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The Low Down: Featuring Meghan Guffey, Founder of Bea Colette
The Low Down Featuring Meghan Guffey, Founder of Bea Collette
On our final Low Down of the year, I’m beyond grateful to present Meghan Guffey, Founder of Bea Colette. Although Meghan and I have never met in person, I feel as though we’ve know each other for years. I have had the great pleasure of working with her as my mentor/advisor for Brittany Anna Rose all while she was launching this incredible platform of well curated selection of boys and girls clothing over at Bea Colette. What I love about Meghan is that despite all of her amazing successes in the business world, she is so down to earth and easy to talk to! She is also insanely knowledgeable about everything social media and her taste in clothing sets a very High Bar! We are now entering the busiest time of year for retail, she is expecting her third baby not to mention juggling family and the holidays and yet she has made time to share her powerful story with us and I am forever grateful! Welcome Meghan!
1. Please tell me a little bit about yourself. Where are you from, where did you go to college and what did you see yourself becoming when you were younger.
I was born and raised in St. Louis, MO and very grateful for my Midwestern upbringing! I went to SMU in Dallas where I played tennis the first year. Following college, I moved to New York where I lived for almost ten years before settling down in Dallas to raise a family. Growing up, I knew I'd do something in fashion and sales. I've always been a natural salesperson -- I don't think (sure hope not!) in a cringey way, but when I'm passionate about something I can't stop talking about it and this led me to a long career in ad sales + brand partnerships before moving into consulting and launching my own business.
2. I would love for you to share your road to launching Bea Colette?
Once I became a mom, I channeled my passion for fashion into childrenswear and often found myself shopping across countless websites to find chic, European-inspired styles to match my own personal style. I felt there was no single destination that offered the specific European aesthetic of polished and practical pieces that transition throughout seasons and take your child from playtime to dinner. I found herself seeking out under-the-radar European brands on my travels and via Instagram, but wanted to shop them all in one place. This led me to dream up a European-inspired, highly curated destination built for a discerning female shopper who wants complete outfits, an intuitive and modern user experience, and a seamless checkout. This woman does not want to be inundated with endless new arrivals and brands; rather, she wants a thoughtfully curated assortment, a pleasant experience, and to walk away with pieces that her children can wear on a daily basis. The Bea Colette customer wants her children's style to complement her own. Over the past 1.5 years, I have worked tirelessly to source and refine the right selection of brands, price points, and styles that make Bea Colette what it is today.
3. Do you plan to go beyond children’s clothing and if so, what would be some of your dream pieces to procure?
Right now I am really focused on perfecting the childrens category and the brands I carry that evoke the specific European style many of us love. I am constantly sourcing new brands and refining the ones I carry. I am also dead set on ensuring my customer service is top notch. I like to perfect things before taking on too much more -- from a consumer perspective, I see too many businesses out there trying to do too much at once. I want to avoid that and am all about the slow growth approach.
4. Where do you see your business in another 5 years?
I am hoping it will be a mix of private label designs that I develop under the Bea Colette brand along with lesser known small European family brands that you cannot buy elsewhere in the states. My intention is to always be a vehicle for a select mix of high quality generational family-run brands in Europe. I have a lot of other ideas, but that's a good glimpse for now!
5. Part of what you do is working with and consulting female founders, with that in mind who has inspired you most along the way and what do you like most about working with other like-minded women?
Kim Kreuzberger has been a longtime mentor for me and is who encouraged me to embark on the consulting journey. She originally grew Goop's business from 0 to 100 and now runs her own incredible consulting firm Pivot Projects. She is the definition of a business woman and is every woman's cheerleader. She is kind, humble, brilliant and always looking out for others - I hope to emulate even a measure of her greatness!
6. What is the best piece of advice you were given? Regarding anything from business to parenting to personal development, etc.?
If you work really hard, be kind, and wish others well, amazing things will happen. I live and breathe by this, and have found it to be true. This quote came from Kim!
7. What advice would you give to other women who are running a business and raising children?
Go at your own pace and put your blinders on! If you want to call it a day at 4pm to spend time with your kids, do it. The business can wait. A slow growth mentality is usually best for both your sanity and ensuring you do spend that quality, precious time with your children!
