| Business Chick Kay Carey |
| Kay Carey is the founder of Heading Up The Aisle Kay, tell us about what you do. Heading Up The Aisle is a Wedding Planning, Bridalwear and accessories boutique based in Chislehurst Kent and we provide flexible wedding packages all under one roof. A bit like a one stop shop where brides can get everything for their big day from us. I am a Wedding Planner looking after the co-ordination of Weddings accross the UK. Do you work alone? If not, who works with you? I work with my mother in law who runs the shop operationally while I focus on the Planning side of the business. We also have a number of other team members which work with us as required. What made you start the business and why? After my own wedding back in 2003 I realised that there was a need for On the Day Co-ordination and the value of having a wedding planner. I spent the weeks in the run up to and on the day co-ordinating everything between my husband and myself. On the day I realised whilst everything went well having a Wedding Planner would have been invaluable. Also everyone told us that this was the best wedding they had been to and that we should have been doing this professionally. Also whilst shopping for a wedding dress and for other things for my wedding I didn't find the flexibility I was looking for. I wanted to come to a shop but also see dresses at home if I wanted to and that wasn't available. I also didn't find any customer service that exceeded my expectations and this is what drove me towards setting up in business to challenge the flexibility in the industry and make a difference to a brides shopping experience as well as being able to offer Wedding Planning services. It must be great to actually do something for a living that brings a smile to someone's face, but at the same time it must be very stressful. How do you deal with the stress? It is fantastic to walk away from a wedding when the party is over or in full swing and realise the impact you had on making that a success. I love working on weddings because they are unpredicable. You can start work in the morning thinking the day will go one way but then something else happens and I love having to think on my feet to solve a problem without my client being aware there even was one. How do I deal with the stress? On the inside!! I never let it show no matter what the problem is and always remain calm. I don't actually find it stressful but exciting and rewarding. Can you run through a typical day for us? A typical wedding day starts early, with a visit to the bride before going on to the venue and church to make sure everything is in place then solving any last minute problems before the ceremony, making sure everything runs to time keeping an eye on my watch and an eye on the guests to make sure they are happy and looked after. Ultimately making the day run smoothly and resolving any wedding challenges that may arise. During the week my time is split between meeting clients at our boutique and visiting couples and venues for weddings that are coming up. What advice do you have for someone who wants to become a wedding planner? Follow your dream, think about what makes you different and take advise and network with other planners, there are so many of us out there and we are all different. I have found my association with the UKAWP (UK alliance of Wedding Planners) to be invaluable. I would say the key is to get some experience either via a work placement or shadowing another planner, possibly do a qualification and then move on from there. What's been the highest point for you? Actually last week when we came highly commended in the Kent Business Challenge in the Retailer category recognising our passion for the industry and the strength of our service standards. It was fantastic to be recognised. What are your plans for the future - where do you see your business going? Over the next few years we would like to look at opening at another location offering slightly different services to us now would I like to see Heading Up The Aisle in every major town in the UK of course but one step at a time!!! I would also like to start to work in the Prom market aswell. |
| Posted: 18/11/2009 10:56:39 Last Updated: 18/11/2009 11:02:30 |
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