We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Melissa Tuvey. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Melissa below.

Melissa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

In a post-covid world, commodities, labor, insurance and gas are all sky high in every market. But especially so in the wedding world. In certain areas and vendor categories, expenses have gone up 30% in the past three years. This, along with a backlog of weddings and engagements, continues to push demand. Additionally, this exacerbates higher expectations as many of our couples have waited years to get married. I find this to be very true with respect to food and drink. Truly, the margins aren’t there anymore. Food, labor and trucking costs are becoming more fixed.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have a background in advertising and marketing, and worked in project management for years prior to starting my business. I also started a brick and mortar shop in 2001, and worked in real estate flipping homes. If you told me 20 years ago, that I’d start a business and STILL actively work that business, I wouldn’t believe you!
I did not grow up in an entrepreneurial family, but I am definitely fostering this in my own children.
I am really proud that I get to use so many facets of what I went to school for (advertising and marketing), but that I continue to grow and stretch as a business owner, leader, designer and colleague.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Yes! Being authentic is key for me on social media. I do take the time to really look at brand colors, events to share that are reflective of our brand and personalities. We thrive on showing happy couples, some humor and of course education. Is it a perfectly curated feed? No, but I wouldn’t want it any other way!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Hustle. I thought from a young age, that it was the most important thing. I didn’t quite understand that burnout was real and that it’s okay to take a break. I thought it was the key to success. As life continues to go on, and how radically different my life is now, I know that the most important thing I can do for our couples, the business and the team is to be invested and excited every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sdweddingplanner.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/idoweddingsandevents
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/i-do-weddings-and-events-san-diego

Image Credits
Justice Photo Sarah France BE Studios