As Mindy Weiss has said to many of us in the wedding industry, we all have the “disease to please”. We are addicted to helping others! Whether it be to guide couples in planning their big day or assisting wedding businesses grow and thrive- many of us love to give! Wedding professionals revolve around making the bride and groom’s day as amazing as possible. I’m the same way with my business and what I love most about my job is inspiring and motivating others to regroup, refresh and renew.
While I think it’s important to always remember that being grateful gives back, the holiday seasons gives us even more reason to remember this. Helping others professionally or personally, being thankful to others that have helped you and maintaining a humble attitude about your accomplishments will keep more business coming through your door than anything else. When your industry peers know you’re a grateful person that appreciates and cherishes the opportunities you’re given, they’re more inclined to keep giving. Make your gratitude known by always giving back. Whether it’s a thank you card, a small gift or an hour of your time spent with someone, giving a piece of yourself without expecting anything in return is the best gift in life.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I want to show gratitude to everyone that has helped me get to where I am by paying it forward. I’m giving away a complimentary one-hour consulting session for January! I’m excited to work with someone who is inspired to make changes in their businesses, grow and take their brand to the next level. To enter just leave a comment telling us what inspires you the most and we’ll randomly select one as the winner. I’m looking forward to maybe working with YOU in the New Year! – UPDATE 12/1: the contest is now closed, thank you to all of you that entered! The winner will be chosen shortly.
Photo by Maggie Rife
What a sweet thing you’re doing for all of us! I just started out, and I’ve been following you and your blog for a while, hoping that someday I would be able to meet you and just talk about my {little} business. I think that really what inspires me to continue working toward my goal of owning my own business is the fact that when I got married, I had a wedding planner donate her time and resources to helping us out. It was such a blessing to us, just wo young adults, trying to make it with very little money. I hope one day to be able to do that too.
Thank you Leila, for everything! And I can’t wait to see who wins!
I think one of the most successful things a business can do is give back. It shows true character and I think it shows more success than any other aspect. I understand the nature of competition but the wedding business is full of love, so I’m glad to hear you’re showing a different side of love in a different way. I dream of owning my own business and one day and the thing i want to do most is GIVE! Isn’t that what it’s all about? Thanks so much for doing this, no matter who wins, thanks for showing you care!
This is so wonderful. You know, if is things like this that inspire me the most! ! I can’t wait to see who wins!
What inspires me? My wife. My dog. My family. The love my grandparents had for one another even in the face of cancer. So much to be thankful for…a comment can’t hold it all! ;-)
YOU inspire me Leila! The moment we met, you have taught me to think big. I appreciate your style and vision. I look forward to working with you in 2012!
My inspiration comes from my surroundings everyday. I’m inspired when I paint. I’m inspired by the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. I’m inspired by driving accross country. I’m inspired by the love of my husband. I’m inspired by my clients who are the reason for my passion in my work. I’m inspired by my colleagues who give so much of themselves for the happiness of others. Most of all I’m truly inspired by little moments on a wedding day that I know will be the treasured memories of a lifetime.
My goal in my business is to help others. By leaving the E out o Ego and always Going within. I am more concerned about helping others then I am with making money or having THINGS, My business is a start up and I plan to become successful in GIVING and not in receiving material things. GIVING my advice, my time and my love for people aris my engine to keep going everyday. I have only been following your blog for a short period of time and I think it is wonderful that someone understands the impotance of giving back in order to receive the many blessings that await us.
I am inspired by the love that I see in my couples, the love I have in my family, the love my husband and I have for each other! I am inspired by LOVE! I would love to chance to sit down with you and learn how to take my company to the next level. I am beyond ready and have been wanting to meet with you since the day I saw you on Design Sponge, I have been following your blog, facebook and twitter. I was also very inspired by your underdog blog post a while back. It would be such an honor to meet you and I know I would learn so much and hopefully continue on with your consulting! Thanks again for this wonderful opportunity!
