We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Trish Van Zee (Plateroti). We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Trish below.

Hi Trish, thanks for joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

I feel success is defined by each person differently. When I look back 15 years ago, being successful was how much money I was making and what title I was climbing to achieve. The word ‘success’ was imbedded in most of us in society by the measurement of things, awards and driven by our ego and showing off to our peers what we have. Coming from a life of competitive athletics, this is a good thing to continue to grow and push harder. I truly believe that we do need measurements in order to reflect on our achievements. However, as I’m becoming more experienced and learning…I have a different set of achievements today. I would define success with how much I’m enjoying life. I want to be successful as a mother by being able to see my kids experience growing up. I strive for success as a business owner so I can help others achieve milestones and so I live comfortably. I want my clients and peers to remember me by how I made them felt. Reviews and referrals are becoming our pulse on how successful we are…those reviews are given by human emotions felt. What it takes to be successful is to always be learning, listening and leading with love.

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

I’m the founder of Elevate Your Glow with Trish Van Zee + Co. It’s a beauty agency encompassing bridal beauty needs. If you are a bride and you need beauty services, I’m here to discuss the overwhelming needs such as hair, makeup, nails, skin, timeline and more. Your beauty concierge! This also gives opportunity to team up with the best artists and providers (we have an amazing community in SoFla! Hi friends!).

I’ve worked in the corporate world for 15+ years within event management, operations and marketing. I have always been a creative person with amazing problem solving and critical thinking skills. Finding a solution to ‘make it work’ with what we have is my style.

I was so happy to flow into the beauty industry with my creative skills. Not only do I enjoy styling hair in beautiful updos and luxe boho styles, but I love the project management of the planning. Guiding brides to discuss their overall vision and managing the logistics with professional artists to execute the wedding day. After years of event management, it comes so natural.

My newest passion project is in the works! I’m great with project management and marketing so I will be opening new options for stylists with education and creative services. With my years of business management, I want to help my creative peers by simplifying their business mindset. Most hair/makeup artists are super creative but are scared to step in and take control of their freelance business.

I’m into fitness and love spreading wellness. A national level fitness competitor, triathlete and several team sports have molded me with discipline and strong will. Finding the best options for proper health, in the season of life we are in, is important to our daily glow. This experience comes in handy with mindset, discipline and incorporating it into my company services.

I’m so proud of the personal development over the last several years. Being a multi-tasking mother of twins, running business’ and dealing with life lows has hit me hard. I have been told by people who don’t really know me, that they think I have it all together. That makes me smile…what they don’t see is the behind the scenes, the mental struggle and physical exhaustion some days. I’m happy that I motivate but I definitely am just like every other entrepreneur, making dreams come true doesn’t come easy.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Systems Communication
Routine

Need to outline the systems. This manages the expectations of the team and the owner. If your team knows what to expect, they are going to do their part with little to no stress and provide a smile and great results.

Communication is key, how many times do we hear that? I like to have a group chat for my team for instant updates, promos and quick Q&A’s. For a more structure communication, I like to do weekly/monthly eblasts just to my team. This is for reminders of policies, uniforms, sales/promotions and the language that needs to be used for the brand.

Routine is everything. I like to divide and conquer BUT cross train as well. If everyone knows what needs to be done the same way, same time, same day (on a routine) then if a team member is out sick, a cross trained staff will fill in the gaps.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

It’s a sad story, especially since I’m in the wedding industry. After getting divorced (from my children’s father), I started a new relationship and he asked me to get married. We picked out the engagement ring to be custom made and just over a month later, he was in a tragic car accident and he didn’t make it. The resilience I had to put on to continue to be present mentally for my children, even for myself, was something I had to do. The resilience included that I needed to grieve, to feel that pain. However, I didn’t want to lose myself in the dark, dealing with feelings so traumatizing. I had to continue my journey in life, to my kids and in continue my efforts in building my business and brand. As time moves forward, present day…I am in loving relationship, my children are healthy and happy, I’m friends with my ex-husband and his new wife #modernfamily. I don’t know if dealing with unexpected death is illustrated as resilience or survival but I focus on thriving each day and will forever have that pain of loss. These are the life moments that will rock your world.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.trishvanzee.com
• Instagram: @trishvanzee
• Facebook: trishavanzee1
• Linkedin: Trish Van Zee Plateroti

Image Credits
Martin & Gloria Photos Blink & Co. Photography