We were lucky to catch up with Zachary Hartman recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Zachary thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
In the summer of 2020, during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself in a difficult and uncertain situation. Earlier that spring, I had been laid off from my job, leaving me with no source of income. To make matters more challenging, I had recently moved to Nashville and was grappling with various bills, relying on the limited savings I had.
Faced with this sudden change in circumstances, I had a lot of spare time on my hands, and with the job market in my industry looking bleak, I decided to pursue an idea that had been lingering in my mind for a few years. This idea was the genesis of “Take My Hand Proposals,” a venture that would soon become a unique and heartwarming service.
The initial spark for this business idea actually dated back to a special moment in my life. Several years earlier, I had planned an elaborate proposal for a loved one. It was set to take place on November 11, 2011, at 11:11 pm – a time we both cherished for its whimsical romanticism. The plan was to propose at the iconic Rockefeller Center in New York City, where I would skate around the engagement ring I had prepared while a song I had composed for her played over the speakers. The proposal would culminate with a champagne celebration on the top floor of the Rockefeller.
However, my well-intentioned male friends had reservations about the grandeur of this idea. They convinced me that such an extravagant proposal might be too much, and they questioned the need to spend so much on a single day. Ultimately, I decided not to go through with the proposal, and our relationship eventually ended. Years later, I began to wonder if my friends’ advice had been influenced by jealousy rather than genuine concern.
To explore this further, I started sharing my proposal story with various women. Their reactions were surprisingly consistent: a warm smile and questions about how I was still single. It became apparent that many people were charmed by the idea and believed it to be a beautiful expression of love. This led me to a thought-provoking realization: perhaps many men lacked the knowledge or creativity to plan meaningful and memorable proposals.
So, I decided to create a website, a sort of “spoof” or parody service at first, to assist individuals in planning unique and unforgettable marriage proposals. Little did I know that this decision would change the course of my life. Within a few months, I received my first inquiry from a client who was interested in my services. Not fully comprehending what I was getting into, I charged him a nominal fee and immersed myself in the role, imagining what it would be like to propose to his significant other.
The outcome was extraordinary – he loved the proposal plan I crafted for him. This positive experience marked the beginning of my journey with “Take My Hand Proposals.” Word of mouth began to spread, and more clients sought my assistance in planning their own unique and heartfelt proposals.
As I reflect on the story of how “Take My Hand Proposals” came to be, I am struck by the power of passion, creativity, and the desire to help others express their love in extraordinary ways. It became evident that I was addressing a genuine need in the realm of romantic gestures, providing a service that combined thoughtful planning and imaginative execution to create truly memorable moments. This journey, born out of adversity and a seemingly missed opportunity, has since evolved into a thriving business dedicated to spreading love and joy through carefully orchestrated proposals.
Zachary, 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?
Throughout my career, I’ve always been deeply involved in various event-related industries. Little did I know that my journey would lead me to a business that is as intertwined with events as it gets. The core of our work revolves around creating magical marriage proposals, but we’re about more than just that.
At the heart of our offerings are the meticulously crafted marriage proposals that we design and execute. We take immense pride in curating unique and unforgettable moments that celebrate love and commitment. However, we understand that not everyone has an extravagant budget to spare. That’s why we also provide DIY proposal boxes, allowing those with limited funds to create something beautiful themselves. These boxes come with all the necessary decorations to turn a simple proposal into a memorable and visually stunning event.
In addition to our proposal services, we also offer post-proposal boxes for friends and family who want to celebrate the newly engaged couple. Our mission is to make every special moment feel extraordinary. Other offerings we provide are gender reveals, promposals, bachelorette parties, and luxurious picnics. We’re here to infuse romance and magic into various life events.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to personalization. We don’t have a one-size-fits-all approach with fixed prices. We believe that every individual deserves an incredible proposal, regardless of their budget. We work closely with our clients to create an experience that reflects their unique love story, ensuring that the proposal is a genuine reflection of their relationship.
But what I’m most proud of is the sheer happiness that I witness on every client’s face when we’ve completed a proposal. Knowing that we’ve played a part in crafting a moment that will be cherished for a lifetime is incredibly fulfilling. Our brand is all about spreading joy, creating meaningful memories, and making dreams come true. Whether you’re a potential client or simply interested in our work, we want you to know that we’re here to turn your special moments into something truly extraordinary.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
Expanding our client base has primarily resulted from three key sources: Google ads, SEO efforts, and the power of word-of-mouth referrals. While we’re eager to explore additional avenues for growth, we remain committed to mastering these core methods and are always open to valuable advice and insights.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
Staying connected with our clientele is a special challenge for us, given the nature of our business, which typically caters to one-time life events like proposals. However, we’ve found effective ways to maintain a lasting connection:
Diversify Your Offerings: While clients may only propose once, you can expand your range of services to include gender reveals, date nights, and post-proposal boxes. This allows you to continue providing value beyond the initial proposal.
Ongoing Communication: Engage with your clients through regular email updates, sharing stories, tips, and inspiration related to romantic events. Keeping them informed and entertained can sustain their interest.
Social Media Engagement: Maintain an active presence on social media platforms, showcasing the love stories and experiences of your clients. Encourage them to follow you for a constant stream of romantic ideas.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.takemyhandproposals.com
- Instagram: @takemyhandproposals
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/takemyhandproposals/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/take-my-hand-proposals/?viewAsMember=true
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH3dvWPNWJwf5WFXwTon4uQ
Image Credits
Anna Roper Clarke Baena Brooke Dingle