The Wedding Business Podcast Faye Cornhill

In this episode I speak to club member, Esme Ford AKA The Honey Seeker to discuss the realities of slow growth in our industry. We break down the popular belief that growing a wedding business is a 'quick' or 'easy' win and discuss the reality around patience and consistency.


It’s been a pleasure to have a chat with Esme Ford, a wedding and event florist and a flower preservation specialist from Bruton England in today’s episode of Wedding Business Podcast, where she shares her inspiring journey from theology to thriving in the British wedding industry through a commitment to sustainability and locally-sourced flowers.


A theology graduate turned florist, Esme channels her passion for sustainability into her successful British wedding floristry business, using locally-sourced blooms and flower preservation to craft personalized, ethical arrangements that narrate each couple’s unique story.


Her dedication to using British flowers not only reflects her environmental commitment but also serves as a tribute to her sister’s battle with illness, underscoring the significance of personal values in shaping a business model. 


Esme’s journey is one that weaves together personal tribulations and a passion for sustainable floristry, blossoming into a successful, eco-conscious wedding business in the UK.


On this episode, we talked about:
How Esme shifted her career path from theology to creating a unique wedding and event floristry business deeply rooted in her personal values and experiences.
Misconceptions around the cost of locally sourced flowers.
Bespoke approach Esme takes to weave each couple’s story into her floral designs, offering personal touch to their special day.
Insights on how Esme navigated the complexities of maintaining her business ethos in a competitive industry, including her strategies for converting inquiries into successful sales.
The importance of setting boundaries to ensure a healthy work-life balance and how Esme manages client expectations with various budget considerations.
Role of camaraderie and peer support in the wedding industry as well as the art of attracting a diverse clientele.
Virtue of patience in business growth, staying true to one’s values and how to celebrate each small victory along the way.


Learn more about Esme Ford and follow her on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/esme-ford-5254b9285 and connect with her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thehoneyseekerfloraldesign/ 


Learn more about Faye Cornhill & The Wedding Business Club at https://theweddingbusinessclub.com/ and connect with me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/fayecornhill/

This episode features wedding stylist Lucy Nott from Oak and Opal weddings. We discuss how she started her business on a very low budget and share ideas for making moves in the industry with little or no money.
 
I'm thrilled to share airwaves with Lucy Nott from Oak Opal, in this episode of Wedding Business Podcast,as she shares her journey building a successful wedding planning and design business from the ground up!
 
Lucy's story begins with a leap from the structured world of fundraising to the unpredictable yet fulfilling realm of weddings. Talking about her early days of securing those first vital bookings, her foray into the industry during maternity leave, and the eventual all-in commitment to her business.
 
Wedding industry is not for the faint-hearted. Lucy discussed the emotional investment and the unique challenges, such as the slow sales cycle and the intense dedication required to go above and beyond for her clients.
 
With the value of a supportive community found in spaces like the Wedding Business Club and learning to generate income with limited resources, Lucy's journey mirrored the adaptability and determination needed in the wedding industry.
 
On this episode, we talked about:
How Lucy leveraged her experience in fundraising to establish her wedding planning and design business.
The adaptability, grit, and passion needed to succeed in the wedding business.
Acknowledging failure as an integral part of the entrepreneurial journey.
Strategies for starting a wedding business on a budget like building a simple website, DIY branding, and strategic marketing.
How Lucy leveraged her experience in fundraising to establish her wedding planning and design business.
Securing bookings through a website like Add to Event and reinvesting earnings back into the business.
The importance of community support such as the Wedding Business Club
 
Learn more about Lucy Nott and Oak & Opal at https://oakandopal.co.uk/ and connect with her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/oakandopalweddings/
 
Learn more about Faye Cornhill & The Wedding Business Club at https://theweddingbusinessclub.com/ and connect with me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/fayecornhill/

This episode features cake maker Abigail Amankwa and we have an open discussion about what is currently working right now in the world of social media.
 
I had the privilege of sitting down with Abigail Amankwa, a wedding cake designer whose journey is as sweet and intricate as the cakes she crafts, in this episode of Wedding Business Podcast!
I was hooked as Abigail shared how, at 19, she chose baking over college, sharing her childhood obsession with cooking shows like "Ace of Cakes" and "Ready Steady Cook with Ainsley Harriott." 
What stood out to me was Abigail's wisdom beyond her years. Her journey wasn't just about starting a business; it was about staying true to herself and her values. Even when a golden opportunity knocked on her door – a chance to work at the bakery that crafted the royal wedding cake – she passed it up to adhere to her personal commitments.
She's not just a talented cake designer; she's a digital marketing whiz who's tailored her approach to suit her niche market in the wedding industry. She also talked about the darker side of visibility, sharing experiences of criticism and the complex dance of maintaining authenticity on social media.



