Listen Girl Mentoring and Mastermind Spotlight: Crystal Marie of Crystal Marie Events

Interview with wedding planner and published author Crystal Marie Young-Lewis of Crystal Marie Events of Detroit Michigan 

Tell us about Crystal Marie Events and How it all got started ?

In 2008, I helped a friend with a fashion show. She was more aware of my talents than I was because I thought she was nuts when she urged me to start an event planning business. I made a bet with her—if the event was a success, then I would. If it wasn’t, well that’s a different story that I guess we’ll never know, because…the event was a huge success I secured national sponsors and the attendance was impeccable, the event was even in the Newspaper, which was a big deal to me... and that's how Crystal Marie Events LLC was started!

What is your Jam? What is that one powerhouse thing you are known for when it comes to planning weddings.

My JAM is stepping out of the box. Not doing your cookie cutter event. I love when clients come to me and say hey I need wedding transportation but I don't want a limo or horse and carriage..I say okay lets do a Trolley. Or my fiancé is part African and I want to surprise him with something special during the ceremony..I say okay lets open it up with African Dancers..clients like that keep me on my toes and keep my creative juices flowing. I love thinking beyond the norm and pushing events to the limit..that's how I stand apart from other companies in my area.

What made you apply to be apart of Listen Girl Mastermind and mentoring cycle 1?
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I knew in order for me to reach the next level in my business I needed a mentor who had been there and done that..someone who shined in her own right and was as real and as honest as me. I knew that she would tell me what I needed to hear not what I wanted...let's face it everyone's an event planner but I knew with the knowledge and tips that I gained from Shaun and the other Listen Girls that I would be unstoppable rolling into the new phase of my business.

You recently did a company rebrand , please share more about the process and those things you learned during the process?

OMG!!! That process was so scary!! It was like childhood and the first day of school..lol. Would the other kids like me..lol. When it came down to it I had to be true to myself. My rebranding included a name change, new website, videos and a book all at the same time. I was becoming overwhelmed but I knew I wanted something different. Everything that I researched seemed so cookie cutter and I want my prices to reflect my brand. Finding a designer who understood my vision was the hard part. I wanted to feature more things about me and my company than the average rebrand so I did a week instead of a day. I also learned that rebranding is expensive..lol. The website, the pictures, the videos, me publishing a book, etc. but just how I stress to my clients quality over quantity I knew I had to hire professionals for the level I wanted to go. I learned that being yourself is the way to go. I kept tunnel vision through the whole process and really put confidence in myself to say hey you can do this and guess what..I DID!!

What types of things has Listen Girl been able to assist you with thus far in your business?

Overall confidence and putting systems in place. Really showing people that you are a business, not a hobby. Being comfortable in my pricing and standing true to that.

What is one of your most proudest accomplishments to date ? 
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The Girlfriends Guide To A Crystal Clear Bride! I never thought I could write a book. When I mentioned it to Shaun she gave me that extra confidence I needed to actually pursue it. I wanted something that would stand me apart from other planners and open doors to do other things within the industry that I love. I also wanted something to help other planners with their brides as well. Using the book as a welcome gift or help with their planning process if they are a month of client. Here is the link to my pride and joy  click below to check it out! 

www
If you could give any one piece of advice to aspiring or seasoned wedding planners that are looking to be inspired in their journey what would it be?

Register Your Business (If you don't you are a hobby)
Find a Mentor Invest in Your Business (event conferences)
Come through Completely..don't half ASS anything!

How can other wedding planners in the community connect with you ? 

www.crystalmarieevents.com
https://www.facebook.com/crystalmarieevents https://www.instagram.com/crystalmarieevents
@cmystyleevents on Periscope
https://twitter.com/CMEventsllc
https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystalmarieevents http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=the+girlfriends+guide+to+a+crystal+clear+bride

Shaun Cox of  www.TheShaunCox.com. Shaun Cox  is a Wedding Planner , Wedding Industry Mentor based in
 offering  training, consulting and education of Wedding Planners and wedding creatives nationwide. Shaun Cox is the owner of Cue the Champagne Event Planning + Design  Chattanooga and Cleveland Tennessee Premier
Wedding Planning and Event Studio Owned by Coordinator and  Senior Wedding and Event Planner Shaun Cox.
Cue the Champagne Event Planning + Design offers Wedding Day Event Management Services formerly known as Day of Wedding Coordination, Full Service Wedding Planning Services, Elopement Planning and Event Design Services for all your Social and Corporate Events.
Cue The Champagne Event Planning + Design caters to Weddings and Events
in Cleveland Tennessee, Chattanooga Tennessee, and surrounding Tennessee, North Georgia  Wedding locations and Worldwide.