Master bridal consultant™ - Catherine Katz, MBC™
Cherished Celebrationswww.CherishedCelebrations.com, Cary, N.C.Employees: Subcontracted event assistantsRevenue breakdown: 50% special project consulting,35% day-of coordination, 15% full-service coordinationContact: 919-606-7047, Catherine@CherishedCelebrations.com,Twitter @CatherineKatz,Facebook www.facebook.com/CatherineKatz and www.facebook.com/CherishedCelebrations
Family: I have been married for 17 years to Joe. We had an Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) wedding planner plan our wedding. It wouldn’t have been the same without Char Hein, MBC™! Joe and I have two children, Josh, 14, and Sarah, 11.Education: I have a Masters in Business Administration with a marketing emphasis from the University of Colorado at Denver; a project management certificate from George Washington University in Washington, D.C; and a bachelor’s degree in Dramatic Arts with minors in English and theatre management from Troy University in Troy, Ala.Getting started: I started as a day-of assistant right after my wedding and worked for Char Hein, MBC™. Five years later, when Joe and I moved across the country, I had to stop. We settled in North Carolina, and I decided to make a go of it myself. It is a long process, but it has been worthwhile. This year is my eighth year in business.Becoming a master: I became a Master Bridal Consultant™ because I wanted to show, not only others, but myself, that I could do it. It took three years from the time I made my decision to apply (I became an ABC™ first) to receive my designation in 2013.
On the ABC: I have been an ABC member for eight years. I absolutely know if I have a question or need help, my fellow ABC members will be there for me, and I will do the same for them.Inspiration: I seek inspiration in everything! I love catalogs as a great source of ideas and colors. I read fashion blogs every day to learn what is happening in the design world.Marketing strategy: It has evolved into a networking and word-of-mouth strategy and includes speaking opportunities. I sponsor charity and networking events; I volunteer; and I speak to various organizations. It is very effective.On staying fresh: At ABC’s annual conference, I go and learn, and use the next couple of months to implement and plan for the coming year. I attend as many seminars as I can, and I enjoy classes that don’t necessarily involve weddings or events just as much as ones that focus on the industry. If I can attend a marketing seminar or speaking class, I will go!Ideal client: My ideal clients are in their late 20s to early 30s, currently pursuing or already achieved a post-secondary degree. Generally, they are funding their wedding themselves. They are fun, organized, don’t have much time, and know the value of sound advice from a professional!
Reading now: I read constantly. Since I wait in the car a lot, I read fiction to relax. I have hundreds of books on my iPad. Business wise, my list includes: Above the Line – How the Golden Rule Rules the Bottom Line by Steve Satterwhite, and If You Will Lead by Doug Moran.hobbies: Read, volunteer, and chauffer my kids!Words of wisdom: Remember that what you give to others—in support, knowledge, and assistance—comes back to you in ways you can’t imagine. Network, support other planners who are educating themselves through the ABC, and enjoy not only your successes but the successes of everyone you touch. It’s a great feeling, and I hope that everyone takes advantage of the opportunity to help someone else every single day.On giving back: I volunteer with several organizations, but currently most of my service hours go to my children’s middle school where I am the PTA president this year.