8. Is there anything you wish someone had told you along the way?
No, but I will say, starting, funding, and operating your own business isn't for everyone. It takes a lot of patience, stamina, and most importantly, curiosity. If you don't want to know how the ins and outs of running a business works, then it's not the right path to go down. I'm talking taxes, accounting, importing goods, all the things. It's a lot and I've loved every minute of it, but I do know it's not for everyone.
9. What does work/life balance look like for you?
This is tough to answer right now as it is ever-changing, but ultimately I always listen to my gut. When I need to call it a day on the business front to prioritize my family, I do. I make sure to spend at least 1-2 quality hours with my kids a day. For me, I know I need that in order to not feel regret. I also know I am a workhorse and enjoy working, building, and collaborating more than anything, but every day truly looks different. Weekends are absolutely sacred to me - we rarely get sitters and push pause on work (unless it's during nap time). This is when I really go hard on being a mom and invest in quality family time! What I always say to others in my position is, do what works for you -- if that means spending more time with your family during the weekdays do that. You have to test, learn and optimize. What program produces max productivity work-wise and fulfillment family-wise? We are constantly editing what this program looks like for us, but we know that weekends are where we really shine with our kids.
10. What adversity has challenged you the most, yet made you a stronger person?
I don't necessarily consider this adversity, but putting my and my husband's own money without any outside capital into building my business from scratch has been both stressful and overwhelming. I am wildy grateful for his steadfast belief in me and my abilities - he has never once doubted me. That said, it's simply overwhelming to think about the money we've poured into my business and will continue to. For the foreseeable future, every dollar earned will go back into the business; this is a stark difference to the very stable New York executive income I am used to making! So far, I am seeing it's worth it, but that doesn't make it any less scary, especially when I have kids to raise, feed, and educate.
11. How would you describe your sense of style?
Very feminine and classic French girl. I love a pop of red or navy, tweeds, and stripes. I am always in my Chanel flats or slingbacks. Generally speaking, I avoid trends!
15. What is your favorite splurge or investment “High Bar” piece in your wardrobe?
Chanel ballet flats in as many colors as possible. I have owned several pairs for over a decade and they've endured thousands of New York city miles walked, yet somehow still look fresh and polished. These will never go out of style and go with everything. Also, a classic Oscar dress that makes you feel on top of the world.
16. What is your favorite trendy yet affordable “Side Bar” piece in your wardrobe?
Zara makes great trendy denim and tops. I am not particularly into fast fashion and would much prefer to invest in fewer, better pieces, but I love their wide leg Marine denim. I know it will only last a season or two, but that's okay due to the price.
Thank you, Meghan! I know there are tremendous things on the horizon for you and I will continue to be one of your biggest cheerleaders! If you haven’t already, Bea Colette is a must stop shop for all of your elevated children’s wear needs. Meghan, you continue to uplift and inspire so many women to go after their dreams including myself, and for that I am forever grateful! Wishing great success in 2024 and wishing everyone a very Happy New Year! Cheers!!!
Closing out 2023
New Years Resolutions
I am incredibly grateful for a wonderful 2023! It has been filled with new adventures, learning, highs and lows and of course dancing! As we get ready to usher in a New Year, I have set some resolutions for myself and for my family.
I love the idea of goal setting and manifesting. I also love the concept of having guidelines to come back to if you feel like you have diverged from the rails. These are my Twelve Resolutions for 2024:
1. Focus on Health!
2. Prioritize 30 mins of movement every day
3. One date with my husband per week
4. One-on-one date with each child one time per month
5. Declutter and get rid of all children’s clothing and shoes that are too small
6. Establish three brand partnerships for BAR in the first half of the year
7. Play more golf
8. Eliminate stress
9. Learn to say NO!
10. Less is More!
11. One gratitude message per day
12. Be a Fountain, Not a Drain!!!
I can’t express my heart-filled gratitude enough for continuing to be on this journey with me and I wish you a healthy and prosperous New Year!
A Polar Express 8th Birthday
A Polar Express themed 8th Birthday Party featuring a trackless train, gingerbread house decorating and a snow globe!
When we first found out we were expecting our second child near Christmas, the thoughts certainly entered our head as to how we could make his day extra special. Thankfully my Oma had her birthday in December and she thought it was the best gift in the world as we were always together and everything was festive that time of year! We embraced that attitude and thankfully so has Max! He tells people all the time how lucky he is to share a birthday with Christmas!
