Crystal Marie Young knew she couldn’t be stuck in the 9-to-5 world forever, so she took a leap of faith and stepped out into the entrepreneurial world of event planning!
[Carla Taylor Makeup]
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I’ve always been a bird of a different feather… doing something different. I was never fulfilled or content with working my 9 to 5’s. Following my passion meant more to me than being secure in a job I hated… and let’s be honest the 9 to 5 wasn’t all that secure as I was trained to think. I decided one day to have faith and leap. So I did! I walked out and was determined to not look back.
Tell us about your business.
Crystal Marie Events is a vibrant wedding planning, social event planning, and design studio that focuses on well-organized planning, strong execution, stylish design and most importantly… YOU!
Where is your business based?
Detroit, Michigan.
[Memories of Bliss Photography]
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
Filed as a company in my state. Let’s face it without an EIN you are just a hobby. I wanted to make sure that I was able to get the perks of being an official business and again people take you more seriously.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
I went through a whole rebrand this year. That included a new website, company name change, new logo and videos. I also started charging for my consultations. This sets the tone for my company. If people are spending their own money they tend to take it more seriously. This was the best thing I could have done for my company. That’s the first level of respecting my business. The type of clientele I attract won’t have a problem with paying for a consultation.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
People seeing the value in your services.
[Mishara Walker, Mishara Designs Photography]
How did you overcome these challenges?
- First, believing in myself and knowing that I am worth it.
- Second, past clients and followers vouching about my services with reviews, postings on Facebook and Instagram and my overall brand.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I wake up and say this to myself each morning; “Say how you feel, leave the job you hate, find your passion, love with every ounce of your bones, stand up for things that matter, don’t settle, don’t apologize for who you are… be brave!”
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
Wait what?! I have competitors?! LOL! The only competitor I see is myself. My out-of-the-box events and flair of uniqueness, my fashion on event day, and the book I authored earlier this year “A Girlfriends Guide To A Crystal Clear Bride.”
What is the best advice you have received recently?
Not recently but don’t ever work for free. Till this day I still tell Melinda from MeMe Designs + Events, thank you.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Don’t work for free! You must train people how to treat your company. You first must value your own self-worth and then people will follow suit.
[Lydia Kearney Carlis, C-Suite Pics]
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
Quickbooks… that means I’m sending out invoices. It helps me with my accounting which is important. The business side to a company is SO important!
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
“You are a Badass” by Jen Sincero.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
I am always focusing on the business side and continuing education. I attend event professional conferences, invest in the latest technology, engage with other planners outside my city and state, stay active in groups and stay around like minded individuals. I am never the smartest person in the room and if I am. I am in the wrong room.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
Building a strong team where I am able to have more than one event on a day, continue to promote my book, book events in different states, book speaking engagements, and continue to stay humble and sparkle all at the same time.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @crystalmarieevents
Twitter @CMEventsllc
Facebook www.facebook.com/crystalmarieeventsllc
Facebook Business Page www.facebook.com/crystalmarieevents
Website www.crystalmarieevents.com
Video youtu.be/6s011AqmOjM
Hashtags #crystalmarieevents #whosyourplanner #hireaplanner
[Derrick Davis Photography]