Wedding Planner Magic - Meet Millen from Millen's Occasions!
You know those type of people whose energy just spreads around the room and makes people smile? That’s Millen Haile, wedding and event planner of Millen’s Occasions. Listen as we pod about Eritrean cultural occasions, being a woman biz owner in the DMV and celebrate Galentine’s Day!
Millen Haile, CEO of Millen’s Occasions sharing great tips for wedding planning and making us all laugh.
SHOW NOTES
What is the name of your biz?
How long have you been in business?
4 years in January 16th 2020
What areas do you serve?
DMV area and will travel within United States
Why did you decide to start your own business?
I have always had the passion of helping others when it came to events and been told from family and friends you need to start this as a business. It been in my mind but I thought I would fail. But fours year ago I was at a wedding I told my cousins I have start this wedding business, they both said do it now. Here I am. Smile...
What's the coolest thing about owning your own business?
The coolest thing is waking up on the weekends for yourself not have to go to work for somebody else.
Do you have a favorite story to share?
Of course I've been blessed every wedding I have done, but one of them are when my sister got married and Alexis was part of that wedding. So I am glad that we got a chance to share that with my sister and running me crazy that day. I will cherish that moment forever.
What challenges have you had to overcome?
One year I just thought I can do it all. 3 wedding to plan, I had seminar to go to in Philadelphia for 3 days, came back to dc and had networking events to attend. Working full-time and make time if family needed me. At this time I didn't hire an assistant yet LOL. I said to myself not doing that again, I start reading books about managing yourself, your time-line, etc. The seminars I attend they speak on how to better manage yourself when comes to your business.
What advice could you offer to someone starting a business like yours?
Again, pray first. Get a mentor/Coach that's for you not your money, write down exactly how you want your goals to look like in 6 months. I myself didn't do that because I didn't know. Most importantly network, network. When it comes to your business your the face so constantly you have to get out there. Another thing be a vendor that's another way to get out there.
What's the craziest thing you've seen happen at a wedding?
So I don't know if it's crazy, but I have noticed guest do not like to seat at the front when it comes regular seminars, church or concerts. But when it comes to weddings all the sudden we're family now so they all want that front seat. Any planners have noticed this and we just get a kick out of it.