Ever wondered how a 20-something-year-old juggles college, a social life, and a booming wedding coordination business? In Episode 9 of the Organizing the Entrepreneur podcast, we sit down with Maddy Williams, the young and incredibly driven founder of Champagne Honey Weddings and Special Events. Maddy shares her journey from a college student to a sought-after event planner, revealing the secrets to her success, the lessons she’s learned, and how she balances it all. Get ready to be inspired!
Maddy's Unexpected Entrepreneurial Journey:
Maddy's path to entrepreneurship wasn't planned. While studying business and psychology, a life-altering accident in 2021 prompted her to switch to an online degree program. This unexpected pause allowed her to reflect on her passions. With a natural knack for event planning, she reached out to a local wedding coordinator, shadowed her, and fell in love with the industry.
"I loved taking the stress off clients’ shoulders," Maddy explains. "If I could do what I love and help others, it felt like the perfect fit."
Key Takeaways:
Taking Initiative: Maddy's bold move to contact a stranger and ask for mentorship showcases the power of initiative.
Passion-Driven Business: Her genuine love for event planning is the driving force behind her success.
Adaptability: Switching to an online program allowed Maddy to balance school and her growing business.
Balancing College and a Wedding Business:
How does Maddy manage it all? The flexibility of online schooling is key. She dedicates weekdays to her studies and evenings and weekends to her wedding coordination.
"The fact that my busiest wedding season aligns with my school's off-season is a huge blessing," Maddy says.
The Importance of a Strong Support System:
Maddy emphasizes the crucial role of her friends, family, and industry connections. From helping with wedding decor to providing unwavering support, her network has been invaluable.
"Building relationships with vendors has propelled my business forward," she shares.
Organizational Skills: The Backbone of Success:
Maddy's natural organizational skills are evident in her personal and professional life. She thrives in a clean, organized environment and uses a combination of digital tools and handwritten notes to stay on top of details.
Maddy's a self-proclaimed Type A, and it shows. From her perfectly organized home to her meticulously planned weddings, she's all about systems.
"I need everything to have a place," she admitted. "It just helps me feel less overwhelmed."
Lessons Learned from a House Fire:
A house fire forced Maddy and her family to live in limbo for two and a half years. This experience taught her the value of minimalism and the importance of flexibility.
"I learned to let go of things that didn’t truly hold sentimental value," she reflects. "And I realized the importance of having a plan, but also being okay when things don’t go exactly as planned."
Prioritizing Tasks and Self-Care:
Maddy starts her day by tackling her biggest task first. “If I leave a daunting task for later, it hangs over my head all day,” she explains. She prioritizes quiet time and self-care before checking her phone. This routine sets her up for a productive and balanced day.
“The discipline of having quiet, unplugged time in the morning has helped me so much,” Maddy says. She recommends the work of Mel Robbins, emphasizing the importance of keeping promises to yourself.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:
Maddy's advice to those wanting to start a business while in school:
Reach out to people in the industry and ask questions.
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
Follow your passion and take risks.
Overcoming Challenges:
Maddy's biggest challenge was learning to balance her schedule and avoid overbooking. She realized the importance of working with clients who are a good fit and prioritizing quality over quantity.
Tools and Strategies for Success:
Google Workspace: For organizing client files and communication.
Client Portal: A centralized hub for event details.
Notebooks: For brain dumping and organizing thoughts.
Google Calendar: For time management.
Wedding Emergency Kit Backpack: Maddy’s meticulously organized backpack containing every possible item needed for a wedding day emergency.
Organized T-shirt Drawers: Maddy loves to organize her t-shirt drawer, folding and color coding everything.
Key Insights and Q&A:
The Importance of Connections: Maddy wishes she had prioritized building connections with vendors and other business owners from the start.
New Ventures: She is launching proposal planning services, expanding her business to work with couples from the very beginning of their journey.
Future Goals: Maddy aims to build a team to expand her business and take on more clients.
Conclusion:
Maddy Williams's story is a testament to the power of passion, initiative, and organization. Her ability to balance college and a thriving business is truly inspiring. If you’re looking to start your own business, take Maddy’s advice: follow your passion, build a strong support system, and never stop learning.
What are your thoughts on Maddy's journey? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below!
Don't forget to subscribe to the Organizing the Entrepreneur podcast for more inspiring stories and business tips! Interested in being a guest on the show? Connect with us here.
Connect with Maddy:
Champagne Honey Weddings & Special Events: https://champagnehoney.com/
Listen to the Podcast:
Comentários