Name: Lisa M.McGainey
Occupation: Professional Bridal Consultant/
Event Planner
Company: Lisa Michelle Event Planner
Location: New York
Years in Business: 5 ½
How did you first get started in the event/wedding industry?
It all began in love and as just a hobby. During college, I would plan baby showers and birthday parties for family and friends. In 1995, I got a taste of the wedding industry when I planned my own wedding. But then again it was still just a hobby to me. Later on in the corporate world, I planned workshops; job fairs and assisted with fundraisers at my church. It wasn’t until after my son was born and the demands from friends and family to assist them in planning events, that’s when it really turned into a passion. So with encouragement from family and friends I decided to start a business.
What and who are your inspirations?
I would have to say GOD because without him none of this would be possible. He has given me a vision and I have seen the manestifications right before my eyes. Through everything I have learned to rely on him and he continues guide and strengthen me. Naturals of inspiration are my son Ryan, photography, poetry, flowers, and patterns.
What attributes do you bring to your wedding planning business and the industry at large?
What attributes do you bring to your wedding planning business and the industry at large?
I believe that having experience in an array of different sectors, such retail, fashion, development, and counseling has allowed me to bring more to my clients and colleagues in the industry as a whole. In addition, innately, I have a strong desire to help people and assist them in reaching their full potential no matter what obstacles they may face.
If there were one thing that you could have done differently when starting your business, what would it be?
If there were one thing that you could have done differently when starting your business, what would it be?
I would have gotten a mentor. Even though I have been doing this for a few years I am still learning the ropes, believe it or not. If I had someone earlier on in the process to teach me the essentials, I think that I could have avoided a lot of the pitfalls. Not those pitfalls are bad, they help you to grow as an entrepreneur, but things could have been not as stressful.
How did the company name come about?
How did the company name come about?
Wow, that was a hard one because what I initially wanted was already out there. I remember asking my mother for help too. She tried but in the end no dice. I pondered on that one for a few months until I heard a voice say, Lisa Michelle Event Planner. It’s my first and middle names with the Event Planner added on. To this day, people still ask me who is Michelle? Or they think it’s my last name.
What is your favorite piece in designing an event?
What is your favorite piece in designing an event?
I would probably have to say, Ribbons.
Who do you admire in our industry?
Martha Stewart: for her creativity and Colin Cowie: for his style and passion.
Any advice you would like to give to aspiring event/wedding planners?
Any advice you would like to give to aspiring event/wedding planners?
Get connected very early in your process. Take a course; intern with a reputable company, and under no circumstance take on more than you could bear at any given time. Like with all things it’s a process. Through your growing stages and pangs you gain maturity and valuable knowledge, and experience. And get a mentor.
If you were to write your memoirs, what would they convey?
If you were to write your memoirs, what would they convey?
In following my dreams for my business and personal life is the hardest thing I ever had to do because of the challenges that I had and continue to face along the way. But then I realized that if I did let go of my dreams then that would be the most devastating thing of all. In taking a relaxed approach, I allow things in my life to never get the best of me and accept delays for just what they are delays, and not as denials. With every challenge comes growth and rewards like never before, and an opportunity to pave the way to higher ground not just for myself but for others as well.
