We were lucky to catch up with Valerie Mazarowski recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Valerie, thanks for joining us today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later
I don’t think I would go back in time to start the business I have now any sooner. The truth is, the years leading up to this were filled with trial and error, businesses that didn’t work out the way I had hoped. But those “failures” were actually necessary. They gave me the experience, clarity, and resilience I needed to build something that truly makes sense today.
From early on, I always knew I wanted to own a space where I could host events. That vision never changed, but for a long time, nothing quite clicked. On paper, my ideas didn’t flow, and I couldn’t figure out what was missing.
It wasn’t until I gained experience, especially exposure to the wedding world, that everything started to come together. That piece completed the puzzle for me, and it’s something I wouldn’t have understood at the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey.
Looking back, I don’t wish I had started sooner or later. I believe I started exactly when I was supposed to. Every lesson, every mistake, and every pivot led me here, and without that growth, this business wouldn’t exist in the way it does today.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Valerie, and over the years, I’ve worn many hats. I knew pretty early on that a traditional 9–5 wasn’t for me. I craved creativity, variety, and being challenged, and I struggled with the idea of doing the same thing every single day. Like a lot of people, I also didn’t grow up knowing exactly what I wanted to be.
Later in life, I decided to go to college and became a teacher. I earned my dual certification from birth through 6th grade along with a Master’s in Literacy. Although I’m not currently using that degree in a traditional sense, it played a big role in shaping who I am and how I connect with people today.
Everything really shifted after I got married in 2010. At the time, I was working as a preschool teacher, but after my wedding, I started working with the videographer we hired. I picked up a camera, and that’s where I fell in love with the wedding industry. Not long after, I made one of the scariest decisions of my life. I left my stable job to pursue entrepreneurship full time.
From there, my journey evolved in ways I never expected. I started as a videographer, then became a photographer, and eventually moved into design, planning, and day-of coordination. I’ve experienced the wedding world from so many different angles, and that has truly become my advantage.
Because I understand how every part of a wedding day flows, I can anticipate needs, solve problems before they arise, and create a space that actually works for both clients and vendors. That perspective is what helped me design my event space with intention, keeping all of those roles in mind.
What I’m most proud of is that I never gave up on my dream of owning an event space. It wasn’t a straight path, and it didn’t happen overnight, but every step led me here. Now, I get to be part of such meaningful moments in people’s lives, especially during the quiet, emotional, and exciting hours before a wedding begins.
Creating a space where brides can start one of the most important days of their lives is incredibly special to me. It’s more than just a venue. It’s a place where memories begin, and I’m honored to be part of that experience.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
In the wedding industry, you always have to stay on your toes and be ready to pivot to keep up with changing trends. But honestly, that applies to any business and if you can’t adapt and evolve with the times, it’s hard to stay relevant for long. I’m especially proud that I’ve been able to grow and pivot over the years, shaping my business into what it is today.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I believe my reputation in this market comes from simply being myself. I treat every client and potential client the way I would want to be treated. I give them my full attention as they share what they’re looking for, and if I realize we’re not the right fit or can’t meet their needs, I’m honest about it and I always try to guide them toward other options that might be a better fit.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thelovelylemons.com/lovely-on-main
- Instagram: @thelovelyonmain
- Facebook: @thelovelyonmain
- Other: TikTok – @thelovelyonmain
Image Credits
Jake Tuohy Productions
Terrie Alfieri Photography
Danielle Sheridan Photo