His first birthday started the theme of The Polar Express and we have kept that theme ever since! To keep in theme with the movie we invite the children to have hot chocolate and we of course serve hot cocoa and have a trackless train! This years train was actually electric, so it was nice and quiet and didn’t have any of the stinky exhaust that many of our past trains have had. Max was quite worried that children would outgrow the train this year and not want to ride, but quite the contrary…it was a hit as usual!
One of the other traditions we incorporate is decorating Gingerbread Houses. This year we had almost 60 children with siblings so we decided to do family houses. I purchased the premade Gingerbread Houses from Target, but wanted a way to assign them. I recently started following Courtney Whitmore of Pizzazzerie and used her frosting recipe and bow ideas to label all of the houses. I will admit that to do that for 40 houses took 7 batches of frosting and about 2.5 hours! But the end result was worth it and the children easily knew which house to decorate. We also had a candy bar with all of the containers and cute signs from Michael’s. This was a huge hit, and sugar rush!!
I would say the biggest hit though was the snow globe from Party on a Cloud AZ! The snow globe is a newer item and to say the children were entranced with what it feels like to be in a life size snow globe is an understatement! Balloon Babe of Arizona created the cute Christmas themed balloons that adorned the outside as well as all of the balloons on the inside which made for great fun!
Last, but certainly not least was our incredible spread thanks to Benedict’s Catering. We had our annual Hot Cocoa station complete with all of the toppings you could imagine. As the party was after school we featured gluten free grilled cheese sandwiches, hamburgers and chicken salad for the parents. The show stealer though is always the spectacular cake by Jewel’s Bakery that is Gluten and Dairy free, but certainly not fun free! It was spectacular as always! Max is quite clever and requested a snowman to top his Polar Express themed cake this year as we are all golfers, and in golf we call an “8” on a scorecard a “Snowman.” This cake was as delicious as it was cute!
The biggest lesson I have learned about having a December birthday in our family is that it is all what you make it! We make it the most special and exciting thing, and Max fully feels that way! We are truly grateful for our Christmas baby and celebrating him in a fun and festive way! Happy Holidays!
The Low Down: Featuring Hayden Lasher, Handbag Designer
The Low Down: Featuring Hayden Lasher, Handbag Designer
I’m delighted to be bringing back The Low Down just in time for the Holidays and to kick it off by introducing the designer behind my number one pick on this year's Women’s Gift Guide, Hayden Lasher. Hayden is the great-grandniece of fashion icon Henri Bendel and is one of the chicest people I have ever met. Hayden embodies everything in the Fashion realm and exudes style in everything that she does. Her couture brand of handbags are designed in collaboration with Belgian shoes and feature the same Italian leather, structured silhouette and signature bow detailing. I, for one, was immediately taken by their beauty and have been enamored ever since. I first met Hayden at the University of Southern California where we were sorority sisters in the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Now as a busy mother of three and living in Houston, Texas, Hayden does an impeccable job of balancing work/home life and I am beyond delighted to have her share her incredible and timeless pearls of wisdom with us today. Please welcome, Hayden Lasher!
1. Please tell me a little bit about yourself. Where are you from, where did you go to college and what did you see yourself becoming when you were younger.I am a proud fifth generation Texan.
I went to USC for undergrad and Parson’s New School in New York and Paris for graduate school. I always wanted to be in fashion; fashion and art were always a big part of the landscape of conversation in our house, but I really began to focus and invest in pursuing it as a career when I was in high school.
2. I would love for you to share your road to becoming a handbag designer and producing some of the most coveted bags.
I started out interning at Michael Kors HQ at sixteen and then at Marc by Marc Jacobs in my early twenties. When I moved to New York for school, I began interning at Oscar de la Renta and they hired me two weeks before graduation. I worked in sales and design for shoes and handbags and was able to design my wedding shoes while I was there. I went on to launch my own company ten years ago.
3. Do you plan to go beyond handbags and if so, what would be some of your dream pieces to produce?
I LOVE the handbag business and don’t have any plans at this point to expand beyond, but I never say never…I am very interested in interior decorating and design and may be interested in designing a few home products so maybe I can manifest that for 2024.
4. Where do you see your business in another 5 years?
Thriving! My company is amid a glow up and I see my business expanding significantly in the next five years.
