Today we’d like to introduce you to Michalea Smith.
Hi Michalea, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
It all started back in 2010 when I talking with a young couple who had just turned 18 and wanted to get married. The bride was telling me about all the things that were purchased and what she wanted to happen. I asked her did she have anyone helping with organization and coordination. She didn’t so she asked me to help her. After that, my husband would just volunteer me for people that he knew were getting married. I was like man, I’m not a planner.
Being a member a local congregation in West Palm Beach (The Church of Christ) I met many people who were getting married or someone in their family was getting married, so I was like the go to person. At the time I had a Home Day Care and in school fulltime. I have degrees and a background in Business and Early Childhood Education. I would have never imagined that I would be helping brides and grooms tell their unique love story.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Boy, oh boy, was it a struggle. When I started doing weddings, it was just a hobby. When I tell you that I made so mistakes!!!!! I didn’t let it stop me though. I did my first wedding in 2010 but didn’t decide to make it a business until a couple of years later. I thought my business was going to take off right away, but boy was I wrong.
I didn’t have a clue and I really didn’t know what it took to get my business out there. I spent lots of money on websites, business cards, and branding. I also didn’t know a lot of people in the industry. During the process of starting my business, I dealt with some issues with my health, had some surgeries (one which literally saved my life), and even had a head-on collision, but I’m still here and I pressed on.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I help alleviate stress. I solve wedding planning problems. I create master plans. I help brides & grooms tell their unique love story in a nontraditional way.
I am a Wedding/Event Planning & Designer. I’ve been most known for my blue hair, and always coming dressed for the event. I’m most proud of not giving up on myself. What sets me apart from others is that I color outside the lines and I don’t follow a lot of traditions. Many brides have told me that I seem quiet, but I get the darn thing done!!!
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
First, God deserves all the credit. My husband Pierre and 2 daughters, who were right there at many of my events helping, my parents and my sisters for supporting me. Also, there are some special young ladies (nieces) who have helped me also on many occasions.
I’ve learned so much from Terrica Skaggs, Wedding Business Coach (@introducingterrica) IG. There was also Nikeicha Gayle (@iamniceylove) IG a mentor who help me so much with my Instagram. Last but not least, my clients trusted me with their special day
Contact Info:
- Website: https://eleganteventsbymichalea.com/
- Instagram: @eleganteventsbymichalea
- Facebook: @eleganteventsbymichalea
- Linkedin: @Michalea Smith
Image Credits
Photography by Dor, Chrissy O’Neil & Co, Coastal Click Photography, and Event Services Group
