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

Hi Tracy , thanks for joining us today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard.

I started my small business as an Event Planner thinking that I needed to walk, talk and dress like every other coordinator I’d seen on TV or in my hometown. I knew I was made to do this but I was feeling uncomfortable and more like I was faking it and imposter syndrome started to set in. After a few years in the industry, working with more vendors and becoming friends with them on a more personal level. A few vendors in particular shared that I was absolutely born to do this and that my “real” personality is what the industry needed. Not only was I outgoing and laid back, but I have a strong ability to be real and at the same time, professional and funny.

After finding that happy medium of buttoning up my coat and showing up to meet new clients in vans. Business started to pick up. And clients, not to mention myself, started to feel more comfortable and less stressed. Meeting with each other felt and continues to feel like they’re meeting with an old friend opposed to meeting with a strict aunt.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I actually started my business helping a friend plan her son’s wedding in four weeks with a small budget. She had asked for my help because I always loved hosting dinner parties, my kids birthday were always themed, my friends would see them as overboard, but to me is was “necessary,” and FUN. Soon after that 1st wedding, I told myself I would stay back and only plan birthdays and small parties. That rapidly changed and honestly, I’m not mad about it. I learned everything I know pretty much on my own. Trial and error? OF COURSE! I built my own system and just kept trying, best part, no complaints from clients as, if and when a problem occurred they never knew about it. Don’t ask me how, because I don’t know. I JUST DID IT. Now, 13 years in I’m one of the top 3 planners in my area for the past 5/6 years.

I can tell you that one client did find out about a fire… yeah an actual fire. Only because a groomsman happened to be having a smoke break just around the corner. Luckily he didn’t tell the couple until after the wedding and the bride text me a couple weeks after and said “hi, why didn’t I know there was a fire at my wedding?” My response was, jokingly of course, “cause it was non of your business. The cops came too, twice and that’s non of your business either.” HAHA

Our brand stands behind planning a wedding or event is supposed to be FUN. Not every client is the same so we take the time to learn about our clients to keep that spark alive during the planning process. When I talk about learning about our clients I’m not just talking about what the do, how they met, but who ARE they as humans. How to actually speak to them. How they handle certain things. One client might absolutely hate planning anything, one may love this sh**, one may be in the middle and so on. Do we know how to plan an event for a person? Absolutely, but planning an event for a personality is different. Let that sink in.
Long story short, the services Oh So Purdy provides doesn’t feel like a business transaction, but more like a friend doing everything in their power to make your wedding or event successful and stress free from beginning to end.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Be yourself! Embracing your true personality and style, rather than conforming to perceived norms, is key to finding fulfillment and success in any industry. Your ability to blend professionalism with authenticity, and a laid-back demeanor can set you apart and resonate well with clients and vendors.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.ohsopurdy.com
• Instagram: Eventplanningbyohsopurdy

Image Credits
Headshot photo: The Photege Wedding photos: Hello Enamorada