5. Who has inspired you most along the way?
My family has always been a huge inspiration to me. I come from a long line of entrepreneurs and creatives. My great grand uncle was Henri Bendel, whose designs I have studied since I was a little girl. He designed my great grandmother’s wedding dress. My grandmother was the epitome of chic and I have her voice echoing in my brain – “make it so that it lasts forever.” The first bag that I made was named the “Elene” in her honor. My mother has an incredible sense of style and color, and she has always inspired me to take risks with color combinations and dare to be bold.
6. What is the best piece of advice you were given? Regarding anything from business to parenting to personal development, etc.?
The work/life balance is always a constant juggling act, and it doesn’t mean you will keep all the balls in the air at the same time- you just have to identify which ball you can let go of to keep the rhythm.
Also, blondes should wear red. – Henri Bendel
7. What advice would you give to other women who are running a business and raising children?
Trust your instincts…they have gotten you this far. You will always be surrounded by people who have an opinion of how things “should” be done whether it pertains to your business or your children…only you know what works for your business and your family.
8. Is there anything you wish someone had told you along the way?
There are plenty of things I wish I knew along the way, but my honest opinion is that it’s a blessing to start off unknowing because it’s tough to start anything if you know how hard it is going to be.
9. What does work/life balance look like for you?
I started my business even long before I had children with the idea that I would want flexibility once we started a family. I typically drop my kids off at school and begin the grind but when carpool rolls around, I become less available until they have gone to bed. Of course, there are times that the schedule can be more demanding and that when I enlist the help of my kids. Their involvement in the task at hand, I hope, will leave a lasting imprint about what it takes to run a business and inspire in them a love of entrepreneurship. My husband is only mildly disappointed that my four-year-old son has changed his dream job from doctor to “selling purses with mom.”
10. What are some of your favorite traditions and do you place a priority on certain things?
My favorite family tradition is every year on our anniversary, my husband and I take a photo of him dipping me like he did for our wedding dance. It always gives a glimpse of the stage of life we are in from our first years of traveling to our more recent years of kids hanging onto our legs. I love to see how we are growing together through the years.
11. How, if ever, do you prioritize your well-being? What are some things that you try to squeeze in on a normal busy day that you feel has impacted your day-to-day life?
I regret to inform you that exercising in the morning before my children wake is the best way to get my day going. It gives me mental clarity and lets me catch my breath before I am everyone’s everything for the rest of the day.
12. What adversity has challenged you the most, yet made you a stronger person?
I have faced plenty of adversity and I think a lot of people, because of social media, only see people’s blessings. The challenges that I have faced have all taught me one thing – we persevere, time heals, and most troubles are temporary.
13. I know you meet so many inspiring women every day, how do you feel we can better support the motto of “Women helping Women?”
I think it is in the dailyness of life that women can support women. Be a part of someone’s “village” whether it is supporting their work or their family life. If you are are able, buy from a local woman owned business, help spread the word about a product or company you love, carpool, drop off dinner just because. Women can do anything and everything, but we shouldn’t always have to.
14. How would you describe your sense of style?
Classic, feminine, and timeless.
15. What is your favorite splurge or investment “High Bar” piece in your wardrobe?
An Hermes scarf: all you need to look chic anywhere you go is a great bag (i.e. Hayden Lasher handbag) great shoes, and a great scarf.
16. What is your favorite trendy yet affordable “Side Bar” piece in your wardrobe?
A pave cuff earring
17. What is one thing on your wish list for the Holidays?
Do I have to choose just one?
DTLA Custom painting on one of my handbags
Khaite Leather Shearling Jacket
Petra Palumbo handpainted water carafe
Thank you, Hayden! I am truly thankful to learn from you and am so grateful that you have shared your journey thus far in the Fashion World! I will never forget the Henri Bendel quote you shared “Blondes should wear red!” I wish you the best as your Fashion empire continues to grow and I have no doubt that the Hayden Lasher brand will be a household name in no time. Cheers!
Children’s Gift Guide Edition
The High BAR Edition Children’s Gift Guide
Children 10 and Under
Children 10 and Over
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! This week brings the Children’s Gift Guide for all of the special Littles in your life. Shopping for toddlers, children and tweens just got a little bit easier regardless if they are on the naughty or nice list! Make December a month to remember and jump on the shopping now so you can enjoy all that the Holiday Season has to offer!
