We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Vahini Franklin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Vahini, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Through my journey, I have learned that imposter syndrome is a common experience, even among accomplished individuals. Recognizing that I am not alone in these feelings has been a crucial step in overcoming them. Additionally, I have developed strategies to combat imposter syndrome, such as celebrating my achievements and reminding myself of the hard work and dedication that led me to where I am today. While I have made significant progress in overcoming imposter syndrome, I still experience it occasionally. However, I have learned to acknowledge these feelings and not let them define my worth or hinder my continued growth and success as a wedding planner.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
One of the most exhilarating aspects of my role as a wedding planner is witnessing the seamless culmination of every element involved in the process. From the initial stages of exploring mood boards to witnessing the harmonious arrangement of trees and chargers, every detail coming together as a cohesive whole is truly gratifying. Moments like the Thaali ceremony during Hindu weddings or the exchange of heartfelt vows are undeniably the highlights that ignite my passion. It is during these moments that I am able to witness the union of the couple whom I have diligently worked with for months, if not years, finally becoming one. While my journey in the wedding industry began as a florist seven years ago, I made the transition to wedding planning because I was drawn to the concept of transforming visions into reality and being the person who ensures a stress-free experience for everyone involved.
A significant portion of the weddings I have the privilege of organizing are Hindu Tamil weddings, which comprise approximately 90% of my portfolio. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to orchestrate North Indian weddings, Christian weddings, and even Tamil non-religious weddings, which have provided me with invaluable insights and expanded my horizons. Exploring the customs and traditions of different cultures has been an eye-opening experience, particularly when delving into the practices of our ancestors, who celebrated marriage without the influence of religious aspects.
What truly fills me with joy is the ability to infuse elements of Sri Lankan or Indian culture into the weddings I curate in the tri-state area or Canada. Incorporating these unique touches adds depth and authenticity, creating a truly memorable and personalized experience for the couples and their loved ones. It is an honor to be entrusted with the responsibility of bringing together diverse elements and crafting a celebration that reflects the rich heritage and vibrant spirit of Sri Lanka and India.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey as a wedding planner, there were three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that had a significant impact on my success:
1. Creativity: The ability to think outside the box and come up with unique and innovative ideas is crucial in the wedding planning industry. Developing a strong sense of creativity allows you to offer fresh perspectives and create memorable experiences for your clients. I found that constantly seeking inspiration from various sources such as art, fashion, and travel helped me cultivate my creativity. Embrace your creative instincts and continuously challenge yourself to push the boundaries of traditional wedding planning.
2. Organization and Time Management: Wedding planning involves juggling multiple tasks, deadlines, and vendors simultaneously. Being highly organized and efficient in managing your time is paramount. Developing strong organizational skills and establishing effective systems for managing contracts, budgets, and timelines will help you stay on top of your responsibilities. Utilize tools such as calendars, checklists, and project management software to streamline your workflow. Additionally, effective communication and collaboration with clients and vendors are essential to ensure everything runs smoothly.
3. Continuous Learning and Adaptability: The wedding industry is constantly evolving, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends, technologies, and industry practices is crucial. Being open to learning from others, attending workshops, conferences, and networking events, and staying connected with other professionals in the field will contribute to your growth as a wedding planner. Additionally, adaptability is key as each wedding is unique, and being able to adapt to changing circumstances and client preferences is essential for success.
For those who are early in their journey as wedding planners, my advice would be to focus on developing and improving these three areas:
1. Seek inspiration and nurture your creativity by exploring diverse sources of inspiration. Experiment with new ideas and challenge yourself to think outside the box. Embrace your own unique style and let it shine through in your work.
2. Prioritize organization and time management. Establish effective systems and utilize tools that work best for you. Stay on top of your tasks and deadlines to ensure a smooth planning process. Effective communication with clients and vendors will also contribute to your success.
3. Embrace a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability. Stay connected with industry professionals, attend workshops and conferences, and keep up with the latest trends and technologies. Be open to new ideas and approaches, and be willing to adapt to the changing needs and preferences of your clients.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed as a wedding planner, there are several strategies I employ to manage my stress and regain control:
1. Prioritize and Delegate: I start by identifying the most important tasks and focus on those first. I delegate tasks that can be handled by others, allowing me to focus on the core responsibilities.
2. Break it Down: I divide larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. This approach helps me tackle the workload one step at a time, making it feel less overwhelming.
3. Time Management: I create a detailed timeline and schedule to stay organized. Setting realistic deadlines and allowing buffer time for unexpected delays helps me manage my time effectively.
4. Seek Support: I reach out to my team, colleagues, or industry professionals for advice, guidance, or assistance. Seeking support from others who understand the challenges of wedding planning can be invaluable.
5. Take Breaks: I understand the importance of taking regular breaks to recharge and avoid burnout. Stepping away from work and engaging in activities that help me relax and clear my mind is crucial.
6. Practice Self-Care: I prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, and ensuring I get enough sleep. Taking care of my physical and mental well-being enhances my ability to handle stress.
7. Communicate Effectively: I maintain open and honest communication with my clients, vendors, and team members. Clear communication helps manage expectations and prevents misunderstandings.
8. Learn to Say No: I’ve learned to set boundaries and say no when my workload becomes unmanageable. Prioritizing quality over quantity and avoiding taking on too much is essential.
9. Celebrate Small Wins: I make sure to acknowledge and celebrate my accomplishments along the way. Recognizing my progress boosts my motivation and helps combat feelings of overwhelm.
By implementing these strategies, I’m able to effectively manage my stress as a wedding planner and navigate through the challenges that come with it
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vahini.ca
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vahini.ca?igsh=MW9kOGJxNDJ5YmF0eA==
- Other: Tiktok @vahinifranklin
Image Credits
Kanny Films
Khrystyna Ria Photography
Divine Method Photography
Crystal Fusion Studios
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
