Master Wedding Planner™ Shay Freeman, MWP™
Bells & Bows, Little Rock, Ark.ABC Member Since: 1997---Employees: 2-5 independent contractorsRevenue Breakdown: 90% bridal planning, consulting, and related services; 10% rentals and miscellaneous Contact: 501-912-8000, shayfree@swbell.netSocial Media: FacebookFamily: I have been married to Steve for 47 years, and we have three grown children and five grandchildren.Education: I have a Master’s of Education in counseling and a Bachelor of Arts, both from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.Getting started: In 1995, I was asked to oversee weddings in our church. A visiting “professional” consultant said, “Please don’t be offended, but church ladies don’t usually know etiquette, so I’d like be in charge of the rehearsal and wedding.” I wasn’t too offended—I was challenged. So, I went to a bookstore and, thankfully, bought Teddy Lenderman’s book, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the Perfect Wedding. She mentioned the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC), so I joined immediately. And, by the next year I had the confidence to start my own business. On the ABC: I joined the ABC in 1997 and am a firm believer in the organization and all it represents. The ABC has always challenged me to grow, be my best, stay fresh, and along the way, it has provided me with some of the most wonderful friends, mentors, and advisors in the world. For the first several years as I struggled in my business, I wasn’t making enough to afford annual conference, but after I finally attended one, I was convinced! I learned so much, was so encouraged and challenged, that I promised myself that I would always attend, whether I felt I could afford it or not. And, I have. 
On being a MWP™: I used and appreciated each designation, but, over time, I realized I wanted the designation of “best of the best.” I received the designation in 2005 and have used it and the ABC logo as my auto signature ever since. Goals: My goals include mentoring and encouraging other consultants as they get established in this business and getting serious about writing the book that I have had in my head for the past several years. In June, I achieved Emeritus status in the ABC, so I am refocusing on teaching and training others rather than increasing my day-to-day business. Mentors: My husband helps me keep focused when I have doubts and/or issues that bother me. He’s a great sounding board and encourager. On a professional level, I consider many ABC members to be advisors, encouragers, accountability partners, and inspirations. Every meeting, whether regional or national is like an infusion of energy, ideas, and new goals.Industry influencers: The Internet, social media, and all the related technical offsprings are the biggest influencers in our industry right now.Inspiration: I am always inspired by attending seminars, conferences, workshops, networking, traveling, and reading.
Marketing strategy: I do very little paid advertising. Networking and building relationships with my clients and their extended families are the foundation of my business growth strategy. I focus on doing a great job with each client, so 100 percent of my referrals are from past brides, wedding party members, or vendors.Staying fresh: I try to attend every ABC event, locally and nationally, and participate in the webinars when I can. We also thoroughly evaluate every event within two days of its occurring and try to learn from each one. I read local and national industry media and ask lots of questions of all my vendors and clients.Ideal client: I love a bride who wants to get married, not just have a party and wear a pretty dress. She is decisive and knows what she wants but values the knowledge and experience that my team and I bring. She is respectful of her family and cares about all the various relationships involved.Reading material: Having just returned from a trip to Germany, I am re-reading the Bodie Thoene historical fiction series The Zion Covenant, based in the major capitals of Europe during the 1930s and 1940s. I can hardly put them down (again).
In her free time: Travel is my avocation. Then, spending time on our party barge at a nearby lake, being with grandchildren, and reading. Words of Wisdom: Always work with integrity—always. Attend every ABC event you possibly can. Become friends with your vendors, not just business associates. Try to learn something from everyone you meet in the industry. Stay active in the ABC.On giving back: I am committed to mentoring new people in the industry. I am a past board member of the Little Rock Event Professionals. I love to teach at regional and national conference—especially to newbies. Also, my husband and I do lots of pre-married mentoring in Central Arkansas, as well as training others to mentor. ••
