Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Trumblay. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success is defined a thousand different ways depending who you ask. My definition of success is comprised of two components: low stress and happiness. Success looks like putting in a hard days work and spending the next day devoted to relationships and self care. It looks like wearing a smile while you sweat because you love what you do and have a sense of purpose and pride in doing it. It takes hard work, devotion, and a team of supporters rallying around you to lend a hand and cheer you on. I am beyond blessed to have many cheerleaders on my team–a commodity not everyone has.
The first wedding I planned that was for someone outside of family and dear friends terrified me. I constantly looked for that smile or excitement in my bride that let me know I was on the right path to making her dreams a reality. Without my team of support to help with set up, decorating, making arrangements, and overall easing my worries with words of encouragement, I would have allowed the doubtful thoughts in my head to defeat me. I think confidence, passion, and a team of encouraging and hardworking people are what it takes to be successful.

Ashley, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I have the pleasure of being a part of a family of gatherers. From a young age, there was always a party, get-together, or bar-b-que to be planned and executed. Some of my most treasured memories were on special holidays like Valentines day or Halloween. We would get off the school bus and walk up to a house decked out in holiday attire. My mom would have a little party for us three girls with treats, activities and decorations–all of which were homemade. We would sing, dance, eat sugar and have a blast together. By today’s standards, our family didn’t have much at all. But to me, we always had everything important. We had each other and the loving memories we created.
That is where my inspiration comes from. Parties, weddings, gatherings –they are all essential in creating a sense of unity and comradery. My mom showed me that celebrations reiterate love, care, and importance for each other in a world that seems to never make any sense.
That is why we at Brilliant Occasions do nearly every kind of event where our goal is to make the most special moments the least stressful. Big or small, we plan it all!

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

My dad and my husband both recommended a book called Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. This book was a difficult read for me as it is not my typical writing style, but its lessons hit home nonetheless. It helped me change my mindset from “How do I do this” to “How do I not do this”? Anything worth having takes time, effort and skill. Why work for someone else, when you could work for yourself? While I am not full time in my business yet, it is most definitely a goal that I am working toward each day.

Any advice for managing a team?

The best lessons on business I learned was in one of my business management courses at Lanier Technical College: people just want to be heard and feel like they matter. This applies not just to your consumers, but your team as well. I know it sounds like a child’s command to treat others how you want to be treated, but it holds value. Listen to your team. Maintaining high morale means showing your team appreciation and valuing what they add to your business by being flexible and open minded to their suggestions. Not saying you give your team control of everything, but you hired them for a reason. If they are capable of doing the job, they can also be capable of improving it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.brilliantoccasions.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brilliantoccasions2024/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561475945079

Image Credits

Photobrooke Photography
Chimney Oaks Golf Course (venue with white round tables)
Jordan’s Crossing (venue with rectangle tables)