We were lucky to catch up with Christina Cox Lucca recently and have shared our conversation below.
Christina , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
We offer 2 planning services, full & month of coordination, design, florals packages. We can customize a package that works best for the client’s event. We feel we should be “All in” no matter which package our client, or couples choose. With our Month of we start assisting our clients 6 months from their date as most professionals start 6 weeks prior. Here is where the All In comes in for us. We want to get to know you as individuals, your plans, ideas, vision, theme, desires, your love story, your inspiration behind your event. The vendors you chose, helping you make decisions, tying up loose ends, listening to you when stress or anxiety sets in. Just going All In because we understand.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
CC’s Celebrations was born from passion, resilience, creativity and business know how. I took a leap of faith with no safety net of a full-time job to fall back on and stepped forward into the event industry. All I knew when I started my CC’s was, I love creating, I live for organization, multi-tasking, joy, love and education. I decided a long time ago that I loved to throw parties for my children, my friends’ children, weddings for friends and was a part of our hospitals Gala Committee for years. It’s in my blood to be organized, creative and a natural born leader. I have a business degree and had the great honor to have run a few multi-million-dollar companies that grew and became even more successful under my leadership. I knew I had the motivation and willingness to go for it! So I jumped all the way in both feet and have not looked back. I wanted to know what I was talking about and willing to do in the event industry and clients that I became certified as a Wedding and Event Planner, Designer and Destination planner. I believe you need to know what you are doing and what it takes to offer the best service possible.
I crafted services of Month of Coordination and Complete Planning with coordination services. We offer services that assist clients and couples in event management. We have a willingness to go all in for them and their event along with our many years of experience in the industry. We can guide them through the process with expertise in planning and design. Help make those hard decisions, create their vision from words to reality and then on the day of their event enjoy without worrying about all the details, because you trust us to do what’s best for you.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Reading was never my biggest forte, but what I had to learn was that to find the answers to if I am doing this right or wrong, you know being a good business owner, a good wedding and event planner, how do you attract that client you love working with? What will others think? I do not like the camera do I really have to do videos? So many questions and not enough real answers. I was denying my intuition and business know how always second guessing myself. I needed to read from those that have gone before me. One of my business coaches suggested a few books to start with and it grew from there.
Books I have learned and evolved from:
Jen Sincero- The Book You Are a Badass & You are a Badass at Making Money- Jen was my first and was so exhilarating to hear I was not alone in my thoughts or feelings. I had to learn why I did not feel like I was enough, and she shared how she overcame life’s happenings and transformed her mind into a Badass life. I realized that my childhood formed me into who I was as an adult. Then I took that into my personal life and creating more trauma I had to overcome. But that was stopping from fully believing that I too am Badass. Jen helped me to see my value, my worth and that I do make a difference and do deserve to make money from what services we provide.
On my journey of learning who I was and what I wanted I found the Author Barbara Staney – The Book Secrets of a Six Figure Woman & Sacred Success. Her father was the founder of H&R Block. She shared of her great misfortunes and failed marriage which attracted me because, you know I can relate. She shared how she too had to relearn how to make better money-making decisions, how she did it and let me know that I was on the right path. Very insightful and widow galore.
David Schwartz- The Book The Magic of Thinking Big- This book I came across from another business coach which suggested I read this book. This book focuses on the positive thinking and its power to enhance lives. This book David helped me to believe in myself even more as an entrepreneur and start thinking big. Take calculated risks. No Effort= No Results. I believe in working hard, thinking positive and dreaming big. A culmination of these brings about success.
Sally Hogshead- The Book Fascinate- How to make your brand Impossible- Lesson 1 from this book which still stands true today- You will never rise to your greatest potential by being all things to all people. To become more fascinating, you don’t have to change who you are! What I don’t? I heard that and woke me up. Then another great lesson I learned was You Will not win by being quiet. You will win by being heard. She taught me how to develop my own compelling way of attracting couples/clients and then getting the results I wanted.
Rachel Hollis- The Book Girl Stop Apologizing- If you haven’t read this book – you need too! My friend would always share that you say Sorry over spilled milk. There are somethings that do not qualify for an apology or I’m sorry won’t work with. Don’t apologize about who you are or what you are achieving! She shares a plan for embracing and achieving your goals is a little more practical and even more insistent that woman shouldn’t give up on self-improvement!
I have put forth over the years what I have learned works for CC’s Celebrations. We are different and unique in our business practices and are not for everyone. We love what we do and are fabulous at it too. Our reviews speak volumes to who we are and our talents. We provide a service that rivals to all those willing to do the footwork, learn, apply and go above and beyond.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
CC’s professionalism, knowledge and passion without a doubt built the reputation we have. I take pride in what we do and offer. We love to create a welcoming atmosphere, a knowing you are in good hands & dedication. We are committed to creating unforgettable experiences and turning dreams into reality. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event or any special occasion our team is here to ensure every detail is flawlessly executed.
We offer a personalized experience. A wedding or event should reflect your unique style, preferences and story. As skilled planners we will take the time to understand your vision and infuse it into every element of the occasion. We work closely with our clients and creatives in the industry to curate a personalized experience that leaves a lasting impression with our couples and clients and their guests.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.celebrationsbycc.com
- Instagram: www.instragram.com/celebrationsbycc
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/celebrationsbycc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDs8petd8ummCcZKSTDpWZA
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ccs-celebrations-and-more-apple-valley-3
- Other: https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/ccs-celebrations-more-apple-valley/b09fa2840aff13d0.html
Image Credits
Michelle Bongirno Photography Eve Rox Photography Madison Ellis Photography