Elegant Events, www.ElegantPlanning.com, Largo, Md.Employees: 2Revenue Breakdown: 60% consulting, 5% day-of coordination, 35% event design/rentals/stationeryContact: 240.296.0941, info@ElegantPlanning.com, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram at eleganteventsllc, Twitter @elegant_events, Pinterest at eleganteventsdc Education: I graduated from Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, Md., but obtained most of my education working in the industry from age 15 on. I also read industry webinars, blogs, and books to stay current.On becoming an MBC™: It was not, initially, a goal of mine to obtain Master Bridal Consultant™ designation. I just wanted to work hard at being a great planner! In return, my work and business history put me in position to be eligible for the designation. I received Professional Bridal Consultant™ designation in 2007; Accredited Bridal Consultant™ in 2010, and Master Bridal Consultant™ in 2013.On the business: My family owned a small catering business, and my mom was a decorator for that business and our church. She was also in sales for an event rental company. I started working in events at 15, handling the billing for our catering business and taking care of the linen orders and floor plans for upcoming events. I started my business seven years later in August 2002. I believe business will increase this year. Brides value credible planners now more than in previous years. They are seeking out those who set themselves apart.Goals: I want to continue making every year in this industry better than the years before and being an even more awesome me! However, I would love to be featured on a TV show or in a major magazine, too.On the ABC: I joined ABC in November 2006, because I wanted to become a part of an organization that had a vested interest in my personal growth. I had previously been a member of other organizations and felt it was more about whom I knew that mattered. After coming to a local ABC meeting, I felt inspired to know more about the wedding industry and grow my business!Mentors: Shelby Tuck-Horton, MBC™, the Maryland/DC state manager, has been a huge inspiration and the most valuable asset to the success of my career. By her actions, she has demonstrated how being a quality planner who is authentic can equal a successful career!Industry influencers: Susan Southerland, PBC™,  and Diann Valentine.Inspiration: I follow several pages on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media outlets. Daily, I come across photos and quotes that inspire color palettes and themes for my events. I’m also inspired by the fashion and home décor industries.Marketing strategy: My marketing strategy involves social media engagement, personally connecting and educating clients throughout the process so they understand how the process works and share the successful outcomes with friends, which creates residual business.On staying fresh: Continuing education through seminars and conferences, as well as creating obtainable personal and professional goals annually helps, as does reviewing them at the end of each year.Ideal client: She’s the perfect balance of business and art. She is a career-driven woman who knows what she likes but is not afraid to trust a professional to expand her vision. She’s realistic with her expectations and understands that her event fits into the grand scheme of the wedding industry.Reading now: The Susan Southerland Secret, by Susan Southerland, Kristy Chenell, and Karen Gingerich, and The Power to Sizzle, by Cheryl Wood.Favorite shows: I’m a huge HGTV buff! I love seeing color palettes and décor being created from unconventional resources.Hobbies: I enjoy time with my family and friends, whether it be shopping, bowling, or watching our favorite shows. I’m a foodie, so I love trying new restaurants, and I’m a die-hard NFL fan. Go Skins!Words of wisdom: Just be you! Often, we get so caught up in following and pursuing the dreams of others that we forget that our individual gifts are what make us so unique that others will pay us to hear what WE think. To me, that is success! It’s like Mayo Angelou says, “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”On giving back: I am honored to be the wedding planner instructor at the College of Southern Maryland–LaPlata Campus for more than three years. I also help plan several of the social events at my church.