Today we’d like to introduce you to Ja’el Mendez.

Hi Ja’el, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I spent a year in Florence, Italy, obtaining a Master’s degree in Foreign Policy and Security from James Madison University. After graduation, I returned home, hoping to work in the Peace and Security field. I followed the exact path, getting a government contracting job in D.C. and eventually going into federal service. I met my former business partner at this job, and the rest is history. She propelled me into the events space and became a valuable mentor. We launched the Coordinated Collective in 2019 and have coordinated over 150 weddings with amazing couples from all over the United States.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The pandemic was a big obstacle for many, including us. Many of our clients canceled their weddings. It seemed as if there was no end in sight, and honestly, I was so discouraged as a business owner and lost in what to do. I still had a full-time job, so while our finances weren’t impacted, I was still susceptible to those whose livelihood was affected. I volunteered my time and resources to help out where I could. When the shutdown was lifted, finding associates and experiencing staff calling out was the new norm. I had to hire and train staff more frequently, which meant a lot of training.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Coordinated Collective is a wedding company created for couples planning their weddings. When I was thinking about my company’s mission, I thought back to my own wedding. I hired all of my vendors, but on the wedding day, I was telling everyone what to do–who to photograph, what time the cocktail hour ends, how we wanted to be introduced into the reception space, etc. I needed someone to be me to be present with my husband, friends, and family. And with that, the Coordinated Collective was born! We’re a team of 22 women and 1 gentleman who love weddings. Our niche is day-of coordination. We all have 9-5 day jobs, so over time we collectively have experience in non-profit management, event management, protocol logistics, mass communications, hospitality services, and venue management.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Having such a large team, each with a full-time job, is HARD. I value my team’s opinions, experiences, and growth. Without them, I wouldn’t have been so successful. Trust is crucial to me, so once I’ve laid the foundation for how I want my company to run, I have to trust that they are executing my vision, beliefs, and values.

Pricing:

• Our coordination services begin at $2,500.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thecoordinatedcollective.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dayofcoordinators/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dayofcoordinators/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-coordinated-collective
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQ2HDLDDHsA

Image Credits
Wedding images by Barbara O Photography Team photos by Stephen Reasonover Photography