As a makeup artist, I am inspired by each and every bride that walks through my door. Each woman has a unique love story, a unique style, and a unique vision for their wedding day. I truly enjoy being able to help complete their vision, and create a look that makes them feel absolutely stunning. Helping someone feel beautiful is such a positive exchange and is truly an inspiring experience.
Leila, wishing you & your loved ones a happy Thanksgiving holiday! I am inspired daily by every part of our industry and the amazingly talented individuals (like yourself) that share knowledge, latest trends, and advice. I think it’s a beautiful circle (that I’m happy to be a part of), where inspiration can continue to flow from one to another. Looking forward to an opportunity to meet you in the future!
I’m inspired by my surroundings. Especially inspired by my customers and clients and their interesting backgrounds and stories, my children, and my husband who has worked from nothing and turned a business into an incredibly successful something. I’m constantly inspired by other professionals who motivate to work harder, be more innovative and push myself to my fullest potential in business and personal life.
I’m inspired by people, the simple moments in life and a good cup of coffee! :)
I am inspired by the possibility and potential of new things. There’s nothing like the opportunity to try something new, make something new or discovering something new. Cheers to new frontiers.
I am inspired by my friends, my family, and my loyal customers who believe in me. Mostly, I’m just grateful to be able to do what I love.
Leila! You have inspired all of us within the wedding community! I zealously view your blog and posts for new ideas. I am new to the wedding industry but work aside Poetry Photo Booths in the LA, SD, OC arenas on all social media, PR and marketing enhancements. I would LOVE the opportunity to speak with you and get pointers as I am growing not only this business but working on others for the new year. I truly admire your work and as a woman in the industry I look up to you! Warmest Wishes!! Xo, Amy
I am inspired by color, fun, smiles, LOVE, tears, happiness, kids, puppies, men, boys, trees, light, life, OTHERS!!!!, my duaghter, my husband, my family. I am inspired by the everyday and the opportunity to learn something new, fail, succeed, do something I am affrid of!!!
This would be awesome! I am most inspired by my clients. Each time I deliver their wedding images and receive notes of thanks and how much they love my work and will cherish the images forever, this inspires me to keep going, keep being more creative with every image that I create!
What a great giveaway! It’s so thoughtful of you to donate your time. I’m a small letterpress stationer, and I’m always inspired by the love and excitement from my brides and grooms. It’s so exciting to see what makes them happy, and incorporate that into their wedding suite.
You’re just awesome for doing this. One more reason I hope to work with you sooner than later.
2010 was a crazy busy but hectic year, followed by a 2011 super difficult year personally, I’ve realized that some of my inspiration come from the smallest of places in daily life. After debating re-branding or changing courses, I’ve realized that with all the great help and advice available there is nothing that can keep me from moving forward with a renewed mind and spirit. I can do it and I am good enough and through the daily inspiration of my family, the great people I get to create for and all the other successful people who have chosen to be in this crazy business I will make 2012 an amazing year!
I love this! Thank you for the opportunity <3. I find inspiration in nature, antique stores, French films, and long rides down the coast on my Vespa.
The little moments that demonstrate love between couples always inspire me. It’s a great reminder that weddings are all about love!
My son and daughter inspire me to be the best person that I can be, to continuously work hard and never give up on my dreams. It is amazing how children give back to us the love and inspiration that we give to them.
Inspiration, for me, comes in love of all forms- the newly engaged, the married-forevers, for my husband and three boys.
The beautiful love stories behind each wedding I design for inspires me! I always look to infuse a little personal touch whenever possible to make a couples day that much more special!
Wow- this is truly amazing! You are such a doll!
I would love to have your expertise to take my business to the next level. I have been shooting weddings for 4 years and my growth as been steady while at a baby steps pace. I’m ready to make courages leaps to make my brand fabulous.
My inspiration in life and business comes from life experiences. My love for my family, art, food and music inspire my days. The moments in my life as well the lives around me give me inspiration to capture life’s emotions.
