Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dona Baker. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dona, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
To me, being successful in this industry is all about building genuine connections with your clients and having a true passion for what you do. When you care deeply about your work and always put your clients’ best interests first, it naturally shines through. That kind of dedication doesn’t go unnoticed, it leads to referrals, word of mouth praise, and a reputation for being exceptional at what you do
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I came into this industry a little later than most planners. Before starting my career, I was a stay at home mom, and while navigating the early days of motherhood, I found myself wanting something more for myself. Around that time, a few close friends were getting married, and I decided to take a leap of faith and offer to help them plan their big day. I’m so grateful for those early opportunities because it was through those weddings that I discovered my true passion for wedding planning.
With just a few Craigslist ads, I was able to book a handful of weddings and then the pandemic hit. Like many others, I faced setbacks as the 2020 weddings I had booked were either canceled or turned into elopements. One couple chose to shift from a large wedding to an intimate micro wedding, and their experience working with me left a such a strong impression that they sent several referrals my way, Their trust and support helped build a foundation for my growing business.
Since then, my business has continued to grow, and it’s all thanks to the incredible support from my clients and vendor partners. I’m truly so grateful for how far this journey has taken me!
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I believe that kindness and respect are at the heart of every successful event. I make it a priority to treat everyone I work with from vendors to clients with genuine care and appreciation. Over the years, I’ve had countless vendors tell me how much they appreciate the positive energy I bring to wedding days.
While some might expect the planner to take full control, I truly see the day as a team effort. When everyone feels valued and supported, the entire experience runs more smoothly and the joy is reflected in every moment. Leading with kindness not only builds strong relationships, but it also creates a wedding day environment that everyone, including the couple, can truly enjoy.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
It’s no secret that wedding days can be unpredictable, with unexpected challenges often arising. My background in the restaurant industry, known for its fast paced and high stress environment, has helped shape my ability to remain resilient and composed under pressure.
I pride myself on quick problem solving and staying level headed, no matter the situation. For example, at one wedding, two bridesmaids experienced wardrobe malfunctions when their dress zippers broke just before photos. I was able to quickly step in and sew the dresses, allowing the day to continue seamlessly. At another event, a major piece of décor fell just 30 minutes before guests were set to arrive. I remained calm, found a solution, and secured the setup in time for a flawless celebration.
Moments like these have deepened my belief that with the right mindset, and genuine care, any obstacle can be turned into an opportunity to learn and grow. Allowing my couples to stay fully present and savor every joyful moment of their wedding day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://likeadream.love/
- Instagram: @likeadreamweddings
- Facebook: likeadreamweddings
Image Credits
@ammyhuynh.photo
@aliciaparkphoto