Master bridal consultant™

Allison Kline, MBC™sash&bowwww.sashandbow.com, Green Bay, Wis.ABC Member since: 2007Employees: 1 full-time, 8 part-timeRevenue breakdown: 50% consulting, 40% rentals, 10% stationeryContact: 920.347.9000, alliey@sashandbow.comSocial media: www.sashandbow.com/blog, www.facebook.com/sashandbow, www.twitter.com/sashandbowllc, www.pinterest.com/sashandbow, www.instagram.com/allieykFamily: I have two children, Tristan, 5, and Kailyn, 7.Education: I received my undergraduate degree in mass communications from the University of Wisconsin—Stevens Point and completed the Professional Development Program through the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC).Getting Started: In 2009, I was working with my mom in her bridal shop and the mother of a bride was asking where she could find someone to help her with the details of the wedding day. She wanted a go-to person to make sure everything was done. I said, “Well, I could do that.” And from there, it is history. Word-of-mouth took over and I started my business after seeing the joy that I could help bring to people on their wedding day.Becoming a Master: Two years ago, I decided this was a goal I wanted to reach. It was on my roadmap for success. My coach, Tonya Shadoan, pushed me to meet it! Though I had plenty of weddings to have enough credit, the Masters isn’t about numbers. It is about how you help others, help your community, help other planners work toward their goals, and help make the wedding business better. I worked endlessly to keep pushing forward in the community and helping other planners by becoming a state manager. I applied, went to my fifth conference, was shaking going into the interview, and I did it!Business goals: I want to create the best weddings for the couples we are working for by utilizing our talents and taking stress off of them. I also want to move weddings forward in my region in terms of design, etiquette, and guest enjoyment.Industry Influencers: Fashion and Pantone.Inspiration: I love to travel and see things differently. Even if it is just two days in Florida spent walking along the beach, I get refreshed and start to see things in a new light. Travel and meeting new people is what makes the long wedding days and draining of my creativity worth it. I also love to read trending magazines in fashion and home as bridal trends follow their paths.Mentors: We have had such amazing women involved in the ABC in Wisconsin. I look up so highly to Mary Charmoli, MBC™, and Nancy Flottmeyer, PBC™. They both have a drive and passion for weddings that has helped me understand the business and what it takes. Putting people first and making their dreams come true is what makes it worthwhile.Marketing Strategy: Be myself. I am a girl from a small town that talks too much, smiles endlessly, and cares. That’s me. That’s it. I am always on social media sharing inspirations, real weddings, and just staying out there. My strategy is to just be me.On Staying Fresh: I refresh by traveling, networking, and just sitting on a beach zoned out for a few days.On education: I love going to different trade shows and learning opportunities across the U.S.—including Catersource, the Wedding MBA, and more!Ideal Client: My ideal client is happy, and so in love with the man she is marrying. She cares about what her guests feel at the wedding, what she provides for them, but she keeps in mind that she is the one getting married. She is fun, open to different things, and just goes with the flow and trusts the professionals.Last read: On my last plane ride, I was able to indulge in an Us Weekly—that is a treat for me!Likes to watch: “David Tutera’s Celebrations.” I love being able to relate to him when it comes to handling tough situations, demanding clients, and staff. It makes me feel better knowing I am not alone!Hobbies: I love spending time with my kids, traveling, and eating—it may be the best part of my job!Words of Wisdom: Be yourself. People, clients, and vendors will catch on to how real and genuine and trusting you are, because you are yourself. Be caring. Always put yourself in your clients’ shoes.On Giving Back: I am the state manager for Wisconsin, and I am trying to get the state moving again—planning retreats and conferences! ••