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Sed ut perspiciatis unde.
SubscribeWe recently connected with Jelena Radoicic and have shared our conversation below.
Jelena, appreciate you joining us today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later
I believe that all small business owners wish they had started off sooner, and a part of me feels the same way. If I had not waited to start, I could be in the wedding industry for 10+ years, but I would have missed out on character building experiences. I have held a job every single day since I was 15; from a florist shop, to sales and finance, and logistical management. I gained extremely valuable skills and life lessons from each job, all which have helped build me into the strong and confident person that I am today. I was at a point in my corporate career where I needed to make the decision to strive for promotions or search for something else, I made the best choice to believe in myself and move forward. I knew the wedding industry was my path for many years prior to starting my business. I love creating beautiful memories that people can cherish for a lifetime, it brings me joy.
Looking back, it can be easy to say that I wish I started my business sooner, but I know that it would not have been the correct time. My experience would have lacked some details, my drive to succeed could have been a small flame, and my passion would have been lacking luster.
Everything happens when it is supposed to happen, but we also need to see the opportunity and grab on to it and never let go.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am the first born generation of immigrants. I grew up in a traditional household where my parents raised us to always be proud of where we come from. Having strong roots to my culture grants me the ability to love and appreciate others’ culture and traditions, and I find those cultures even more beautiful on wedding day.
Traveling has also held a significant part in my life. I have been traveling since I was born, and I love everything about it. Experiencing new countries, cultures, foods, and architecture brings me so much happiness. I picked up a little hobby while traveling, photography, and still a novice, but I love it. I am a sucker for black and white photos – they portray such raw emotions and details which are often overlooked in color.
I knew that I was meant for the wedding planning industry, my previous careers prepared me for it, from working in a flower shop, sales, finance, to having experience in venue management. Wedding planning and coordinating does not feel like a job to me, it is my passion. I am able to connect with so many different people! On the actual wedding day, I have the privilege to be surrounded by people who are celebrating life and love, it makes me so happy. After each wedding, I am able to drive home with the biggest smile on my face – I am blessed.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
I am lucky that my business in the wedding industry allows me to work remotely. Starting a small business is less stressful when you do not have to reach a financial goal each month in order to pay for the rental space. My initial capital was from my personal savings and full time salary.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
I have found that learning from other professionals in the wedding industry has been extremely helpful, and not just from planners. To have a truly successful wedding, all components must be on point, which come from all other vendors. Listening and learning from other industry vendors such as caterers, photographers, and florists has been the turning point for my business.
There are many entrepreneurs to learn from, and they do not have to be in the same industry as I am for me to use their strategies to grow my business.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Megan Saul Photography Bri Burton Photography Andrea Godfrey Photography Greye’s Photography
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