The Low Down: Featuring Linda, Mother of Brittany Anna Rose
The Low Down: Featuring Linda, Mother of Brittany Anna Rose
Well, today is my birthday and it didn’t take long to decide who to invite to join me for the sixth edition of The Low Down. Who more significant to interview today than the woman who brought me into this world and has served me nothing but unconditional love since?! I am truly so grateful for her very powerful words of wisdom. I remember being quite young when my mother would tell me to extract one pearl of wisdom from everyone you speak with. She has always been a proponent of having high self esteem and focusing only on positive things. Her analogy of life resembling a heart beat has resonated with so many people and can always turn someones frown upside down. She is unapologetically authentic and has always had the best advice. I am beyond grateful that she taught me how to entertain and that life is short so throw the party and take the trip! I am beyond grateful to welcome my mother, Linda.
1.Please tell me a little bit about yourself. Where are you from, where did you go to college and what did you see yourself becoming when you were younger.
I was born and raised in Southern California and upon graduation from Western High School, I went to Cypress College and majored in business. I was asked to join a new program that they were offering called the Stewardess Hostess Program. I always knew I wanted to travel the world and thought this would be a good add on to my business degree. We actually wore uniforms to school and we studied every aspect of travel from weather, to time zones, tourism, first aid and emergency procedures. Upon graduation they actually brought in 12 major airlines to interview us. I thought it would be a good experience and I actually was offered a job from 11 of the 12. That started my 17 year career as a flight attendant with Continental Airlines.
2. You have always said, just try to take away one pearl of wisdom from everyone you meet. What are some of the best pearls you have received?
I love the term “people reading,” which I learned from a brilliant Self Esteem Coach. He said you should always ask people questions, because “people don’t really care how much you know until they know how much you care.” You can learn so much from people from all walks of life.
I also always say that “in life there are two kinds of people: the givers and the takers and the givers are the winners.” This coach recommended that I read you the book The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. In addition he recommended at least ten affirmations a day. I always made you repeat after me: I am smart, I am happy, I am kind, I believe in myself, I practice patience, I choose to smile and enjoy life to the fullest etc etc..
3. Can you please share your analogy of life and a heart beat?
After you were born I decided to stop flying. I decided to join your father in a new business venture that required (as I would say most start up business require) blood, sweat and tears. We had four very difficult years of start up type growth. I was talking to a friend that was a pastor of a church and he asked how things were going. I told him that it had been a difficult four years of ups and downs. He said “Your life should resemble a heartbeat, full of constant highs and lows. If you have a straight line, you have a problem.”
4. You have always had a few unofficial “rules of being a lady.” Do you mind sharing what some of those are?
Many of these I learned from my Flight Attendant training.
1) You must always be punctual
2) If you make a commitment, you always follow through
3) Be gracious and always say please and thank you
4) Always look your best for the situation
5) Always have your nails manicured, with nail polish on your toes
5. You are an amazing world traveler! What are some of your best tips and what is one thing you never leave home without? What do you wear on the airplane? Where does your effort to dress up stem from?’
To this day I love traveling and seeing the world. I will always be able to watch movies and say I have been there. We set our bucket list early on in life and there are very few places we have not been. It will say it is always best to have fun and easy going traveling companions.
In the early days when I started flying it was a privilege to fly and Flight Attendants as well as passengers dressed in their Sunday best. Sadly not anymore. Black is my color of choice. Slacks and a nice jacket are my travel uniform and I always have a black cashmere wrap in my bag for those flights that they just cannot get the temperature right. Today the important item to always have on hand is the correct chargers for your devices.
6. Who has inspired you most along the way?'
It would definitely be my mother that was born in Germany and fell in love with an American soldier while he was serving in the Air Force in Germany. They were married in Germany and she came through Ellis Island in December and I was born in February in California. She learned English after she arrived she immediately got her US citizenship. She instilled so many qualities in me as well as my younger sister and brother. The one thing she always prioritized was to start your day with goals and your first goal is to wake up and make your bed which I still do to this day. We lost my mother this last year at the age of 98 and I am looking forward to celebrating her life in her home town with all of our family this summer.
7. What is the best piece of advice you were given? Regarding anything from business to parenting to personal development, etc.?
This would also come from my mother. She always said “You can do and become whatever you want. Just never quit.”
8. What advice would you give to other women who are working and raising children?
It takes a village. Never hesitate to bring other people into your life to help with keeping your family safe and sane. There are many single moms that are working to support their family, but also are very hands on moms. I heard a message on Mother’s day about a job that requires 24/7, it is being a Mom. I was blessed to have strong women in my life with my grandmother and my mother. They instilled a strong character in me at a young age.
