage space in France significantly impact event production. [29:01] - Andy reveals where Lavender & Rose can be found online. LINKS AND RESOURCES Videos: Vimeo - Chloé & Jonathan Vimeo - S&A Vimeo - Behind the Scenes: Talei & Murray from design to reality Find Lavender & Rose: Lavender & Rose - Website Lavender & Rose - B2B Services Lavender & Rose - Instagram Page Lavender & Rose - TikTok Page Follow The Wedding Biz on Social: The Wedding Biz The Wedding Biz on Instagram: @theweddingbiz The Wedding Biz on Facebook: @theweddingbiz The Wedding Biz Network The Music Makers Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here. Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment.
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    30 分
  • 507 TORI WILLIAMS: From Glam Services to Global Recognition as an Event Curator and Designer

    507 TORI WILLIAMS: From Glam Services to Global Recognition as an Event Curator and Designer
    2024/06/10
    Andy is so honored to bring Tori Williams of Tori Williams Events onto the show today! Tori is a world renowned luxury event curator who has showcased her work on major television networks such as Lifetime, Bravo, and The Food Network, and she is even the star of the VH1 original series My Celebrity Dream Wedding! She joins Andy today to discuss everything from childhood influences to pivotal moments that shaped her career! Tori shares her journey from cosmetology to becoming a sought-after event curator and designer. With a client list featuring names like Tyler Perry Studios and the Atlanta Ballet, Tori's expertise extends beyond simply planning events; it's about crafting unforgettable experiences! Listen in, and discover the secrets behind Tori's rapid success as she sheds light on the importance of client experience, the creative process, and the challenges of balancing business with creativity. From TV appearances to hosting workshops, Tori's passion for her craft shines through as she discusses her plans for the future, including a focus on large-scale productions and education initiatives. Join Andy for an inspiring conversation filled with insights into the world of high-end event planning and the dedication it takes to create magic for clients. He hopes that you enjoy this conversation, and if you do, he would really appreciate it if you didn’t keep it to yourself and were to share it with a few good friends and industry colleagues who might also enjoy it! He would also appreciate it if you were to leave a top review wherever you listen to the show because that really helps the show out! Lastly, don’t forget to follow The Wedding Biz on Instagram and subscribe to the podcast so that you never miss a new episode when it drops! Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network. SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute! Time Stamps [0:04] - Andy announces that, to catch up on past interviews, two new episodes per month will be released temporarily. [0:50] - Andy’s guest today is Tori Williams of Tori Williams Events! [2:17] - Tori reflects on how her grandma's influence shaped her love for hosting events and how pursuing cosmetology led to a master license. [4:41] - Why and when did Tori transition into event planning? [7:26] - Tori’s focus is on the experience, making clients feel special in their milestone events. [10:14] - Tori never actively pursued television opportunities; they found her through social media or referrals. [12:40] - Balancing regular job duties with TV filming was stressful but valuable for Tori's brand. [14:28] - Tori reveals that she is expanding beyond weddings and is focusing on larger productions and diverse events. [17:56] - From where does Tori get her inspiration? [20:20] - Tori shares how, last year, she organized an award show for entrepreneurs, embracing creativity without client direction. [22:25] - Tori also gives an example of having coordinated a wedding for a friend, putting trust into the design process. [25:11] - Tori argues that strong business ethics, a dedicated team, and structure are crucial for success. [28:00] - Tori restarted hosting workshops post-COVID, attracting 32,000 subscribers through webinars and challenges. [30:47] - Tori reveals that she often speaks on event production, luxury industry entry, celebrity clients, television, and business insights. [31:39] - In her current career, Tori aims for a few large productions anually and prioritizes education. [32:45] - Andy reveals where Tori can be found online. LINKS AND RESOURCES Find Tori: Tori Williams Events - Website Tori Williams Events - Instagram Page Tori Williams Events - Pinterest Page Tori Williams Events - YouTube Page Follow The Wedding Biz on Social: The Wedding Biz The Wedding Biz on Instagram: @theweddingbiz The Wedding Biz on Facebook: @theweddingbiz The Wedding Biz Network The Music Makers Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here. Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment.
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