The stress they experienced in organizing their wedding on December 2000 convinced Joemari and Maria Glia Benedicto to set up their own wedding coordination business in Cebu City.
What started out as free services to friends and relatives in 2000 developed into a full -time registered business in 2004 named Rent An Angel Wedding Support Services.
“I was not into organizing. But during our wedding in 2000, my husband and I were hands-on with wedding preparations. We really felt the stress so my husband said 'Why not make this as a full-time business?' From there, everything flowed,” Glia said.
The decision became official in 2004 after Glia attended a leadership seminar, which made her realize her passion and love to serve others.
Noting that the two of them could not work on their own Joemari and Glia, both registered nurses, invited family members to make up their team.
“It's easier to work with people you know. There are times that you are not there when the event is happening. Even without me, they already have the ability to make quick decisions,” Glia said.
The couple has three family members helping them with the business.
Organizing and coordinating events were not part of Glia's original repertoire.
After resigning from hospital work in 1998, Glia worked for several companies until 2004.
However, her husband Joemari has a knack for hosting events.
Glia said managing people is the most challenging part of being wedding coordinators.
She said dealing with bridezillas, a term wedding coordinators use for brides who usually become very impatient and hot-tempered like the Japanese monster Godzilla, made it one of her most challenging experiences.
But she credits the 2004 seminar lessons she learned for her long patience and utmost understanding for the brides.
“You have to be very patient because most of them are pressured. Some want their weddings to be better than their friends’. Others are pressured by their families,” Glia said.
She said it is important to communicate and update the couple on the developments in their weddings.
Glia works at home and meets her clients in malls or restaurants.
“It's easier (to work at home) because I am free to go about the things that I wanted to do. Also, I can save on rental. That's savings (on overhead costs).”
Within the year, she plans to put up an office so it will be easier to entertain clients..
Aside from patience and understanding, Glia said love for the craft, honesty and commitment are primary values which wedding coordinators should possess.
After being in the business for eight years, Glia said the importance of having a time line is synonymous to a successful wedding.
“The time line makes sure that your schedules are not delayed. Things fall into place and you lessen last minute mistakes.”
Top priorities include proper documentation and sticking to the contract agreement so one’s services as coordinator are not exploited.
The couple organized a total of 25 weddings since 2000. The weddings were held in Cebu, Ormoc and Dipolog cities.
To enhance creativity and innovation, the couple update themselves with the latest trends including color combinations by watching TV, reading magazines and doing research online.
Glia said it helps that they have a list of able suppliers such as florists and photographers who help them with wedding specifics.
To keep a positive aura, Glia said she meditates everyday. This also helps her in becoming more sensitive to the needs of clients.
Although, it started with zero capital, she said, the business continues to flourish because of their passion and love to help other couples organize one of the most important events in their lives.
This is a lesson that start-up entrepreneurs should learn by heart, said Glia.
“They (entrepreneurs) should never think that they need big capital to put up a business. As long as they love and have passion for the business, it can be done.”
Friday, February 13, 2009
Ex-nurses turn wedding planners
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