Meet Valerie Mazarowski

We recently connected with Valerie Mazarowski and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Valerie , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

Growing up, my father taught me the importance of self-reliance and perseverance, no matter what challenges life throws your way. As a child, I watched him work tirelessly and never give up. Though he missed important family gatherings and holidays, he did it all for his family.

Early on, I discovered I wasn’t liking any 9-5 job. I loved being creative and decided to take a leap of faith and start my own business. To not have a paycheck coming in was scary. If I didn’t hustle, I didn’t get paid. My first business attempts failed, and I didn’t have the support I needed at the time. But that only fueled my commitment to grow and prove to myself what I’m capable of. I stopped making excuses and started seeing the lessons. Each setback became a stepping stone for my next chapter. I wasn’t going to give up. Failure is not an option I was willing to accept.

Those words from my father kept me going and I still hear them today. I’ve done a lot of inner work through therapy and by setting boundaries, including letting go of toxic relationships. It’s been a journey, but I’m proud of who I am today.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a creative at heart and love finding different ways to use my skills. Fun fact: I have a dual teaching degree and a master’s in literacy. I spent a few years teaching preschool before pursuing a new path in the wedding world. I started as a videographer, then found my passion in photography and later added wedding planning and design to my skill set. Each step has given me a deeper understanding of the industry and makes me better at what I do today.

My favorite part of a wedding day is the getting ready in the mornings. I love watching the bride with her favorite people, sharing laughs, happy tears, and special moments in a space filled with love. Today, I’m so proud to have brought my dream to life by combining my love for hosting and weddings. I saw a need in the industry for more thoughtful, elevated spaces for brides to get ready in. This inspired me to open The Lovely on Main, a luxurious bridal suite and private event space in West Sayville. Now, I have the joy of hosting beautiful bridal showers and providing brides with an intimate, elegant space to start their special day.

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?

I believe my determination, good heart, and resilience is what has gotten me through my life journey so far.

I had a challenging childhood and faced severe bullying in school, which nearly kept me from recognizing the strength and potential within me. But once I found my confidence and inner strength, nothing could stop me from becoming my best self. My determination and resilience through difficult times have been key to where I am today. This journey has helped me build genuine trust with my clients and peers, and taught me to let go of unwarranted anger toward those who treated me unfairly. It has also led me to form meaningful friendships within my industry, community, and closest circle.

My advice is to always lead with your best self and never let anyone limit what you believe you can achieve. Passion will get you through the tough times, but purpose is what guides you forward. Be generous with your support for others who are struggling. I don’t believe in competition. I truly believe that helping others succeed is the key to your own success.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

My biggest area of growth has been my self-confidence, and it continues to improve every day. People often tell me I downplay my abilities, which I understand because I care deeply about how others feel when they attend an event I’ve designed or hosted. I’m committed to creating the best possible experience and helping people make beautiful memories they’ll cherish forever. I’m definitely my own toughest critic and don’t always recognize the full value of my work, as I’m constantly seeking ways to improve. Over time, I’ve learned to step back, be present, and appreciate the beauty of what I create. I’m truly proud of what I’ve built at The Lovely on Main and excited to share it with others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thelovelylemons.com/lovely-on-main
• Instagram: @thelovelyonmain
• Facebook: The Lovely on Main

Image Credits

Please let me know what images you use because I have two photographers to credit.
1- Terrie Alfieri Photography
2- Danielle Sheridan Photography

Feature Image is Danielle