Blondevents - South Florida Women in Business {florida lifestyle photographer}
I had so much fun meeting up with Christi and Meaghan from Blondevents at the Bonnet House in Fort Lauderdale. The staff at the Bonnet House was so gracious, and took us around the beautiful property and gardens in a golf cart, letting us jump out whenever we saw a great location to shoot. Blondevents is a fabulous event planning company, created and run by Christi and Meaghan together. Their passion and creativity for weddings and all events is what makes Blondevents such a success. Besides the fact that working with the girls is so much fun, they truly complement each other to create beautiful and creative events.
Tell us about your business: - At Blondevents, our clients’ purpose is our passion. We strive to elevate events from the “everyday” to the “once in a lifetime” by focusing on design and production that showcase our clients’ individual styles. We do it all with an unparalleled level of client service to ensure their absolute satisfaction. We truly love what we do and are blessed to be doing it together.
How did you become business partners? - We met in 2002 as sorority sisters at Florida State University and instantly bonded over our natural blondeness. We soon discovered our passion for party planning. Tailgating honed our love for catering and fabulous food, socials paved way for our obsession of themed events, and our sorority instilled a sense of tradition and commitment. From all this, Blondevents was born and we have been planning events ever since!
Do you feel like you balance each other and how? - Although we do have some similarities, our differences are what have contributed the most to our success. Since we have known each other for over 10 years, we have seen each other at our best & at our worst, we understand each other’s strengths & weaknesses, and we know how to motivate each other & how to calm each other down. Having this kind of inside knowledge on your business partner allows us to balance each other out and be successful in working with clients of differing personalities, communication styles and needs.
What is the most challenging thing about owning your own business? - Christi: The most challenging thing about owning your own business is being your own boss. Most people might think that is the best part, but when you are your own boss everything is your responsibility and your fault whether it is a success or failure.
- Meaghan: For me, it’s been appreciating the small the steps we have accomplished. Sometimes, I am so focused on where I want this business to be, I forget to recognize what we have already achieved.
What is the most rewarding thing about owning your own business? - Christi: The most rewarding thing about owning your own business is that you are in charge of your own fate.
- Meaghan: For me, it’s knowing that my dream has been realized. To think 15 months ago, Blondevents was simply an idea Christi and I were conceptualizing. Seeing where it has come in such a short period of time is truly amazing to me. I feel blessed to be on this journey and can’t wait to see what the future holds.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to a bride who is beginning to plan her wedding? - Christi: Planning a wedding is going to be stressful and she is going to have moments of total frustration. However, no matter how crazy things get, in the end it will all be worth it and she won’t even remember the rough stuff.
- Meaghan: Hire a wedding planner, preferably Blondevents!
Where do you see your business heading in the next few years? - By the end of the year, we will be opening Paper Blonde, a semi-customizable event stationery line. We want to see Blondevents to continue to grow and thrive in all markets, and to be a force in the industry.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone who is starting their own business, what would it be? - To be patient. Success is not going to happen overnight. They need to stay positive, work hard and maintain their focus no matter what.
How do you balance work, family and fun? - We think balance is the key to any successful person. You have to make time for other things in life besides work. Though, when you own a business with your best friend it makes work seem fun!
If you were stranded on an island and could only have three things, what would they be? - Christi: (1) My miniature-pinscher mix, Daisy. (2) Endless supply of wine (3) A plane ticket home
- Meaghan: (1) My best friend and husband, Jordan (2) Endless supply of French fries. (3) Volleyball named Wilson.
When you are not at work, where can we find you? - Christi: When I am not at work, you can find me with a glass of wine, cheering on Florida State Football or relaxing on the couch watching a good movie.
- Meaghan: When I’m not at work, you can find me spending time with friends and family, planning my next big vacation, or cooking a fabulous meal (with a glass of good vino of course!)
Thank you so much Christi and Meaghan!
You can find more information about Blondevents on their website here and you can also "like" them on facebook here.