Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessica Valenzuela. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

Being a business owner comes with many highs and lows. I started Not Jess A Planner LLC a few months before the pandemic and thought 2020 was going to be my year. As you can imagine that was a hard time to start a business in the wedding industry. I had quit my corporate job prior to starting my business as I did not want to work a 9-5 then I become an entrepreneur and work 24/7. Haha! I joke about it but to me I am so passionate on designing and planning weddings that it doesn’t feel like work. I would say there are times when I wonder what it’s like to have a regular job for the benefits. As a business owner you have to set aside money for your retirement, health insurance, paying bills, etc… Rather in a regular job you can have those benefits and a steady income. I do not feel I am meant to work a regular job though so I just keep working hard to obtain my personal goals. I advise anyone who wants to become a business owner that they have savings for months as it may be hard to land your first client or if you have a partner that is willing contribute to certain bills while you get on your feet and try to make your own income.

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.

Since I was 12 years old, I have always dreamt about becoming a planner, but with much discouragement from my loved ones I was told this occupation would not give me the stability I would need in order to “succeed.” So, I did as I was told and went to college to pursue a degree in accounting. After a year of working at Big 4 accounting firm in the Silicon Valley, I decided enough was enough. I packed my bags, quit my job, and moved to my hometown in Los Angeles to start my dream event planning business.

As a wedding planner, I am here as a guide and resource to help. I take the stress and the “what ifs” out of question to put my client’s mind at ease. I help them stay within their budget and save them the time and stress of the nitty gritty that is event planning. Which makes their money well spent. Prior to event planning, I was an auditor for up and coming tech companies. With my previous experience in accounting, I know that this sets me apart from others. I am hyper-attentive to numbers, make wicked spreadsheets, that are so organized, that you know exactly where everything is at all times. Knowing your numbers is crucial and important. Not just for my business but also my clients.

It is my ultimate goal that I exceed expectations and give memorable events that my clients can look back on. I am very big on quality over quantity. When a client hires me, I guide them step by step with what their next “to do list” is, or what decisions I need from. I would never want my clients feeling neglected or ask be asking themselves “now what.” By planning out their event accordingly, in a timely and effective manner, they’ll surely be ready for their special day, with no stress and living in the moment.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Social media

Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?

Yes, we provide other services such as wedding day content creation and digital products such as ebooks and templates couples can purchase.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.notjessaplanner.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notjessaplanner
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/notjessaplanner
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@notjessaplanner
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@notjessaplanner

Image Credits

Trynh Photography