#omahawedding

Every entrepreneur's beginning is different, I look back on mine fondly. As a child, I knew I wanted to own businesses and plan events. "Wow" big picture for a child. Well, this was an early memory. My siblings and I were creative and savvy. Our matriarchs and patriarchs were entrepreneurs and leaders in the community. My siblings and I would plan Mother's Day celebrations for our mom and the other single moms.

Fast forward to nearing the end of my senior year at College of Saint Mary, I started to apply for jobs. I landed a job at the Doubletree Downtown as a Catering Administrative Assistant assisting one of Omaha's leading and sought after Catering Sales Managers, James Laurent. Imagine the movie "Devil Wears Prada" young Andy chased Miranda Priestly for insight, details and was in awe of her. That's how I felt. It was an exhilarating experience. I have to say that James is a dear friend of mine. He is a softy at heart.

I moved on from the Doubletree. I met life long friends, my husband and gained the footing, discipline and respect for what it is to being a hospitality and event planning professional. Well, after a series of failed promotions, wage increases, and passed over opportunities I began to create my own opportunity after being told by a Regional, one that I had looked up to "we want you to be successful...not to say you’re not successful but we want you to be successful". I was passed up for a raise although I got the promotion and was trusted to lead. When I asked about an increase I was told "well you really have no experience". I recalled on my inner faith and strength. My business was built in 2007 in my basement also while maintaining my hotel career. I had always felt a great since of accomplishment, success and humbleness assisting my clients and couples plan their events. I missed servicing and managing the communication. Being trusted with the most important day of a couples life or planning corporate events or major non-profit’s galas is humbling. To volunteer on Boards and contribute critical planning aspects for major efforts, makes my heart happy! All while thriving being a mom (mother of two and two step-kids) and a wife. I have never taken my responsibilities for granted. I know couples and companies have a choice and I am so thankful they choose me and my team to assist them!

Throughout my career I've been faced with many successes, challenges and opportunities. Imagine my schedule. Working a full-time job, graduate school, trade school (floral design), two awesome toddlers at home (training them up in their own talent and giving them love and support), branding myself and my businesses. The very personal and close loss of friends. Throughout it all my relationship and Faith in God got stronger.

Working out became critical as I felt the stress of juggling my chosen responsibilities and how it could weigh on my body. Eating organic became a lifestyle, working out relieved stress, regular visits to my chiropractor became a norm. With my husband in graduate school full time and two toddlers at home... I knew I had to make time and give deep thought to being disciplined with my health and schedule. To be present and engaged with my clients and colleagues.

Many of America's greatest businesses were started in homes with a dream and faith. I'm blessed to have supportive family and friends. I thank you all for your support, feedback, accountability and laughs. I’m looking forward to this new chapter.

This is the first blog post of many to come. Thank you for reading and please take a moment to share your thoughts and let me know what content you want to review.