Master Bridal Consultant™
Gail Johnson, MBC™Gail Johnson Weddings & Events www.gailjohnsonweddings.com, Decatur, Ga.ABC Member Since: 2005Employees: 1 full-time, 1 part-time, 1 internRevenue breakdown: 80% consulting,15% conceptualization and design, 5% rentalsContact: 770.595.1212, gail@gailjohnsonweddings.comSocial media: www.facebook.com/GailJohnsonWeddings,www.twitter.com/wedgail, www.instagram.com/wedgail,www.pinterest.com/wedgail, LinkedIn.
Family: I am married to Carl and have an adult daughter, Shawna.Education: I received my Bachelor of Arts degree cum laude from Spelman College and my Master of Science from Mercer University, both are located in Atlanta.Getting started: I have always been the go-to girl when anyone needed help with social events. I knew after high school that I would become a wedding planner. After researching the industry, I decided to take a leap of faith, which has been the best business decision of my life.
Becoming a master: There are a ton of reasons why I became a Master Bridal Consultant™ (MBC™), but one of the main reasons is because being a wedding planner is the best profession on earth and, for me to be the best planner, I had to obtain a MBC™ designation. The process took six years as I worked my way up from Novice, to Professional, Accredited and, now, Master Bridal Consultant™. Mentors: I have several mentors including a musician and lawyer. I have always sought mentors outside of my business realms to help me develop leadership skills and a diverse mindset.
Industry influencers: Preston Bailey and Colin Cowie have always been two of my favorites. Both have built powerful brands with unique signature styles and have emerged as major leaders and trendsetters in the wedding industry. Diann Valentine was the first person that I reached out to when I started my wedding business. She is truly a visionary who has made her mark on this industry.Inspiration: I’m inspired by life. I love to observe people, the color of the sky, and architecture. It’s about taking everyday things, observing them with a critical eye, and finding ways to repurpose them.Marketing strategy: My marketing strategy involves spreading the word about the benefits of my business offerings to a specific target market. Throughout the years, and after spending tons on money on PR companies, I have learned that the best person to market my business is me! Understanding my strengths and weaknesses has been the key to successful marketing.On staying fresh: At the end of each year, I make a checklist of what worked and what didn’t. Writing out new goals each year is the key to revitalizing my business. Standing out from the crowd means owning my uniqueness and having the willingness to take risks by shaking things up. Being comfortable will never take you far in this constantly changing industry.
On education: I attend conferences and workshops geared toward the wedding industry—such as Engage, Love Mexico, and local networking events that offer an educational component. Ideal client: Every business owner dreams of that elusive “dream client.” My ideal clients are people who appreciate what I do for them. They are thoughtful, polite, punctual with payments, and open communicators.Reading now: The Daily Entrepreneur: 33 Success Habits for Small Business Owners, Freelancers, and Aspiring 9-to-5 Escape Artists by S.J. Scott & Rebecca Livermore; A Vision to Freedom: Steps to Truly Living the Life of your Dreams by Taurea Avant; and Act Like a Success, Think Like a Success: Discovering Your Gift and the Way to Life’s Riches by Steve Harvey.Favorite movie: Bridesmaids. I have seen this movie 20 times, and it always makes me laugh.Favorite TV show: HGTV’s “High/Low Project.” Sabrina Soto is a renowned interior designer, consultant, and entrepreneur.Co-wrote: Atlanta Weddings for the Modern, Stylish, Chic Bride with Hester Parks and Toni V. Martin.Hobbies: When I have free time, I’ll pull out my notebook and pen, find a quiet spot, and start journaling. I write thoughts, ideas, and do a brain dump. I doodle simple drawings and research new projects. In the media: I’ve been featured in print and on television. The television spots include: “Platinum Weddings,” We TVSeason 3, Episode 5, “Tanya & Jonathan and “Real Housewives of Atlanta,” Bravo, Season 4, Episode 403, “Kim’s Baby Shower.”Words of wisdom: Invest in yourself, and learn as much as you can about the industry.On giving back: We must pay it forward by doing good deeds and asking others to continue the traditions. I’m a big fan of mentoring in business—sharing knowledge, expertise, and experience is a great way to pay it forward. ••
