Candice Coppola is the owner and creative director of Jubilee Events and Jubilee Events: Caribbean, an event design and planning studio with offices in Cheshire, Connecticut and Barbados, West Indies. After launching her first company in 2007, she quickly became a sought after event designer, working with clients all over the world. In fulfilling her love for mentoring, Candice is also the executive course instructor and tutor at the QC Event Planning School, working with aspiring event planners on a daily basis to achieve their career goals. She is equally passionate about motivating, teaching, and helping other small businesses in this industry succeed— and does so by mentoring businesses one-on-one through her coaching company CandiceCoppola.com.
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
Like so many entrepreneurs, I was deeply unhappy with my career at the time and wanted a change! After college, I had to take a job to make ends meet, and found myself working in the medical industry. While I loved my co-workers and the job taught me A LOT about business (which I still reference to this day) it was not where my heart was. In 2007, I decided to make a life changing decision by jumping head first into the wedding industry with zero experience. It’s still crazy to me that I’ve been doing this for TEN years!
Tell us about your business.
I’m so fortunate because I get to work with couples on monumental moments in their life. I get to help create life lasting memories for families— and this is the reason why I do what I do! I have two event planning and design companies. We work with clients on creating a brilliantly planned and artfully designed wedding or occasion. We help to manage all the logistics of wedding day, while collaborating intensely with our clients on the look and feel of their wedding.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
Yes! In addition to planning and designing weddings, I also coach and mentor entrepreneurs in the wedding industry. I help wedding industry creatives build a business with purpose. I’m excited to offer your readers a 1-hour coaching session for $99USD (a $51 savings). Simply email me at candice@eventjubilee.com and mention LadyBossBlogger!
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
I have been a featured expert in:
- BRIDES Magazine
- The New York Times
- CBS
- NBC
- The Knot Magazine
- My Wedding Magazine
- Modern Weddings Magazine
- Martha Stewart Weddings
My work can be seen in:
- ELLE Decor
- Glamour Magazine
- PEOPLE
- ELLE Magazine
- Inside Weddings
- The EveryGirl
- Style Me Pretty
- Destination Weddings Magazine
- Grace Ormonde Magazine
- Bliss Celebrations Magazine and several other publications.
I co-authored my first book “The White Dress in Color — Inspirations for the Modern Bride” in 2013.
Where is your business based?
Our USA-based company, Jubilee Events, is based out of Cheshire, Connecticut. Our sister brand, Jubilee Events: Caribbean services clients seeking a destination wedding in Barbados.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?Â
I wrote a business plan. This is often an overlooked step when an entrepreneur wants to start his/her own company, but it is probably the most important thing you will do. A business plan is the foundation for your business and also serves as a road map of where you want your business to excel in the future.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Networking. The power of networking is strong, my friends! When I first started my company I sought out professionals who I admired and whose work mirrored my own style. They were already in front of the clientele I was trying to attract, so it made sense to reach out to them. Networking has single handily transformed my business, and it is still something I do on a daily basis!
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Maintaining relevancy can be hard when you’ve been in business for a while. There are always new people coming into the industry who on the surface look like they can threaten your livelihood. But, competition is genuinely a wonderful thing to have in business— as it keeps everyone on their toes. Plus, there is a lot we can learn from younger minds who may have a better understanding of the generation of clients we are servicing (i.e. Millennials).
How did you overcome these challenges?
Just as I mentioned above— embracing competition— and being open enough to listen to what they have to say.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
Wine.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
This is a great question. Authenticity is so important these days, and I make sure that my personality and aesthetic is reflective in our brand, marketing, and the experience that we provide clients. When you build a business that encompasses the values and creativity you have as a person— you will have little competition— as no one can provide what you provide.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
“Leadership requires two things: a vision of the world that does not yet exist and the ability to communicate it.” – by Simon Sinek, Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Entrepreneurship is a marathon and not a sprint. You’ve got to keep going.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
Honeybook! It allows me to manage my business on almost every level.
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
“Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert. Two words: game changer!
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @eventjubilee
Twitter @candice_coppola
Facebook @weddingindustrycoach, @eventjubilee, @weddingsinbarbados
Website www.candicecoppola.com, www.eventjubilee.com, www.eventjubileecaribbean.com
Email candice@eventjubilee.com
Hashtags #candicecoppola #eventjubilee #eventjubileedestinations
Candice Coppola says
Thank you so much for having me! <3