Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lauren Chambers. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Lauren, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What can you share with us about the story behind how you found your key vendors?
As a wedding planner, my business relies heavily on strong vendor partnerships. One of the most important vendor relationships I established was with local wedding professionals whose services directly impact my clients’ experiences. One backstory I have is my relationship with Hannah From Flora by Hannah. Honestly, I don’t remember exactly how Hannah and I first connected. I believe it was a few years ago when one of my wedding clients hired her as their florist. From the moment I saw her work, I fell in love with not only her floral designs but also her personality, vision, and the way she leads her team. What impressed me most was her ability to take an idea and bring it to life in a way that completely transforms a space. She is incredibly budget-conscious while still creating designs that feel elevated and intentional. Since that first wedding together, Hannah has become my go-to florist, and I would estimate that she is involved in about 95% of the weddings I plan today. It has been such a pleasure watching both Hannah and her company grow over the years. Her talent, work ethic, and commitment to her clients are truly inspiring, and I am grateful to have her as one of my most trusted vendor partners.
When I first began building my vendor network, I approached the process intentionally. I researched vendors through industry recommendations, venue referrals, professional associations, social media, and firsthand observations at weddings and events. While online portfolios and reviews were helpful, I found that reliability, communication, and professionalism were just as important as the quality of the final product or service. A beautiful product means little if communication breaks down during the planning process or on the wedding day.
Over time, as I referred clients and collaborated on events, the relationship developed into a reliable partnership. Those relationships have become one of the most valuable assets in my business and have allowed me to provide a better experience for my clients.
If I were to reflect on what I would do differently, honestly, I would not change much about the process. The relationships I have today were built through countless weddings, shared problem-solving, and a mutual understanding of the level of service our clients deserve. I believe those connections are stronger because they are rooted in firsthand experience and trust rather than convenience.
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.
My name is Lauren Chambers, and I am the founder and owner of Direct My Day, Direct My Bar, and Drape My Day based in Charleston, South Carolina. Before entering the wedding industry, I spent much of my professional career as an educator and basketball coach. Those experiences taught me some of the most valuable skills I use every day as a business owner—leadership, organization, communication, adaptability, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
In 2016, I felt called back to what I have always loved most, serving people during some of the most meaningful moments of their lives. Weddings naturally combined my passion for helping others with my strengths in planning, logistics, and relationship-building. What started as a dream quickly became a business, and in September of 2017, Direct My Day officially launched.
Today, our team provides wedding coordination, planning support, event management, bar services, and event draping throughout South Carolina and beyond. While every wedding is unique, our mission remains the same, to give couples the freedom to be fully present on one of the most important days of their lives. We handle the details, logistics, vendor communication, timelines, and problem-solving so our clients can focus on celebrating with the people they love most.
One of the biggest problems we solve is stress. Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, and even the most organized couples can find themselves juggling dozens of moving parts. We step in as the calm, experienced guide who keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Our clients know they have someone advocating for them, and anticipating those challenges before they even arise.
What I believe sets us apart is our genuine investment in the people we serve. Over the years, we have had the privilege of working with hundreds of couples, venues, and vendors throughout the country. That experience allows us to anticipate needs, solve problems quickly, and keep every event running smoothly behind the scenes.
What I am most proud of is the growth of our company and the incredible team that has been built along the way. What began as a single vision has grown into multiple successful businesses serving hundreds of couples. Even more rewarding than the growth itself are the relationships we have formed with our clients, vendor partners, and team members. Seeing former clients become friends, receiving referrals from past couples, and watching our team members thrive are some of the greatest accomplishments I could ask for.
My faith and values are at the center of everything I do. I strive to lead my life and business with integrity, kindness, hope, love, and joy. I believe in treating people well, doing the right thing, and conducting business honestly and ethically.
As I approach nine years in business, the journey has been filled with every emotion imaginable—excitement, fear, uncertainty, growth, and gratitude. Through it all, I’ve remained committed to the values that define both who I am and what my company stands for. Those principles have never changed, and they never will.
Any advice for managing a team?
Managing a team can be challenging. Every person brings a different personality, communication style, schedule, and set of needs. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of listening. People want to feel heard, valued, and supported, and I try to create an environment where they know they can openly communicate.
I also believe that team culture extends beyond work. That’s why I enjoy organizing team outings and gatherings. These moments remind us that we’re more than coworkers—we’re a team that genuinely cares about one another.
One of my priorities as a leader is creating a safe space where team members know I have their back. If something goes wrong, I want them to feel comfortable coming to me, knowing that we’ll work through it together. Communication, trust, and support are the foundation of any successful team.
I’m also fortunate to have an incredible Operations Manager, Calista. She serves as an additional layer of support for our team. Sometimes people feel more comfortable approaching her first, and she helps ensure that communication flows smoothly while keeping everyone supported and informed.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
The story of my business is deeply connected to a personal challenge that has shaped who I am today.
Before I started my business nearly nine years ago, I was involved in a car accident that left me with permanent nerve damage above my right eye. Since then, I have undergone eight surgeries, countless hospital visits, infusions, treatments, and medications.
At the same time, I was building a business completely from the ground up. I didn’t have a business degree, a marketing degree, or prior experience in wedding planning. What I did have was determination and a vision for what I wanted to create.
What many people don’t know is that I have lived with a chronic migraine every single day since that accident. It has never gone away. I receive infusions every three months, take medication daily, and navigate both good days and difficult days while running multiple businesses.
Some days are easier than others. There are days when I can accomplish everything on my schedule, and there are days when simply getting out of bed is a challenge. Yet my clients rarely see that side of my journey. I continue showing up, serving them, and building the businesses I’ve dreamed of creating.
In many ways, entrepreneurship has been a blessing because it has given me the flexibility to build a successful career while managing a chronic illness. This journey has taught me resilience, perseverance, and the power of believing in yourself even when circumstances are difficult.
I’m proud of what I’ve built, not because it has been easy, but because it hasn’t. My story is proof that people can face significant challenges and still create something meaningful on the other side. My goal is to continue growing, leading, and building an empire in Charleston and beyond, showing others that hard times do not define you. How you respond to them does.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.directmydaycharleston.com/
- Instagram: @directmydaycharleston
- Facebook: Direct My Day
- Other: Pinterest: directmydaycharleston
