S4E10: African Wedding Celebrations and What Makes them so Unique
How do we learn about different cultures and customs? Ask!
Millen, a wedding and event planner in the Washington DC area, shares her experience growing up as an Eritrean woman in the United States and the importance of culture and tradition in wedding celebrations.
In this episode of The Wedding Dish, we dive into Ethiopian, Sierra Leone, and Eritrean wedding traditions.
Meet Millen Haile, the CEO of Millen’s Occasions!
How long have you been in business?
5 years
What areas do you serve?
DMV area / worldwide!
Why did you decide to start your own business?
So many reasons, it started as a hobby I noticed I always ended up helping family, friends, even weddings I went to as a guest. So later I said that's it; it's happening.
What's the coolest thing about owning your own business?
You can change your schedule, your time, taking a vacation without requesting time off, if you sick don't worry about your corporate job, your kids I mean I can go on LOL
Share your unique perspective!
For engaged couples- First of course enjoy their engagements. Then, look for a venue first. And, as they are planning, add the honeymoon and a planner to the budget.
Wedding professionals- Coming from a different culture, there is so much I can offer, like when it comes to the 2nd-day traditional wedding, the food, especially when it mixes cultural wedding.
Entrepreneurs- Stay connected to what's going on, work outside the box, collaborate with other business owners.
My other exciting news, I am officially a podcaster with a smiley face. This podcast is to help entrepreneurs/business owners to get to know who they are behind the face/business. Will go more in detail during the show.
Do you have a favorite story to share?
When I did my little sister's wedding it was an Eritrean & Sierra Leone wedding
What challenges have you had to overcome?
Unknown to me, I ran across some issues dealing with studio equipment. Keep a photography journal before and after all equipment using any studio equipment, even if it's your personal equipment.
What advice could you offer to someone starting a business like yours?
I will continue to say this: hire a business coach or a mentor. Now with all the social media we have, sign up for the virtual classes, workshops that make sense to their business.
Do serious research on in business you want to collaborate with, to do interviews, emails that don't make sense. Newcomers need to be aware.
What is daily life like in your household?
Busy lol!!! I don't even have kids and not married. I do make sure I have my time.
Are there any challenges or obstacles that you've had to overcome?
Giving up during COVID19
What advice would you offer to other couples in a similar situation?
1) Open communications amongst all persons involved in actual wedding planning (including all vendors) 2) Stay optimistic change is constant
Can’t get enough of Millen’s Occasions? Follow them on Instagram!
Instagram Handle @millensoccasions
Don't forget to follow, rate, and review The Wedding Dish on your preferred podcast platform and follow us on Instagram @theweddingdishpodcast.
This episode is brought to you by:
Photos from the Harty, Internationally acclaimed wedding photography
District Bliss, the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease
Lemon Tree Editorial, copywriting for wedding professionals
Sprout Creative, marketing for entrepreneurs
Laughing with Gingers, a podcast where two feisty redheads spread silliness and joy
Mabely Q, accessibility education