Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Caitlin Eastman, CEO of Eastman Events, LLC, located in Holmdel, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
As a wedding planner based in New Jersey, I work with couples throughout the Tri-State area and New England to create stylish events with classic, timeless charm. My clients trust me to bring their vision to life, so they can relax and enjoy their engagement with confidence. I specialize in designing events that capture each couple's unique personality and story. I believe that the best weddings are the ones that stand the test of time, and my goal is to create a day that the happy couple and their guests will cherish for years to come.
Tell us about yourself
I've always been fascinated by the power of weddings to bring people together and create lasting memories. After years of helping friends and family plan their own weddings, getting a degree in hospitality, and earning industry experience, I decided to turn my passion into a career by starting my own wedding planning business.
What motivates me each day is the opportunity to work with couples and their loved ones, to understand their unique stories and personalities, and to create a wedding day that reflects their vision and values. Seeing the joy and love on their faces as they celebrate their special day is what makes all the hard work worth it.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment has been creating a business that I'm truly passionate about and that allows me to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Knowing that each couple's wedding day is filled with joy and happiness is the ultimate reward, and it's what inspires me to continue striving for excellence in everything we do.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about being a business owner is the constant ups and downs. Running a business is like riding a rollercoaster - there are exhilarating highs and frustrating lows, and it can be tough to maintain a steady course. It's easy to feel discouraged when faced with unexpected obstacles or setbacks, and it takes a lot of resilience to keep pushing forward.
Despite these challenges, being a business owner is incredibly rewarding. I've learned to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and to focus on the big picture while staying flexible and adapting to the changing landscape.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Focus on providing value. No matter what industry you're in, it's important to focus on providing value to your customers. This means understanding their needs, wants, and pain points and developing products or services that address them. By consistently delivering value, you can build a loyal customer base and establish a reputation for excellence.
- Utilize your network. Building a strong reputation takes time, and one of the best ways to do this is by leveraging your existing network of colleagues, friends, and family. By delivering exceptional service to your early clients and encouraging them to spread the word, you can begin to build a strong reputation that will attract new customers and help your business grow.
- Invest in yourself and your business. Starting and running a business can be a lot of work, and it's important to take care of yourself in the process. This means investing in your own education and personal development, as well as investing in your business with the right tools, resources, and team members.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.eastmanevents.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EastmanEvents
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastmanevents/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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