My Story
It was a dreary day in the office in the West End.
That morning, I could smell the coffee brewing in the expensive machine and I loved the feel of the high heels and the new, state of the art laptop, but it suddenly hit me: that was all I loved about the job and I very much needed to do something I loved.
I’d been in international marketing for US and UK retail finance companies for 12 years and had enjoyed it for a long time, but there was something missing.
Having hankered after running my own business for years on and off, and knowing it had to be something which made me feel I’d make a difference, I filled in an online questionnaire, which suggested ‘Party Planning’.
I initially laughed out loud, and listened to my colleagues ‘We have people who do that’ they said, ‘Why give up a good salary and the free international travel?’
So I stayed.
A month later, I attended a friend’s wedding and realised ‘the computer was right’.
It just didn’t feel as though whoever had organised it actually cared.
Straightening a few items on the tables , smoothing the linen and giving the bride a hug, I recognised that weddings, parties, indeed all events, whatever their goals, matter enormously to the people who host them.
Those responsible for making events happen need to understand their importance and the need for the best possible result.
So I left.
That was 2001.
After much research, and with a little trepidation, I set up my first event planning business in 2002.
I mastered my craft quickly and went on to design many beautiful weddings and great events throughout London and the South East over a 14 year period.
For 12 of those years I was proud co-owner/ director of the wedding planning industry body, the UKAWP, and have trained hundreds of planners and contributed to their success.
I eventually stepped down as a director due to family illness, but remain an Elite Member of this wonderful organisation.
At the start of 2016, I moved my business to Jersey when my husband landed a great job and we decided a new adventure was in order!
These days the majority of my events are Corporate, Government or Private Individuals coming to Jersey for a celebration.
I still plan a few weddings, but having had an increasing number of brides contact me for advice over the last few years, but for various reasons not being able to hire a planner, I started to think about how I could help.
After much research, I launched The Emboldened Bride and my online membership for brides, The Emboldened Bride Members’ Club.
A year later I added my online course WedPlan DIY.
I absolutely love sharing my knowledge with a wider audience and helping lots of savvy brides organise their own weddings successfully with as little stress as possible.
On a voluntary basis I chair the Events Sub-Committee of IoD Jersey Branch along with a committee of great volunteers.
I’ve always shared with my children the mantra ‘You can be anything you want’. Now I can truly say I’m there myself.
When I’m not planning events I love good food, a good book, spending time and holidays with my husband and hanging out with my two grown up kids, when they’re here, and our cute Lhasa Apso Rosie and, needless to say, I really do love what I do!