On this episode, we talked about:
The balance between corporate job security and the freedom of entrepreneurship.
Public perception and criticism faced by business owners, especially with a growing personal brand on social media.
Business-minded approach to social media for growth and connections.
The importance of targeting platforms that resonate with ideal clients
Social media’s  role  in the customer decision-making process.
The benefits of having a cohesive brand presence across all platforms.
 
Learn more about Abigail Amankwa & Bloom and Crumb at
https://www.bloomandcrumb.co.uk/ and connect with her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bloomandcrumb/

Learn more about Faye Cornhill & The Wedding Business Club at https://theweddingbusinessclub.com/ and connect with me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/fayecornhill/

This episode features wedding photographer Nicola Dawson and is a discussion around the link between a strong mindset and the knock on effect on your business.
It’s such a pleasure chatting with Nicola Dawson, a valued member of my community and a thriving wedding photographer, in this episode of Wedding Business Podcast!
It all started back in 2017 when she made the decision to leave her job as a police officer and pursue her passion for photography. Reflecting on her first wedding shoot, she felt a blend of excitement and nerves. But as soon as she started capturing those special moments, she knew that she had found her calling. 
Aside from her journey and collaboration with me over the years, we also talked about toxic traits in Facebook groups within the wedding industry, setting clear goals, staying focused, and the benefits of working smarter, not harder.
With her mantra, "There is no greater force of creativity, determination, and commitment than a person undistracted by a plan B, " her mindset has truly propelled her forward and kept her focused on her goals.
 
On this episode, we talked about:
The significance of mindset in establishing a thriving wedding business
The power of self-belief and investing in oneself
Overcoming self-doubt, comparisonitis, and imposter syndrome and taking action to achieve goals 
Finding the path of least resistance in business decisions 
The value of continuous education and personal growth in business success


Learn more about Nicola Dawson work at https://nicoladawsonphotography.co.uk/ and connect with her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/nicoladawsonphotography/
Learn more about Faye Cornhill & The Wedding Business Club at https://theweddingbusinessclub.com/ and connect with me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/fayecornhill/

Before we dive into this episode, I HAVE AN INVITATION FOR YOU…
NOW IS THE TIME TO JOIN MY FREE 5-DAY BOOTCAMP!
3rd-7th October 2022 - Online workshop - 12pm
In this week-long session, we’re learning my repeatable system which has helped over 8000 wedding business owners land their dream clients, who are ready to book AND pay your premium prices (even during a time of economic uncertainty!). 
Click here to reserve your FREE SPACE!
And check out my Instagram to keep an eye out for more of these opportunities- @fayecornhill
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I am so happy to be welcoming the fantastic Janie Wolverson onto today’s episode of The Wedding Business Podcast!
As some of you may know, Janie is the founder and creator at The Lucky Sixpence, a business supplying ‘Unique Accessories For The Fearless’. She adores using original artefacts, that once served a purpose, and carried a story to provide a sense of depth and beauty to every piece that leaves her workshop.
Our conversations today do stray a little ‘left field’ you could say, as we touch on the ideas of meditation, mindfulness and how to navigate life with the help of the universe. I suggest listening to this with an open mind, as we also dive into the topic of mindset in business and how to manoeuvre ‘burn out’, with a nod to spirituality.
Being a member of The Wedding Business Club herself, Janie also speaks of the things she saw and experienced during my ‘Flow Method Workshop’, and how this affected her processes as a business owner.
You can find Janie’s work on her website https://www.theluckysixpence.co.uk and connect with her on Instagram at @thelucky6pence .
 

Good morning and welcome to this week's episode. In this session, I am giving you the wake-up call YOU need. 
You do not own your Instagram account, say it with me now guys...
Now, we all know how fantastic Instagram can be. But I am here to tell you, that you need to evaluate your investment in the platform, and most importantly your return from it. Is it your main source of enquiry? If the answer is no, then you need to listen to this podcast.
In this episode, I am also teaching you my blogging top tips, and how to funnel your blogs into your everyday content and maximise your visibility.
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Before you go, I'm inviting YOU, to my FREE 5-DAY BOOTCAMP, that you can participate in from home.
When? 
3rd-7th October 2022, online workshop, 12pm daily
Why? What will I learn?
In this week-long session, we’re learning my repeatable system which has helped over 8000 wedding business owners land their dream clients, who are ready to book AND pay your premium prices (even during a time of economic uncertainty!). 
How do I take part?
Click here to reserve your FREE SPACE!
And check out my Instagram to keep an eye out for more of these opportunities- @fayecornhill