What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?
I’m sure I echo most entrepreneurs when I say that the most challenging part of owning a business is balancing tasks, strategy, growth, and life. It’s just my husband and I working on lovemadisonweddings.com and we have two young children at home, so our nights get late and mornings start early. But the most rewarding aspect of my job is just that — the freedom to be present with my daughters and have control over my work schedule.
Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?
I worked in advertising and marketing for 10 years before starting lovemadisonweddings.com. During that time, I was fortunate to work with some incredible mentors who helped prepare me to run my own business. Locally that included Margo Francisco, vice president of strategy and business development at SSM Health, Marsha Lindsay, owner of Lindsay, Stone & Briggs, and Chris Reinders, vice president at Lindsay, Stone & Briggs. Margo was my boss on two different occasions. One was at my very first job out of college and she saw potential in me even though I was so new to the industry. She perfectly blended constructive feedback with encouragement and I’m so grateful to her for setting that tone to my career. Marsha is such a thought leader and really challenges her employees to get out of their comfort zones. I left LSB a very different professional than when I started, and I honestly don’t think I would have had the courage to start my own business if I had not had that experience. Chris was my manager at LSB and I have so much respect for him. If Love, Madison Weddings ever has employees I hope I can adjust my management style to each in the same way that he’s able to.
What has been the high point of your career so far?
Last year we partnered with an amazing team of local wedding vendors to give away a wedding at Charlie’s on Main. As part of the process we accepted applications, interviewed the top three couples, and then chose the winner. We then followed along on their wedding planning journey. The winning couple, Mike and Ann, got married on May 19 of this year and I would say that attending their wedding is at the top of this list for career high points to date. My husband and I really got to know them and their daughter through the process, and are fortunate to now call them friends.
Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
I am an introverted person and for many years I viewed that as a weakness and didn’t appreciate the unique skill set that it affords. I would tell my younger self to recognize that sooner.
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What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?
The entrepreneurial spirit is alive in our city and that’s a benefit to me as both a business owner and a consumer. I love to shop local and support other small businesses, and there’s certainly no shortage of unique finds in the Madison area. As a business owner, there are so many incredible resources and inspiring people to learn from.
Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?
I’ve been known to set our everyday life at home to show tunes. While my family would likely call it entertaining, I doubt they’d use the word talent. But I really love learning and trying new things, so I hope that someday I do find a true hidden talent worthy of noting.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Wheel of Fortune! My oldest daughter recognizes the opening music and proudly announces that Mommy’s show is on when she hears it. Someday I will get around to auditioning. Also — good craft beer! Going back to question 5, I’d say that the local breweries are also one of the best things about living in Dane County.
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