We recently connected with Niamh Bergeron and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Niamh thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?
My father is my hero! He passed away when I was 13 years old, but I still think about him so often. He was such a hard worker and had a great sense of humor and silliness! I remember once he drove me to the first day of swim team, but when I got to practice, I didn’t want to get into the pool, so he took me home. He took me back again the following year, and I was very nervous again! He did not tell me what to do, but let me know that he wanted to sit and read the newspaper for an hour, so I needed to keep occupied for an hour or so while he read. Well, there really was nothing else for me to do but jump into the pool and join in swim practice! I loved it, and I love the way he gave me guidance but also let me make my own decision without judgment. I’m so glad he didn’t take me right home again! He’s influenced my journey because his work ethic was outstanding. I also believe that if I am hired, I need to always do my best, because the client is trusting me to give it my all.
Niamh, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am the owner and lead planner of Sweetie Pie Weddings and Events. My background before starting my business was in athletics, education, leadership, bridal fashion and customer service. I have loved weddings for years, and wedding planning combines many of my favorite things – creativity, organization, making people feel cared-for, mentoring, fashion and design, and being of service.
I offer wedding and event planning, from full-service start-to-finish planning to month-of coordination. Types of events I plan include family reunions, anniversary celebrations, rehearsal dinners, holiday parties, retreats, and any other type of celebration you can imagine!
I love solving problems for my clients! I help them to focus upon elements that make their wedding feel personal to them, so that when their guests arrive, they are reminded of the couple’s personalities and interests in their florals, decor, color choices, menu selections and overall aesthetic. I suggest vendors that suit their vibe, personalities, and budget.
I am enthusiastic but also calm, and I can tailor my packages to meet each client’s needs.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One lesson I had to unlearn is that you need to be and act “perfect” for clients to want to hire you. I’m not sure why I felt that a “perfect wedding planner” image was the best way to instill trust in my clients. I have found the most connection with clients when I am authentic! When I try to act a certain way, I am not giving my clients an accurate portrayal of what I have to offer to them. My approach and personality are just that – my own – and that is what makes my business unique. It is essential for me to be myself when doing initial consultations, so my clients can truly tell if I am the best fit for them, and vice versa. When I have an authentic connection, I can be of the most service to my clients and listen whole-heartedly to their vision and needs, and they can feel comfortable being real with me as well!
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
A resource that has significantly impacted my entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy is the book “The Four Agreements” my Don Miguel Ruiz. It is not a “business” book by any means! But, it has been so helpful to me! The book introduces four ways of dealing with life that I have to constantly reflect upon. When I do focus upon them, I can be of better service to others and have more fun while doing it! The four agreements are: 1. Always do your best
2. Be impeccable with your word
3. Don’t make assumptions
4. Don’t take things personally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mysweetiepiewedding.com/
- Instagram: @sweetiepieweddingsandevents
- Facebook: sweetiepieweddings
Image Credits
photos by: Ashlee Crowden Photography Kenzie Lynn Photography All Digital Photo and Video Phil Mabarack Photography