Insider to Insider: Julianne Smith, Owner of Julianne Smith Garters

Julianne Smith is taking the country by storm!  Everyone is raving about her stylish wedding garters. It’s a long-time tradition that took a backseat for a few years, but thanks to Julianne, it’s back – but with STYLE!  (Thank you, Julianne… the wedding world does not need tacky garters!)  And, I love how she started her business.  Julianne has always been one of “those” people to just make things when they weren’t available to purchase.  A friend of hers asked her to make a “furry” wedding garter.  (True story!)  And, because she couldn’t find anything to fit that important requirement, she did it herself.  And, thus a business was born!  And, garters are HOT!  If you missed it, she was featured this week on the Lifetime Show Get Married.

Julianne Smith
Owner, Julianne Smith Garters
Washington, DC
www.juliannesmith.com
Established 2005

What is your favorite thing about weddings?

My favorite “thing” is the pictures. They are so beautiful and so real. Capturing all the details and the small, yet important, moments is always so amazing to me, especially since I have zero photography skills. I also like that the photos are something the couple will have forever to help them remember this amazing moment in their relationship.

What is your best tip for time management?

Make a list and stick to it. No matter what I’m doing (packing for a trip, going to the grocery store, trying to get the most out of the one hour that my daughter sleeps), I make a list of everything I want to accomplish, even the very littlest things. And, when I’m overwhelmed, just writing things down helps me to clear my head and ease my stress. Then, I start at the top of the list and work my way down, not allowing myself to skip over things, even if I don’t want to do it.

What is your little marketing secret?

My best piece of advice is to be yourself. For example, if you are pitching a magazine, don’t send them a stuffy formal email, if you are not a stuffy, formal person. Editors (and clients) want to know the person behind the product. Your personality should be reflected in everything that you do, even marketing and PR.

What is the funnest (most fun) trend you are seeing in the industry?

This is kind of out there, but I will say that the best “trend” that I’m seeing in the wedding industry is people helping other wedding industry people. There are a few really good blogs (like Sage Wedding Pros), seminars, speakers, and professionals-for-hire who are sharing their experiences with the greater wedding community. It is neat and exciting to see industry veterans take what they’ve learned and pass it on. It gets me excited for the future and makes me wonder where I’ll be in a few years….will I be teaching others how to make wedding garters!?

If you were starting your business all over again, what would you have done differently?

I can honestly say that I would not change a thing. I’m a big believer in learning from every experience, especially mistakes. And, I don’t necessarily view any mistakes I’ve made as things I’d change. Everything I’ve done so far has helped me to get to where I am today. Every issue or problem that I’ve encountered has only helped me to grow better and stronger as a business owner and a designer. That said, I still have a long road ahead of me (hopefully!), so I reserve the right to change my answer in the future!

Thanks Julianne!