2017 ABC Designated Master Wedding Planners
What does it take to become an ABC Master Wedding Planner?
(1) Why did you want to become a Master Wedding Planner?
Achieving the Master Wedding Planner designation was something that I did for me. After years of actively educating our market of other wedding professionals and potential clients about the beneficial role of a wedding planner, I realized that all the things that I had done translated into points that I could use to excel to the next level in my designation with ABC.
There were years of self-doubt about whether I was good enough. It did not matter how I was praised by my clients or others in the wedding industry. I needed to prove it to myself. Presenting to a panel of my peers, who had reached that master level, was going to be the proof I needed. I always believed I COULD! I just wasn’t sure I was THERE YET! As hard work and dedication always pay off….I am happy to say, “I HAVE ARRIVED!”
(2) How did you feel when you first learned that you had become a Master Wedding Planner?
SHOCK & AWE!!!! Going into the presentation, knowing that many do not make it on their first go around, I had already prepared myself that this was just a trial run to get feedback to present for next year! So when the panel spokeswoman said that they would like to move forward with giving me that designation, I was ESTATIC!
(3) Now that you are a Master, how do you plan to give back to the industry?
Giving back to the industry is so important. I love teaching what I am passionate about. So mentoring other planners and local students is something that I will continue to do. Ideally, I would like to take that a step further and teach at the college level. As acting LNG Director of the Western New York market, we will continue to reach out to as many planners as possible to get them the knowledge and benefits of ABC and continuing education opportunities. I believe that our education and networking should not be confined to our industry so I am in the final birthing process of rolling out W.I.N (Women’s Innovative Networking) group. The idea is to provide women in business the opportunity to network together with other women in business through creative means. Where we can support one another not only business owners but as mothers, mentors, marketers and creative moguls! Then if I could slow down long enough I may be able to finish the two books that I have started!
(1) Why did you want to become a Master Wedding Planner?
Being able to earn the title of Master Wedding Planner had been a goal of mine since I joined ABC. For me, it didn't signify the end of my career or final step, it was a new first step on the ladder to something greater. For years, I saw what the other Master Wedding Planners accomplished and I wanted to be one of them.
(2) How did you feel when you first learned that you had become a Master Wedding Planner?
I was excited and overwhelmed and it was a release because I was so tense. This was my second time applying for the Master's designation and when I walked into the room everyone's faces were blank. I couldn't get a read and I just felt like I had failed again. Then the ladies stood up and started clapping and I just had to cry and hug everyone in the room. By the time I walked back to my room, I had formulated a plan for the next steps in my career.
(3) Now that you are a Master, how do you plan to give back to the industry?
I really want to focus on teaching and mentoring now. I want to be able to teach new planners not just how to plan a wedding but how to run their businesses successfully. I also want to reach out to my community and teach brides and other types of wedding professionals about the value of a planner.
(1) Why did you want to become a Master Wedding Planner?
M= I love to grow and learn all the time. For me it was just the next step on my career on ABC which I really cherish. It was a personal goal. Also, cause I wanted to set an example for other members. To be a State Manager, I think it's important to set an example by doing it yourself. How could I encourage other members to change level if I didn't?
(2) How did you feel when you first learned that you had become a Master Wedding Planner?M= I wanted to cry!!! I felt like in "America's got talent" with the golden buzzer. I was so nervous and when I came in all the judges stood up and started clapping. I was amazed, I got a standing ovation!!! A mexican got a standing ovation! I couldn't believe it. I still feel the excitement.
(3) Now that you are a Master, how do you plan to give back to the industry?M= Continue to share my knowledge and the lessons I have learned through all these years. I still will share answering the question: "what would I have liked to know when I first started" I love seeing other people being successful. If I can help, I will.
(1) Why did you want to become a Master Wedding Planner?
I made this my goal since day one of joining the Association almost 13 years ago. Striving for this goal meant that I was constantly improving as a wedding planner and leader in the industry.
(2) How did you feel when you first learned that you had become a Master Wedding Planner?
I was so honored and excited and proud that I had reached this goal. I did not get the designation the first time I tried and that was disappointing. From that failure though I learned about myself and I was even more determined to get it the second time. When I did become a Master Wedding Planner it meant even more because I came back from a disappointment even stronger.
(3) Now that you are a Master, how do you plan to give back to the industry?
I want to be a teacher and mentor to those in this industry. I want people to learn from my experiences both good and bad, possibly avoiding some of the mistakes I made along the way. I also recently accepted the position as Managing Editor of Wedding Planner magazine and am excited to see it further thrive as a resource for all wedding planners in our terrific Association.
(1) Why did you want to become a Master Wedding Planner?
I’ve always strived for greatness and being recognized as a Master Wedding Planner is sharing with the world that you have a gift of knowledge, experience and talent. I knew from the very moment I joined ABC that I was going to be a Master. I felt in my bones and with every move I made.
(2) How did you feel when you first learned that you had become a Master Wedding Planner?Overwhelmed by confidence. I had always been told by a past boss that I should work for someone else, that I wasn’t ready, that I still had a lot to learn. I think I’ve grown leaps and bounds in the past 5 years since those words were spoken to me…just look at me now. People are requesting me to come, speak and share my wisdom. I am honored to stand with the elite and share this gift with other.
(3) Now that you are a Master, how do you plan to give back to the industry?I’m currently applying to go back to college for my Master’s Degree. I plan to create both an undergraduate and graduate course for students that would like a degree in the private event industry. Currently there are tracks for nonprofit and therapeutic but not for the private sector. That’s the legacy I want to leave behind