Wed Biz 100

This is a conversation with Desiree Dent and Bron Hansboro about racial inequality in the wedding industry and in the world. I hope you’ll listen to this entire episode with an open mind and an open heart.

I have observed that the most successful business owners continually push themselves out of their comfort zone to take their businesses to the next level. The journey for Mateo and Company has definitely mirrored this path. In just the last two years Matthew and Cody have made strategic pricing decisions, created their own signature way to build their wedding community and relaunched their brand. If your business is looking to evolve, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

For more than a decade, Susana Diharce has quietly been helping planners and event designers across the country be part of The Knot’s event industry community. From bringing innovative designers to create wow-worthy moments at The Knot Gala, to partnering with industry pros in every market for our local Mixers and Workshops, Susie has made an indelible impact on our community. Hear the origin story of The Knot’s first gala at The New York Public Library, including many nail-biting moments, as well as how Susana and her team identify and work with up-and-coming talent for future events.

Manolo Doreste, a luxury wedding photographer based in Miami, knows how to make an impression that sticks, not only with wedding industry friends but with every single one of his clients. Listen to our chat about growing his business beyond weddings, why he hates a certain item that women wear on their wrists and how his focus on customer experience got his business featured in The New York Times.

Jason Rhee is a truth teller wrapped in a package of hilarity, energy and joy. Jason and I chat about producing and designing his very first international destination wedding in Scotland, what he did to raise his profile in the Los Angeles + OC markets and why he thinks his background in comedy helps him get through the inevitable “imperfect” moments.

Cherish and Lindsey Conklin, owners of Le Reve Films, have mastered the art of dividing and conquering while honoring their unique strengths to grow their videography business. They share actionable advice about networking, breaking into the luxury market and creating more engaging Instagram stories. You’ll also hear how they’ve evolved their business and why they are launching a sub brand of Le Reve in 2019. This is a must-listen for videographers in the wedding and event business.

Today you’ll hear my conversation with Jove Meyer, owner of Jove Meyer Events in Brookyn, New York. We chatted right after his presentation at Engage Baha Mar, where once again he moved attendees with his mix of humor, honesty and passion. Jove is a fierce advocate for LGBTQ rights, and has been educating wedding pros around the world about inclusivity and how businesses can attract and book LGBTQ couples. I hope you’ll love hearing Jove’s story as much as I did, and hopefully learn a few tips about building an authentic and profitable business.

Desiree is a passionate educator of up and coming new talent in the Chicagoland area and beyond. We chat about what she’s learned about working with her community of event pros and her philosophies about networking. Desiree says she has built her business on reviews and shares her tips for getting rave reviews all year long.

WedBiz 100 interview with Emily Campbell. Emily Campbell has always had a passion for doing good. From working with the Lindsey Vonn foundation to kicking off the first activation for The Engage! Foundation in Solaz last December, she’s always doing something with heart. We chat about wedding sustainability, how The Engage! Foundation was formed and how she engages with local groups like WIPA to build community and discover new talent. You won’t want to miss this soulful episode.

Brian and I talk about all things pricing, why he blends his love for travel with work and how one thoughtful LinkedIn message resulted in getting added to a luxury venue’s preferred vendor list.

Jason and I chat about how he started working with the likes of Cardi B and Run DMC and how putting in the work keeps him hungry and humble. He shares how he’s been able to build a successful team, how he’s innovated the concept of “boutique at scale,” and why you should never judge a book by its cover when it comes to client meetings. This is a must-listen episode for pros that are in growth mode.