Images by Andrea Pesce Photography

Oh how I love me some Lacoya. Lacoya came to me many moons ago (okay like three years?) to create a new brand for her wedding planning business Hello Love Events. She was one of my very first clients and I LOVED working with her. She is the sweetest person you will ever meet. Not only does Lacoya run Hello Love Events, she recently launched The Mor Community, a community of creative mom business owners. It’s wonderful and so encouraging to see so many other boss lady mamas going at the grind everyday while still playing the role of mom and wife. She’s an inspiration. Truly. Did I mention she also is a Naval engineer? No? Okay well she’s super smart too!

Okay enough praising my fav lady. I asked Lacoya a few questions about starting her business and here is what she said.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS?
I officially started Hello Love Events in February 2012, so almost 4 years!

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO START YOUR BUSINESS?
Long story short, I have always had a hidden dream to open my own wedding planning business but never thought it could be a reality. It was one of those ‘starving artist’ careers that had a reputation of being a “hundreds chase it, few make it” path. It wasn’t until I planned my own wedding and I, due to my day-of coordinator bailing at the last minute, had to step into dual roles of bride AND planner – that I realized that I never wanted any bride or groom to ever feel that way on their wedding day.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?
I could go on and on about how much I love to organize and style things, but honestly – it’s the special moments that I get to be a part of. The first looks, the hugs, the tears, the laughter – it’s truly priceless. And even better – knowing that I have a part in helping couples be able to create those moments without stressing about things when it’s time to make them. I am SO blessed to be able to do what I do!

WHAT GOALS DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
Eventually, I would love to own an upscale, modern wedding venue with a full-service wedding planning and styling team all in-house: planning, florals, stationery, rentals – the works. I know that’s a lot of lego pieces, but I also know that there are people with talents out there that are waiting for such an opportunity to get to do what they love every single day. Why not be the leader for those wonderful people AND still be able to do what I love?

Why not be the leader for those wonderful people AND still be able to do what I love?

WHAT THREE PIECES OF ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE FOR NEW BUSINESS OWNERS?

1) Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill. There are a lot of potential business owners who think the steps to entrepreneurship are SO difficult and that they aren’t capable. Well – it literally took me less than 15 minutes and $200 to start mine. It takes much less resources than you think, but way more balls and determination to make it work. Get out there and do it!

2) Do the work. It definitely takes more than passion to make it happen. Research your market, build your brand, and execute your butt off. There’s either tons of people who already do what you do, or once you get out there and execute well, there will be tons of people thereafter. Be the best that you can be, serve your clients well and your gift will make room for you.

3) Put your blinders on. So many businesses out there struggle with the comparison game. It’s so easy to fall into but if you continue to stay focused on improving YOUR craft, and not on what the next person is doing – then eventually, you will become the inspiration. Look at every successful person – at some point, they put their blinders on and stopped following the crowd. Now you go do the same. 🙂