We recently connected with Lea McGilloway and have shared our conversation below.
Lea , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
I was raised in a small, low income, Irish catholic neighborhood in Philadelphia, PA. Only two people from my family graduated from high school. I was living on my own with a full time job and raising my brothers at 18 years old. I was a server and a bartender but I knew I was destined for more. I was social and valued strong connections with everyone I met.
I didn’t know what success was. I’ve seen it on TV, social media and through a few people in my neighborhood. But I didn’t know what it meant. What makes you successful? A big house, lots of money, nice cars? That’s what I thought it was. As I got older, I realized that’s not what it at all. Success is doing something you love and taking pride in it.
Success isn’t waking up every morning and driving in traffic to a job you hate because it pays your mortgage. REAL success isn’t given, it’s earned. It doesn’t show up on a platter with your coffee in the morning. It’s the blood, sweat and tears of hard work that you give every moment of everyday. It’s the ambition and drive to be better than you were the day before. It’s the happiness you feel when laying down at night exhausted from accomplishing more than just earning a paycheck.
What I was taught by my grandfather was to be proud in the work you did. That’s how I feel at the end of every wedding. With every couple I send down the aisle, every first dance, every cake cutting, every send off, I’m reminded of how successful I really am. And I couldn’t be more grateful.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a Wedding Planner in Savannah, GA! I plan and coordinate events from 15-400 guests. My wedding journey began back in Philadelphia, when I was an Event Bartender. I would watch the planners for hours, setting up decor and bringing this wonderful vision to life. I knew I was meant to be a planner.
Since starting my business a little over a year ago, I have booked 60+ weddings from social media and referrals. This year, I’m working on expanding my business into the surrounding low country {Hilton Head and Charleston.}
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The number one quality I think I have that has made me successful is my ability to talk to anyone. I’m incredibly social. I love networking and meeting new people. It has opened so many beautiful doors for me and my business.
Being adaptable is a huge one too! In the wedding industry, there’s going to be a fire to put out, a situation to navigate. You have to be a problem solver. You have to think quickly and always keep a smile on your face! Working in customer service prior to the wedding industry has definitely helped with my problem solving abilities.
My third quality ties into the first one. Along with being social, you need to be able to make connections. Talking to people can be easy to some and fun. But making a deeper genuine connection will lead you to a life of success. My couples are trusting me with one of the biggest and most expensive days of their life. They want to know that I share the same vision and have their best interest at heart. And the same with my fellow vendors! I’m referring them to my couples with their best interest in my mind, as well. As much as our couples choose their vendors, we choose them too!!
My biggest piece of advice is put yourself out there!! Tell the world how amazing you are. I know how hard it can be. I’ve struggled with depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder. It’s easy for your brain to tell you that you’re not good enough. I can promise you that you are. And the world wants to see what you have to offer!
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
I have met some truly amazing people during my journey, and it really does take a village. My partner, Dan, has been the pinnacle of my success. He’s helped me overcome what I thought were challenges and kept the anxiety at bay. He gives the best pep talks on days when self-doubt is creeping in.
A wonderful friend, Alysse. We met for drinks and immediately hit it off! She asked why I didn’t own a planning business yet. I said it wasn’t in the cards for the next few years. Her next question changed my life. She said, “what’s stopping you?” She has helped me get my business started by pointing me in the all the right directions. I wouldn’t have started my business this soon if it wasn’t for her.
Another amazing wedding planning business, Elegant Savannah Weddings! Mark + Meg took me under their wing when I first arrived in Savannah. They reminded me how much I missed the rush of weddings days. Since starting my business, they’ve mentored me, sent business my way and allowed me to collaborate on wonderful projects.
My former director, Michael. He has seen me in the middle of my journey and has taught me so many useful business skills, while believing in me.
My former coworker, Kelly. she was one of the first people to know that I was starting my own business. She has held me when the days were tough, and I thought I couldn’t keep up with business ownership. She gives the best hugs and always knows the right thing to say.
My biggest supporter, Ann. She has been with me since my journey started in Savannah. She knows who I am, personally and professionally. She knows how to push me and keep me on track. She has celebrated my wins and helped me grow from my losses.
One of my amazing vendor friends, Emma. It’s wonderful to have a person that shares your vision, values, and truly understands what your daily struggles are as a business owner. But also understands the love I have for the industry and all my couples.
And finally, my first Director in the wedding industry, Rebecca. She is the one who brought me into the wedding world and made me fall in love! She taught me so many things in our short time together. I wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for her.
All these people have played such a special part in helping me become the Wedding Planner that I am. My family and friends have also been so wonderful in supporting my journey. I wouldn’t be anywhere near here if it wasn’t for my village.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lmeventcoordination.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/lm.eventcoordination
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/LMEventCoordination
Image Credits
Ashley McCoy Wedding Photography Bronston Photography Britt Stepp Photography Justin Leon Brown Magnolia Wyld Promised Land Arts Faryl Photography