9. Is there anything you wish someone had told you along the way?
Always take the trip! You will not regret it!
10. What did work/life balance look like for you?
My favorite word is BALANCE I always say work hard play hard. I love the quote:
“Work while you work, Play while you Play
One thing at a time that is the way.
All that you do, do with your might
Things done in halves are not done right.”
Your family should always come first and try to surround yourself with positive minded, encouraging and supportive people. Do they energize and inspire you? Are they there for you through thick and thin? IF you want to be healthy and remain healthy, surround yourself with happy positive people.
10. What are some of your favorite traditions and do you place a priority on certain things?
Traditions are all about family and making memories. Ours include: vacations to various parts of the world, USC Football games, Christmas card photos and Christmas morning matching pajamas. Also celebrating milestone birthdays with family and friends.
11. How do you prioritize your wellbeing?
My day starts with a cup of my Bio Coffee and playing my Wordle and then doing my Duo Lingo to learn Spanish. I love to go to Yoga and Pilates classes. I love golf and pickle ball, or as I say we do more “Giggle Ball.” I love walking with friends or as we call it “walking and talking.” I highly recommend walking with friends as great therapy!
12. How do you think we can best support the motto of “women helping women?”
Women truly should and quietly do run the world. As they say “behind every successful man there is a strong woman.” There is no doubt about this. The best part of my life was raising a beautiful, smart and loving daughter that has only brought me happiness. A mother/daughter bond is so special. It is someone to laugh with, dream with and love with all your heart for the rest of your life. I love that we talk daily, and I learn from you daily.
13. How would you describe your sense of style?
I would say my style is very classic: a little black dress, cute designer shoes, a fabulous purse and never forget your pearls.
14. What is your favorite splurge or investment “High Bar” piece in your wardrobe?
I love my black J McLaughlin Becca pants, a designer belt and Valentino Garavani Rockstud pumps for winter and sandals for summer My golf favorite is Louis Castel.
15. What is your favorite trendy yet affordable “Side Bar” piece in your wardrobe?
My casual wardrobe is always going to be Lululemon. We love traveling to our new home in Cabo San Lucas, and I have several happy places, but first place goes to either my yoga mat or the golf course. My happiest place though is being a grandma to our six grandchildren, and my grandma name is Lulu, so it all feels very appropriate .
Mom, I can’t thank you enough for joining me on The Low Down to share some of your pearls of wisdom. There is a reason so many of my friends have always loved being around you and getting advice from you! You have always been wise beyond your years and I am so grateful for everything you have instilled in me. I’m also forever grateful for your unconditional love and that you showed me what a magical childhood should entail. I hope to continue to emulate that for my children. XOXO
Mommy and Me
Mommy and Me Style Edit for both sons and daughters just in time for Mother’s Day!
It MAY be a Busy Week, But Don’t Forget About Mama
A last minute approach to Mother’s Day based on upcoming current events!
The Low Down: Featuring Mindy Weiss, Event Planner Extraordinaire
Today I am so unbelievably overjoyed to welcome Mindy Weiss to the fifth edition of The Low Down! Mindy is one of the most sought-after event planners in the world. She is also the author of three best-selling books: “The Wedding Book,” “The Wedding Planner,” and “The Baby Keepsake Book and Planner.” It feels so appropriate to have her as my guest today as it is Matt’s and my fourteenth wedding anniversary and Mindy made our dream wedding come to life. My husband’s tag line whenever we talk about her is “You don’t roll the dice with Mindy Weiss.” And it is so true! Her attention to detail and beyond creative mind inspires me to this day. What I will truly never forget is her cool as a cucumber demeanor even when it was 98 degrees outside. I remember starting to feel faint as I stepped out of the antique car with no air conditioning just down the road from where Coachella takes place and without having to say anything, Mindy calmly held a straw up to my lips and told me to take a few sips of water. I instantly felt better, and I think about how calm she remained whenever I start to feel overwhelmed with anything in life. Mindy is one of the kindest. human beings you will ever meet with an innate classic style that transcends generations. I will forever be grateful to her for everything she did to create our dream wedding, but also all the fun we had with her in the year leading up to our wedding. From her genius concept of the “Glamelia” bouquet to complement our Camellia theme, to the incredibly clever “iDo” iPod party favors, and everything in between. Mindy never ceases to amaze with the things she can dream about, but most impressively bring to life. I feel most fortunate that I continue to see Mindy from time to time at the weddings of other friends that she has so beautifully orchestrated and despite the years in between, she always makes it feel like no time has passed. I am so excited for you to get to know a little bit more about the incredible woman who always brings the magic! Please welcome, Mindy Weiss!
