LaKendra Kennedy is the owner of Affairs with Elegance, a wedding planning and design firm in Baltimore. I met her a few years ago via email in conversation about a stationery line my company had launched. But, it was on Twitter that I got to know her better. I have come to admire her knowledge, kindness, and friendliness. She is always passing along good information. And, I love how positive she is with industry colleagues. Upon reading her bio and learning that she had studied accounting (like me!) I had to interview her. I always feel a special connection with other accountants. I also like seeing when someone with an analytical background starts their own venture to blend their passions for creativity and business. You are a gal after my own heart, LaKendra.
LaKendra Kennedy
Owner, Affairs with Elegance
Baltimore, Maryland
www.affairswithelegance.com
Established 2005
Why did you start your business?
I’ve always been the planner in the group. I planned events and parties for various clubs/organizations in college as well as events for family members. I got into the wedding planning business after my own wedding in 2003. I hired a planner for day-of coordination but on my wedding day several things fell through the cracks. Luckily I had friends who were able to step in.
After our wedding, I started thinking about couples who might not be as lucky. I didn’t want other couples to have the experience I had. So I took wedding planning courses and interned with an experienced planner before officially starting my business.
What book (business or soul-searching) do you recommend to new business owners? Why?
I recommend “Book Yourself Solid” by Michael Port because it addresses branding, finding your target market and selling techniques. There are even written exercises at the end of each chapter.
Do you have any cool goal-setting tips to share with us?
Each year I make a list of goals which are divided into categories. I include any goals from the prior year that I didn’t accomplish. I revisit my list each quarter to check my progress. It is such a great feeling to cross completed items off my list. I also take that time to review the remaining items.
What do you find to be the biggest challenge as a business owner?
When starting your own business you are the go to person for everything. I think one of the biggest challenges is realizing that you can’t do it all. It took awhile for me to feel comfortable delegating some tasks to others but doing so streamlined our process. The key is having a great team. Train them well and trust them to do a great job.
If you were starting your business all over again, what would you have done differently?
I would take more time defining our target market. In my eagerness to grow the business I thought that if a couple wanted to hire us then they were “our” client. But just like not every planner is perfect for every couple not every couple is the right client for every planner.
Thanks Lakendra!
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by Michelle Loretta
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