I’m inspired by the complexity of human emotion and I’m passionate about documenting that emotion in the most stylish way possible in photographs. I would definitely love to receive a one hour consultation on how to push myself forward both artistically and business-wise.
Life and the possibilities of it inspire me everyday…
Inspiration for me comes from the amazing simplicity of God’s beauty that is everywhere! No rose colored glasses needed enjoy the raw eccentricity of life and all that it holds -So many possibilities!
I am inspired by the wedding industry as a whole. There are so many amazing ideas that come from so many fantastic vendors that make me proud to work in an industry surrounded by talented individuals!
My clients inspire me. Each couple has a unique story and a different view of what love, marriage and weddings are all about. They are always teaching me something new!
So sweet of you to offer this! Having gone through a difficult past 3 years… life, love, nature, and the blessings from God all inspire me and give me a drive like never before! Thanks for blessing others with what you have been given!
I am inspired by the faces of my grandchildren every day. Raising them is hard work. And the joy I get in helping a bride realize a dream makes the work worth every minute. I need a “facelift”. A new image to help my business grow, so I can continue to see my grandchildren grow in a healthy place. Leila, you inspire me too, with your posts, your generosity and your knowledge. It would be an honor to have one hour with you.
I’m inspired by love- my couples, the unconditional love they share for one, God, the creative teams I work with, the heart and drive those around me have, givers and of course great food! I’m in the transition stage of my company and this opportunity couldn’t have arrived at the perfect time! Thank you!
I am most inspired by my couple and their radiating love for each other. I’m also inspired by my upcoming move from FL to Northern California. I’m inspired by fall leaves, hot chocolate, cool weather, starry nights, and warm yellow sunlight. I also love finding out more about my couples and capturing their personalities in their sessions. :)
I’m inspired by God and my parents. God has given me a gift and I’m inspired to constantly find new ways to inspire others. My father was a successful business owner and I’m inspired by his never-ending knowledge. My mother was a creative soul and a fighter. I’m inspired by her strength until her last breathe in fighting breast cancer. She never gave up on the fight, so her strength continues to inspire me. I’m inspired by love, hope and nature.
What inspires me the most is when I learn something new and I can apply it to my baking business :) Looking at different food blogs, Inspired by this Blog :), and may others help to make what I am evolving into!!! I would appreciate nothing more than a chance to hear your wisdom and creativity as I embark into a new era of my adventurous life!! You’re AWESOME!!!
What a fabulous giveaway! I am constantly inspired by what surrounds me. Be it looking at blogs on the internet, reading magazines or perusing clothing / home / craft stores, I like to pull my inspiration from anywhere and everwhere. I am also inspired by my wonderful clients – talking to them and getting to know and understand their personalities, allows and inspires me to get creative and create a wonderful and meaningful day for them. Thanks for all your work and consistently inspiring me!
Love this! I’m Inspired by all textures whether driving by at 65 mi per hr or walking past them. I’m inspired by the facial expressions of children, their laughter and ability to move on to the next without thinking twice. Food inspires me.Women inspire me. Music and most important…Being in love inpspires me. Mainly because I have no control. NOE! I seceretly love that. Thanks! xo
I’m inspired by creative women who are pursuing their passions – something that means something different for each one of us. I am inspired by these creative women who want to defy the traditional roles or professions that were decided for them long ago and instead embark on living and doing a job that brings them joy and prosperity in their lives. I’m going down that journey myself right now and I know the finish line is in sight. I can’t wait to make more big things happen in 2012 and be a role model for other women persuing their dreams of creative entrepreneurship. Thank you for this opportunity!
I am inspired by my mother. She is one of the most generous people I know.
I have to agree that I too am inspired by creative women who are pursuing their passions….
This is a wonderful gift! What inspires me… Relationships & the stories behind them, hard work, other wedding pros willing to see & hear their clients & not just dollar signs! Thank you for such wonderful insight! Have aa Amazing Holiday Season!
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