We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Camille Marie a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Camille, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?
Everyone who knows me knows that I love a good wig! So it was only right that my first Client be acquired by taking a trip to a new (at the time) wig supplier here in Kansas City.
While I was sitting in her chair, Latrease began to tell me about her sister who was just a few short weeks away from her wedding day. Nervous to say something, I took a deep breath and advised her that I was a newly Certified Planner and Designer and would love to assist in her sister’s big day.
Now, I am not sure if it was my pitch, my personality or the fact that I took the leap but Latrease took my info down and a few days later, booked me to not only partially decorate her sister’s wedding but to coordinate as well.
Not only was this a challenge as my first wedding (not my first event) but it was also THREE weeks away.
It was truly a test but I would not back down from it.
I remember the feeling I had the moment Paypal advised me of the payment being made on the invoice. I WAS GEEKED, filled with a flutter that I had never felt before. I guess you can describe it as butterflies, like the moment you meet someone and realize they just might be the one; that is it, that’s the feeling.
I spent the next few weeks planning and pressing linens for the wedding while also rushing to hire staff because that was the one thing I did not have…a few extra Camille’s to assist on that day.
Needless to say, the wedding was a success and I gained a frequent client from the job well done.
To this day, I have a dollar bill on my wall and you guessed it, it is from that first payment from Latrease.
I look at it often and smile. It is one of my motivators to keep pushing.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Planning since 2008, Camille created Expressive Solutions & Creations with sound organizational skills and a keen eye for Event Planning. After being told time and time again that she should plan parties for a living, Camille put her hobby into a dream and began an intensive Wedding Planning and Design education; obtaining many professional certifications. She is a connector who loves to bring people together. In and out of her professional life, she is always finding herself in the middle of planning fun and memorable events for the people around her. That’s why professional event planning is right up her alley. She has molded her experience working with different planners and vendors into creating a coordination and planning style that is unique. She specializes in diverse events for each client and handling stressful event situations. Her signature is making creative designs by taking a plastic spoon and turning it into a silver one; able to work with all budgets. Camille believes her client’s event should express the endearing qualities of the people they are celebrating, so executing exactly what the clients want is top priority.
As a member and ally of the LGBTQ+ Community, Camille has also set out to provide a NOH8 Zone for couples and clients. Now, clients of all backgrounds and orientations can come and be married or serviced through the business without having to question if the Vendors referred are non-supportive.
Clients who choose to work with Camille appreciate her honesty, sharp personality, and sincerity. Camille takes greatest satisfaction in seeing everyone happy and is always grateful for the opportunity to make their vision a reality.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
My best source of new clients has been Wedding Wire. I have booked a significant amount of my clientele from the profile and reviews that I have created for my business on their wedding vendor website.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
My former clients are what helped to build my reputation within the business. From the amazing reviews they leave to being recommended by them to others; my former clients have kept my business thriving and allowed me to win and be nominated for many awards within the industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.myexpressivesolutions.com
- Instagram: expressive_solutions_creations
- Facebook: facebook.com/getexpressive
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/expressivesolutions
Image Credits
LSB Photography Sean Alexander Media