The Wedding Business Podcast Faye Cornhill

In this episode I speak to Chris Fowler who started her business at the age of 58. She talks to me about why it was the perfect time for her to go self employed and why she thinks it's never too late to start.
 
Join me in this paws-itively amazing episode of The Wedding Business Podcast! Today, we have Chris Fowler who turned her love for dogs into a successful business as a dog chaperone at weddings.

From starting her business at the age of 58 to doubling his bookings year on year, Chris shares the story of how Shortlegs Dog Care was born out of a need for dog-friendly wedding venues and her passion for dogs.

Chris talked about the impressive statistics on the growth of his business, with a significant increase in the number of weddings he has serviced each year. She attributes his success to his dedication to customer service, strong connections with venues, and a passion for his work.

If you're feeling stuck or in need of motivation, take a page out of Chris's book and remember that it's never too late to pursue your dreams and make them a reality.
 
On this episode, we talked about:
 
Approaching your business with passion, authenticity, confidence, and a positive mindset, regardless of age or experience. Networking, seeking competitor advice, and fostering venue relationships are vital for recommendations and support in business. Open to new ideas, feedback, and improvement opportunities, embracing a growth mindset in business. Understanding the importance of business management skills, including financial management and administrative tasks. Ensuring client satisfaction and post-event follow-up contribute to high review rates and customer happiness.  
Learn more about Chris Fowler and Short Legs Dog Care at https://www.instagram.com/shortlegsdogcare/ and visit her website at https://www.shortlegsdogcare.co.uk/
 
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/

In this episode I speak to wedding cake designer, Jasmine Aboagye from Little Cake Garden. We talk about growing a business when the odds are stacked against you and how, even when it seems as though all was lost, she found a way to strive for success.
 
Starting a new adventure can be scary, but for Jasmine, it turned into a joyful blend of her past and present.
 
Jasmine Aboagye is a former psychology teacher turned wedding cake maestro, who has carved a niche for herself in the bustling lanes of East London. Amidst navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship, she encountered personal challenges, from organizing her own wedding to the emotional journey of starting a family.
 
With touching honesty, she showcased how kindness among industry peers has transformed into a more supportive and unified community after the pandemic and the benefits of fostering a generous spirit in what can often be a solitary line of work.
 
Her journey teaches us that blending personal passions with professional endeavors can create a business that not only survives but also enriches lives.
 
For Jasmine, every cake she bakes is a testament to her journey - a narrative of love, loss, and the unwavering belief in the beauty of new beginnings.



On this episode, we talked about:
 
Psychology’s role in Jasmine’s approach to baking, creating cakes that resonate emotionally with clients. Overcoming personal challenges and adversities, such as launching a business while coping with the emotional strain of miscarriages.
The concept of 'community over competition' within the wedding industry. Finding your own voice and staying true to yourself in the industry, rather than emulating others. Benefits of investing in good photography  and how it can lead to business growth. Learn more about Jasmine Aboagye and follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/littlecakegarden/ and visit her website at Little Cake Garden
 
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 planner Tutu, the founder and lead planner of Prime Violet Events. In this episode we talk about building and growing a purpose lead business. Tutu shares her insights into her faith and why purpose is so key to running her business.


It’s been enjoyable speaking with Tutu, the Founder and Lead Event Planner of Prime Violet Events that specializes in guiding couples to bring Purpose and Vision to their Big Day in a way that suits them in another enlightening episode of Wedding Business Podcast where she dives deep into the significance of purpose and authenticity in crafting personalized and culturally infused events.
 
From Tutu’s Nigerian heritage to her personal journey of purpose-driven entrepreneurship, Tutu is committed to infuse every celebration with her Nigerian cultural heritage, instilling core values of respect, fun and creativity and aligning the business with her personal vision of purposeful and authentic event planning. Her expertise and passion are instrumental in crafting unique and memorable experiences that resonate deeply with clients’ desires and stories.
 
Tutu’s journey is one that encapsulates resilience, vision and a deep commitment to her cultural heritage. It is a testament to the power of authenticity in business and the importance of aligning one’s work with a personal vision that transcends the ordinary, creating not just events, but cherished memories that last a lifetime.

On this episode, we talked about:
The impact of Tutu’s Nigerian heritage on her approach to event planning, infusing her business with respect, fun and creativity.
Aligning one’s business with their personal vision and purpose and the role of purpose in creating meaningful client relationships.
Journey of discovering one’s purpose in both life and business, the significance of aligning actions with core values and the mutual impact between business owners and their clients.
Challenges and triumphs of running a purpose-led business, including the formation of a team sharing company’s vision and values.
Concept of authenticity and individuality in business, overcoming the trap of comparison and the transformative power of embracing one’s uniqueness.


Learn more about Tutu and follow her on TikTok at 
https://www.tiktok.com/@primevioletevents and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/primevioletevents/ 
Visit her website at https://www.primevioletevents.com/ 


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/

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/