We recently connected with Chiell Ann Ordonez and have shared our conversation below.

Chiell Ann , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you think folks should manage their own social media or hire a professional? What do you do?

The first few years of my business, I took the reins and managed everything myself. It was a valuable learning experience, allowing me to understand the nuances of engagement, content creation, and audience interaction firsthand. However, as my business grew and I’ve become a busy mom of 1, then 3, I realized the importance of delegating tasks to ensure efficiency and focus on core responsibilities.

I transitioned to having my team handle aspects of my social media presence, particularly on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. Recently, I made the decision to partner with Strategic-Assistant.com, a virtual staffing agency based in the Philippines. Not only am I a client, I’ve also taken on the role as Director of Wedding & Events (along with running my Wedding planning company) it just naturally aligned with my business goals. This strategic move not only streamlined our social media management processes but also provided access to specialized expertise in the wedding & events industry. With the support of a dedicated and trained virtual assistant, I’ve been able to gain back at least 10-20 hours of my work week and focus more on building and growing the business.

The results have been promising. Our engagement metrics have shown a noticeable uptick, and we’ve received positive feedback from our audience regarding the quality and consistency of our content. Working with Strategic-Assistant or SAS has allowed us to stay agile and responsive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

For fellow solopreneurs and small business owners contemplating their social media strategy, I’d emphasize the importance of finding the right balance between personal involvement and delegation. While managing your own social media can be empowering and insightful, there comes a point where leveraging external expertise becomes essential for scalability and efficiency. Partnering with a reputable virtual staffing agency like SAS can provide the necessary support to elevate your online presence while allowing you to focus on driving business growth.

Chiell Ann , 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’m Chiell Ann (you can call me Shell, like a seashell!), and I’m the Owner of Love and Life Events in Orange County (https://www.loveandlife.events/) we specialize in planning and coordinating seamless and FUN weddings.

My journey into the industry started with a simple passion of celebration and bringing my family and friends together. My wedding in October of 2017 was really the catalyst as I’ve always been drawn to creating fun, memorable and meaningful gatherings and events with my family and friends. With Love and Life Events (LVLF) is where I’ve poured my heart and soul into providing planning and coordination that truly makes a difference in such an unforgettable milestone in a couple’s lives. At Love and Life Events, we’re all about solving problems and making our events fun and seamless for our clients.

What sets us apart? Well, it’s not just about what we do, but how we do it. We’re not just another wedding planning company – we’re a tight knit family, a group of strong women united by a shared vision of making the world a better place and having fun while doing it!

I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come and the impact we’ve made along the way. But more than that, I’m proud of the journey itself – the late nights, the early mornings, the highs, the lows, and everything in between. It’s a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and purpose.

Any advice for managing a team?

I would say promoting Work-Life Balance, something I am striving for everyday as a busy mom of 3. Encouraging a healthy work-life balance by respecting boundaries and promoting flexible working arrangements when possible. Recognizing the importance of personal time and encourage team members to prioritize self-care and well-being is something I believe helps keep our team morale high.

Also, leading by example. As a leader, setting a positive example for my team by demonstrating integrity, resilience, and a strong work ethic is important. Being kind, friendly, approachable, empathetic, and supportive, and showing genuine care and concern for the well-being of my family of team members is so beneficial for a successful team.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Pivoting isn’t just a business strategy; sometimes, it’s a way of life. As I reflect on the journey through my three babies, each marked a significant pivot in both my personal and professional life.

The first pregnancy was a whirlwind of emotions and adjustments. Balancing the excitement of impending motherhood with the demands of running my first business, Chiellabrate Events, was a challenge. However, it taught me resilience and the importance of adaptability as I navigated the new terrain of motherhood while managing my first baby business.

The second pregnancy brought unexpected twists and turns, particularly during the global pandemic in 2020. With the events industry coming to a standstill, I found myself at a crossroads. Rather than succumbing to uncertainty, I saw an opportunity for transformation. It was during this lull that I made a pivotal decision to rebrand my company, giving birth to Love and Life Events.

The rebranding wasn’t just about a change in name; it symbolized a deeper shift in my approach to both business and life. I realized the importance of separating my personal brand from my wedding brand, allowing each to flourish independently. It was a bold move, but one that ultimately revitalized my passion for the industry and opened up new avenues for growth.

The third pregnancy brought its own set of challenges and joys, but by then, pivoting had become second nature. I embraced the journey with a newfound sense of confidence and purpose, knowing that each pivot had only made me stronger and more resilient.

Looking back, I’m grateful for the pivotal moments that shaped my journey. They taught me the value of adaptability, innovation, and seizing opportunities, even in the face of uncertainty. As I continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of motherhood and entrepreneurship, I carry with me the lessons learned from each pivot, knowing that they have made me the person I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.loveandlife.events
• Instagram: loveandlife.events
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loveandlifeweddings/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/chiellann
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/love-and-life-events-costa-mesa

Image Credits
Jasmine Marie Photography