We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Diana Bribiesca. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Diana below.
Diana, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
I have learned to be successful in the wedding planning industry in several ways. There are not a lot of Latina wedding planners so I am definitely one of the very few. I have learned success in several ways. My parents first of all, taught me great work ethic, punctuality and following through on one’s word. While I put myself through college for my Bachelors degree as well as my Professional Certificate in Event Planing through San Diego State, I took the courses seriously. Not only did I acquire my degree and certificate, but I also took other classes throughout San Diego for small business owners and continuing education. If I felt I was lacking a skill such as business etiquette or knowing formulas in excel, I made sure to enroll in classes that would benefit. Throughout my life, there have challenges and hardships and my faith in the Lord has carried me through. I attribute my strength to Him and much of my character is due to my faith.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Everything about love excites me! My company focuses on the marriage proposal to the vow renewal. We set up beautiful picnic marriage proposals along the water in San Diego and help guys propose where they may feel a bit lost on what to do or where to go. During Covid, we pivoted from large weddings to elopements which in turn, opened the door for us to specialize in small ceremonies. We have all inclusive packages for small wedding ceremonies. We have chairs, arches, decor, a top notch sound system, officiants and access to the best locations in San Diego. We can plan for ceremonies for up to 40 guests. We also can expand a ceremony package to a Micro-Wedding package. Traditional wedding planning packages are still offered and are the majority of our bookings. We offer Wedding Day Management, Month of Management, 2 Partial Planing options and a Full Service Package as well.
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?
Three skills that have been most impactful in my journey would include: 1. Highly organized
2. Effective time management
3. Warm hearted
I would say that first of all, you must be happy with yourself and care for yourself before you can be successful in an industry like wedding planning. Couples need to feel cared for. If you are not a happy person and not positive, it will show! For the organizational and time management skills, if this is something that does not come naturally, then I recommend reading books and taking courses on the two subjects.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
The book that has played an important role in my development as a person would be the Bible. There are so many words of wisdom that I apply especially with my interactions with others and how I treat others in my life.
Ephesians 4:29 Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you.
Philipians 2:3 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
Contact Info:
- Website: www.atyoursideplanning.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/atyoursideplanning
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/atyoursideplanning
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atyoursideplanning/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/at-your-side-planning-san-diego?osq=At+Your+Side+Planning
Image Credits
credit: Copper Collective (headshot) credit: Lauren Grier (wedding photos)
