These are women who had a dream of doing what they loved......and making a little money in the process. They dreamed. They acted on it. And we are going to hear how it all happened. I have a set of questions that each of these ladies has answered. So we will get to hear from their individual perspectives.
First up, Kimberly Wright.
Kim is super talented. She was born in Guys, TN and is the baby of 6 sisters and one brother. She is married to Keith and has two boys of her own Braxton and Kendall. She has a degree in mathematics and works at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in the CIO Office as a Budget and IT Specialist. She is super creative, can make something out of nothing, full of energy and loves weddings and event planning. Hence, her Event Planning Business, Elegant Creations, was born.
Now let's hear from Kim in her own words.
How did you get into running your own business?
The business grew out of my love for creativity, helping others and bringing to life beautiful ideas, visions and dreams. When my sons were younger, I loved planning theme birthday parties each year. After they hit the teenage years, they were no longer interested in having the parties. During this same time, I would hear someone talking about their upcoming special events, both big and small, and then realized I was already designing and planning everything in my mind. I realized that I still had an interest in coordinating, planning and executing events. I took on assisting a bride with her wedding planning and many more weddings followed by referrals only. Elegant Creations began to blossom.
What was your greatest challenge?
Timing!! As a wife, mother, full-time worker, active church member, and serving in many other roles, I had to determine which events to accept or decline. These decisions were based on the “known” active schedule of my family members and my own life.
How do you balance it all?
I live by my calendar and planner. Because I have always lived a very full and active life, it is my norm. Often, people look at my schedule and ask, “How do you do it?” It’s only then I realize I operate at a different level than others. So I review my calendar each day to see what activities I am committed to supporting in the upcoming week(s) or months. This keeps me organized and on task.
What is the favorite thing about what you doing?
I love taking the style and vision of the client and then designing a unique plan for their special day.
Did you have mentors, formal training or did you just learn as you went along?
A lot of my knowledge comes from on the job experience and a blessed gift from God. I enjoy attending and watching anything related to weddings so I have fabulous mentors in the business (they don’t know they’re mentoring me) such as Preston Bailey, Mindy Weiss, Bryan Rafanelli, and David Tutera. I have also participated in several hands-on training courses and currently participating in the professional event planning certification process. I do not want to become trapped into thinking that “good enough” is good enough. God created me for more than just average, so I’m always looking for new ideas, techniques and designs.
What's the key to making your business work?
You must be passionate about every aspect of the process. If you’re not, it will show. This business requires both patience, spontaneity and commitment. You must be flexible with your schedule because you might lose the ability to make long-term personal plans if there is a contract in place. As a professional, you must be assertive and firm when needed, yet unfailingly polite, while maintaining a pleasant disposition and a sense of humor. And you must have the ability to stay on top of your schedule, your daily tasks and all of the tangible files and supplies that go along with successfully executing a wedding.
What's coming up for you that you are looking forward to?
I just completed an elegant wedding on a farm for 200 guests. We were blessed with a beautiful unseasonably warm early March day to have an outside ceremony and tented reception. LOVED IT!
I’m excited about a December wedding being held in downtown Huntsville in two areas of the Museum of Arts. The beautiful City of Huntsville Christmas lights and decoration will be a perfect backdrop for winter nuptials.
What advice do you have for a woman thinking of stepping out and starting to live her own dream?
Go for it!! Too often, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut in life, doing the same thing the same way every day. But if we are going to live at our best, we should constantly be growing and sharpening our interests and our skills. So spend time strategically planning your goals and building your brand. When you step out, it’s helpful to have a faithful crew, band of believers, and a village, to be there to provide moral and physical support. I have been coordinating weddings for years and from the beginning I have had great friends who provided great support towards the business’ success.
My sons are now teenagers and they along with my husband are an integral part of the Elegant Creation design team as well. The key to your success will come from loving the business, networking, and knowing how you can grow while helping the business to grow.
Here's a look at some of Kim's beautiful work
Here's a look at some of Kim's beautiful work
Wow! Thanks so much sharing with us today, Kim. I am so glad you are living your dream. The rest of us are enjoying the ride with you and wish you continued great success. It is an honor to watch you make the world more beautiful.
