I’m welcoming Marshecka, a Luxury Wedding Planner in Southern California, to The Business Diaries. This wonderful lady also happens to be a client - in fact, Marshecka’s new website launched just a couple of weeks ago so it works hand in hand to share her new brand with you, as well as her business story. Having established herself within the industry as ‘Chique Weddings & Events’, Marshecka decided it was time to elevate her brand and effortlessly showcase her quality of service, her values and the characters of her brand.

This interview offers an insight into the journey Marshecka embarked on to get her where she is today, with slices of inspiration, anecdotes that you will be able to relate with and a whole dose of integrity. Keep scrolling and enjoy folks!

How long have you been running your business for? How was your business born?

I started my event planning company back in 2008 in Michigan, shortly after starting my company in Michigan, my husband was offered a job in San Francisco so my business hit the ground running in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2011. My business was born shortly after planning and organising my own wedding.

What did you want to do for a career? Was this something you’d always intended on doing?

When I was younger, I wanted to be a News Anchor. Yes, I intended doing this, but after my college internship ended at a local news station, I realised that I no longer wanted to be a New Anchor.

What is one thing you know now that you would have told yourself when you first launched your business?
One thing that I would have told myself when I first launched my company would be to focus solely on your craft. I sincerely enjoy planning and designing events, but I often take on too many things at once and this causes extreme burnout.

What has been one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a business owner, and how have you overcome it?
One of the challenges that I’ve faced as a business owner is trying to do every aspect of the business myself. I’ve overcome this by delegating certain aspects of the business to those who are experts in the area. I’ve learned that delegation is critical for success in business and for a piece of mind.. It’s super important as a wife and mother to make sure I’m not always consumed by my work, so I can be present for my husband and daughter.

Tell me an invaluable lesson you have learnt as a business owner?

Have Fun and cherish the present moment with my clients(family)! Do everything with Love and lead in love is my motto. Love never fails.

Being self-employed can be a struggle! How do you stay motivated? Do you have any productivity tips?
Being self-employed for me has come with many struggles, but lots of learning lessons as well. I stay motivated because I’m driven by a vision that I’ve always had for my company, so focusing on the vision and my why is what always keeps me motivated. For me personally, I like to automate things in my business to increase productivity.

Is there anyone (within the industry, celebrity, friend or family member) who inspires you and what you do for a living?

I sincerely enjoy seeing everyone in the industry thrive. There isn’t a particular person that inspires me.

Name me your go-to podcast, audio book or song that you listen to while working?

One of my favourite go to songs that I listen to while I’m working is Aloe Blacc~MY WAY

I’m all about supporting small businesses. How can your followers / customers / clients support your biz? Followers, Customers and Clients can support my business by sharing my postings, following the company on social media outlets, leaving us a review and liking our postings on social media.

What’s one thing you dislike about being a business owner?

One thing that I dislike about being a business owner is working around the clock when I’m doing a big project.

What’s one thing you love about being a business owner?

One thing that I love about being a business owner is the ability to set my own schedule and the freedom to use my creativity.

What is a common myth about your business / field of expertise?

Whenever I tell someone that I’m a wedding planner, they often ask about Bridezillas. I personally have not had any Bridezillas clients.

If your business could be remembered for one thing, what would it be?

If my business could be remembered for one thing, I’d like it to be remembered for LOVE. I love, love and being a part of my clients love is what I enjoy the most about designing and planning.

What’s something your followers / customers / clients wouldn’t know about you?

I’m a little shy and don’t like a lot of attention. I’d rather do my work quietly behind the scenes than receive a lot of attention.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting their own business?

One piece of advice that I’d give to someone starting their own business is it’s okay to fail as failing is just an opportunity for you to learn and grow in your business.