Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli, www.elegantoccasions.com, New York CityEmployees: 4 full-time, 4 part-timeRevenue Breakdown: 75% consulting, 20% rentals, 5% invitationsContact: 212.704.0048, joann.elegantoccasions@gmail.com, Twitter, LinkedIn, 
Facebook (as JoAnn Ferraro Gregoli and Elegant Occasions) Family: I am divorced with six children: Melissa, 25; Jessica, 23; Cassandra, 21; Joshua, 19; Jason, 17; and Jordan, 13.Education: My Bachelor of Arts degree is in public relations from Ramapo College in Mahwah, N.J.The Business: We offer full-service production, event planning, and design.Getting Started: Twenty-five years ago, I started the business to be a stay-at-home mom. It wasn’t long before the industry and the business just blew wide open, and the business grew.Goals: I’m hoping to see an increase in business this year as the world emerges from a recession, and the economy, hopefully, is on the upswing. I also hope to increase my sales team and become bi-coastal.On Achieving MBC™ Status: I began the process of obtaining my Master Bridal Consultant™ designation more than 10 years ago. Overall, the process took three years.Mentors: My biggest mentor was Cele Lalli, the former editor-in-chief of Modern Bride. She encouraged me and inspired me to do my best every day.Industry Influencers: Celebrities are the biggest influencers on what is trending. We are a celebrity-obsessed society, so whatever they do, brides want. Also, movies inspire the industry— such as The Great Gatsby and, in the past, Twilight.Inspiration: I find my inspiration outdoors—I love to travel and see the world and get inspired by different cultures.Marketing Strategy: Stay out there; be visible, and let people know you and your business are around and what services you provide.On Staying Fresh: I travel to get inspired by the world around me. I also attend the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) Annual Business of Brides Conference and will now be running it as the ABC’s new conference director.Ideal Client: They should be in love, genuine, and kind. And they should trust in me as their planner.Favorite movie: I love the movie Twilight. That wedding scene is just so romantic!Hobbies: In my spare time, I try to enjoy quiet time with my kids. And when I have a true vacation, I enjoy cruises, where I can relax and just disconnect from the world.In the Media: I have written a book, The Knots Guide to Destination Weddings, and been published in The Huffington Post, The New York Times, Brides, The Knot, and Grace Ormonde Weddings. I have also been featured on “Good Morning America,” NBC’s “Today Show,” CBS “The Early Show,” “katie” (the Katie Couric show), and “Whose Wedding is it Anyway?”Words of Wisdom: Stick with it, and just be realistic about your expectations.On Giving Back: I try to teach at least one class at conference and share my experiences with other industry professionals and those interested in the profession.