I'm sure many of you have seen or heard by now, but I thought I'd make it official, and let you all know about my new website. A Joy Forever Events can be found at http://www.ajfevents.com/. Take a look and let me know what you think.
It's pretty incredible to me that I sit here writing about the website for my business. MY business. I have a business? Who would've thought?
It turns out many people thought. At least a few conversations come to mind where it was mentioned, and I waived off the idea as a fun, yet impossible, thought. Before I left Tucson, I have the distinct memory of sitting in the car with Susan Bouchard in front of their house (did you ever notice how many life-changing conversations happen in the car?), and as we talked about my future in San Diego, she asked me, "Why don't you start your own business?" In my detail-oriented, shoot-down-those-hair-brained-schemes, ISFJ-personality-type way, I responded with several reasons why that was impractical. I should have known better. Susan Bouchard is a wise woman.
I was also recently reminded about an email I got from one Tim Lin in which he argued that I already was a wedding planner, so I should come up with a name for myself, and start a business. Tim Lin is a wise man.
And, along the way, it took multiple people planting the idea in my head multiple times until it finally stuck, and I realized that not only was it a good idea, but the Lord was leading. So, although there's fear, and although I often find myself saying, "I don't know what I'm doing," I am confident in this: no plan of the Lord's can be thwarted. My mom just reminded me of that verse from Job the other day, and I am so grateful that it's true. I don't know what His plan is for me or this business, but I know that He is in control, and I know that He is good.
I also know that I'm already having a blast. Some highlights from the past several weeks, as A Joy Forever was born:
- My roommates joining me for moral support as I went to the Exquisite Weddings Magazine Fall edition launch party. It was basically a bridal show on a much smaller, but much fancier, scale than those I'm used to. Several of the top wedding vendors in San Diego had displays, and were available to meet and talk to. It was at a swanky club downtown, people were all dressed up, there was a live band, and the drinks were flowing freely. I was so nervous that I couldn't eat, but Jen and Cori tried all of the caterer's food for me and gave me feedback. I mingled and I schmoozed, and I did my best to meet as many people in the industry as I could. SO out of my comfort zone. Yet, it was so fun, and I made connections with several people which have already proved lasting. If my roommates hadn't come, I guarantee that I would have driven downtown, seen the door, and driven right past it on my way back home.
- Another show, this time at the US Grant Hotel downtown. Another coordinator friend and I went together, and we had a great time. More people to meet, food to sample, decor to admire, and drinks to...well...drink. People in the wedding industry here really like their drinks. A connection made at this show led to...
- A two hour conversation about the industry with one of the wedding photographer greats, Paul Barnett, at his studio. He graciously shared his thoughts and experiences with me and my friend, and regaled us with a few entertaining stories along the way. It was such a privilege.
- Getting to work with LaVonne Zamora at Adorations Botanical Artistry (www.adorations.com). I have learned a TON, gotten to sit in on a couple of consultations with big name wedding planners, and seen the behind-the-scenes work of a floral designer. I can't wait for the day when I get to work with her as the coordinator for one of her clients.
- Putting together my Emergency Kit. All the little things you may need on the big day, from safety pins to shout wipes to breath mints and beyond, packaged in a cute little case. Sometimes it's the little things that excite me.
- Meeting weekly with my friend, Luke, who is coming up with an incredible logo and business card design for me. That reveal will have to wait for another day, however.
- Getting to read wedding magazines, books, and blogs on a regular basis.
I think I could sit here all night listing fun things that have happened, or that I get to do, but I think I'll just leave you with that.
No comments:
Post a Comment