Jennifer Ashford shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Jennifer, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
I’ve been so surprised to hear my clients haven’t felt heard by other pros. As a wedding planner that’s the number one thing we should be doing. My clients want to feel heard and their wishes entertained even when they’re sometimes unrealistic. They are also open to a kind, but straightforward hand to help manage their expectations. I’ve been surprised at how grateful they are for that. In wedding planning, for most couples, this is their first experience, so they don’t know what they don’t know. I want to be approachable and assure my clients that there are no dumb questions.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Jen, the owner of Altar Ego Weddings. I’ve been a wedding planner for almost 18 years, 11 in Austin. I am a lone planner, so my clients have a seamless experience from start to finish. No handing off and no assignments to anyone else.
I just did a big rebrand glow-up! I wanted to more clearly express who I am as a planner, my mission and who I want to serve. When you visit my website, I want it to be clear what you’ll get when you work with me – trustworthiness, authenticity, years of experience and relationships and no-BS guidance to relieve the stress of wedding planning.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My husband Justin saw me clearly shortly after we met almost 28 years ago. I was in college pursuing a degree in Information Systems and Management Technology. He did not understand why I was in that field since it was not who I was. The truth is, my father coached me to go into something that would be lucrative, so I did. I worked in IT for about 4 years after college, then we got married. Along the way I also got my MBA. Once married, the lucrative aspect of a job wasn’t as important as actually doing something I wanted to do. Then I went into my first passion – retail. I went to work for Michaels corporate office as a merchandise analyst in the wedding and ribbon department. After 3 years there, while we were talking about starting a family (and believing I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom), Justin shared that he didn’t think I would be fulfilled by that (and he was right). I happened to be helping with more of my friends’ weddings and he encouraged me to start a business. He saw that I had a talent that could fulfill me and allow me the best of both worlds – personally and professionally.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Money is not the only path to success. Fulfillment is success. Money makes things easier, but can’t be the defining aspect of your life.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes. And that’s exactly why I did my rebrand. Carrylove Designs helped pull out of me who I actually am and helped me share my professionalism along with my sassiness.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I sort of already answered this question. Initially I was doing what I was told to do, but now I am on mission and what God put me here for. I love helping couples usher in their marriage and continue to coach them to keep the main thing the main thing in the midst of all the pretty things.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://altaregoweddings.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/altaregoweddings
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/altaregoweddings/
- Twitter: https://x.com/AltarEgoWedding
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/altaregoweddings
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/altar-ego-weddings-austin-2
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Altaregoweddings
- Other: weddingwire.com/altaregoweddings
https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/altar-ego-weddings-austin-tx-341010