Please tell me a little bit about yourself. Where are you from and what did you see yourself becoming when you were younger.
Hi! Im born and raised in Los Angeles and I still love my city to this day!. I always thought I’d be in TV production or the fashion world…Kinda a bit of both that i'm experiencing in my job today!
I would love for you to share your road to becoming the world’s most sought-after event planner and dream creator.
This all happen by chance… after I graduated I walked into a darling stationery store and realized my love for personalized stationery. I asked if they had any job openings and at that moment i realized I was a paper-holic and I met my best friend Janis who was the manager and who to this day is like my sister. We eventually started our own invitation/ stationery business and then the clients started asking me to do the parties ….janis stuck with just our invite company called JAM and I went on to the party/wedding world
You have an innate ability to remain calm in the most stressful of situations. I remember on my wedding day that you were always the face and voice of calm. You are truly incredible! What is your secret?
Thank you! Well I found early on that the more uptight or nervous I would be that energy spread like wildfire! And…you realize what is truly the important moments I respect the fact that i’m responsible for the memories but I introduce a sense of humor and calm and love….
You have so many memorable moments, I’m sure! Could you describe one experience where you overcame the impossible to make something happen?
One wedding the officiant did not show up. I was lucky enough that in another ballroom there was another wedding. It happened to be Jewish as was ours and that Rabbi was kind enough to marry my couple! From that moment on I became ordained and never worried again!
Everyone is inspired by you, but is there anyone who has inspired you along the way?
Thank you! …oh so many people but most of all my mother who passed away young. She gave the most creative wonderful parties throughout her life and I can remember all of them! They had every ingredient: beautiful, heartfelt, memorable, a bit of a sense of humor and boy I admit a bit over the top!
What is the best piece of advice you were given? Regarding anything from business to parenting to personal development, etc.?
Don’t miss important family life memories for someone else's life memories. I missed alot and I regret it. Now I’’m upfront and honest and let my clients know if I cannot miss a family event. Charge what you are worth. It makes you feel appreciated, respected and excited to make those dreams come true!
What advice would you give to other women who are running a business and who have a family of their own?
My kids adore and respect me. They watched me work hard and they all too work hard. I worried for years about the late nights and missing some sport games…and now they talk about all their memories and my stories.
What does work/life balance look like for you?
I’d like to give you a formula but I take it day to day….
What are some of your favorite traditions and do you place a priority on certain things?
Sunday night family dinner. I wait all week for it.
How, if ever, do you prioritize your well-being? What are some things that you try to squeeze in on a normal busy day that you feel has impacted your day-to-day life?
A manicure once a week, I feel great after a weekly blowdry, pilates twice a week and grandkid fix twice a week! Sleepovers are the best!
What adversity has challenged you the most, yet made you a stronger person?
Some clients are quite aggressive… and learning to tell them that “I don’t think our personalities are working” and walk away from a dreadful situation has been the best move. Something that keeps you up all night is not worth any amount of money.
I know you meet so many inspiring women every day, how do you feel we can better support the motto of “Women helping Women?”
Sharing solutions to interesting situations. How to……
How would you describe your sense of style?
I love fashion and I do partake in shopping a little too much…I’d say my style is classic with really beautiful shoes!!!!!
What is your favorite splurge or investment “High Bar” piece in your wardrobe?
A new beautiful winter coat every year…I shop seasonally and remember I have to get dressed up for my job on the weekends! Great excuse!
What is your favorite trendy yet affordable “Side Bar” piece in your wardrobe?
Mixing Zara with a pair of Gucci Slides
What is one thing on your wish list for 2023?
Good Health!!!!!!!!!
I am beyond honored for your time, Mindy! I highly recommend everyone look into Mindy’s new “Plan Your Dream Wedding” session on Master Class and if you haven’t already read one of her three amazing and helpful books, it’s a must do! In honor of our anniversary I thought I would share some of my favorite memories that Mindy created for my husband and me! I truly will be forever grateful for my dream wedding! xoxo
