We recently connected with Shauna Jackson and have shared our conversation below.
Shauna, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I have always been a fairly optimistic and determined person. I typically didn’t allow negativity to effect me as a child and was often naïve to the negative or malicious intentions of others. As an adult, I can recognize it, I just choose to ignore or forgive and move on. There have been many times in my life where I have had to start over. I pour my all into a job or a relationship and it is taken away from me. I have felt loss and betrayal and my first instinct is to give up. However, I have a husband, children, relationships, and a business I have worked too hard on. No matter how many times I feel defeated, my Jesus is there to hold out His hand and lift me back up.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I find myself wearing several different hats and don’t have a hard time filling up my calendar. During the day you may find me planning a wedding, managing one of my four businesses, attending sporting events with my kiddos, substitute teaching to get my teacher-fix for the week, leading worship at my church, meeting with ladies for fellowship, relaxing with my husband, or playing games with friends and family. I do have to take time alone to recharge, but I spend most of my time with people. People are my passion! I also love to go on mission trips and travel.
Most of my events are in Missouri, however, I have been traveling to other states for weddings the last few years. I recently expanded my wedding management services to market my destination deals. I strive to learn and grow as a wedding professional and traveling to new locations is just one way I am able to do that.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Education & Experience: Although I am not using my Masters Degree in Administration as I originally intended, I do feel it has enriched me. I find myself using the knowledge I gained through the courses and internships I participated in to run and manage my businesses. Having the opportunities to be involved with events throughout my life and managing people in previous jobs gave me the skills I needed to build and grow as a person and in my businesses.
Organization: When planning and managing 50+ weddings a year, you have to be very organized. There are many different systems and ways that work for different people. I have both paper files and online files for every client. This allows me to access anything I need no matter if I am at home or on the road.
Passion: In order to be happy and successful you have to genuinely love what you do. I have a passion for serving people and hospitality. I want everyone who enters the room to feel welcomed and to have a good time. It took me a few years to learn how to use my skills and knowledge to fulfill those desires and start a business that does just that.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal clients are couples who need someone to come alongside them to plan their wedding. They will trust me and we will work together to ensure they are getting everything they dream of and they will enjoy the process. I have some couples who come in with a vision and allow my team to bring it to life. I have other couples who need help narrowing down their vision and give me the freedom to come up with something unique just for them. I like to build a relationship with my full planning clients to really understand their desires and wants to make sure the wedding is truly theirs.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.arayofevents.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aray_ofevents/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arayofevents
Image Credits
Evalyn & Co. Photography Jessie-Lynn Photography
