We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Zakiya Brown a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Zakiya , thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Overcoming imposter syndrome as a proposal planner has been a journey of self-discovery and growth. Here are some strategies I’ve found effective:
1. Acknowledge It: The first step was recognizing that imposter syndrome is a common feeling experienced by many professionals, not just me. It’s okay to feel this way sometimes. but it’s important not to let it control my actions.
2. Celebrate Achievements: I started celebrating my achievements, no matter how small they seemed. It’s easy to overlook your successes when imposter syndrome is at play, so consciously acknowledging and celebrating them is essential.
3. Helping Others: Sharing my expertise and helping others in the proposal planning field has boosted my confidence. It’s a reminder that I have valuable knowledge to offer.
4. Seeking help from a therapist or coach when needed is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s a valuable resource for addressing imposter syndrome and its underlying causes.
In essence, overcoming imposter syndrome is an ongoing process of self-acceptance and growth. With these strategies, I’ve been able to build confidence in my abilities as a proposal planner and focus on delivering exceptional service to my clients.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a Proposal Planner and Romance Concierge, my primary role is to curate and orchestrate breathtaking moments of love and commitment. I work closely with my clients to transform their dreams and ideas into a reality. From the initial spark of inspiration to the execution of that perfect proposal, I handle every detail to ensure it’s a moment they’ll treasure forever.
What I find most exciting and special about my work is the impact it has on people’s lives. I have the privilege of being a part of one of the most significant moments in a couple’s journey, and that’s an immense responsibility that I cherish. Creating a proposal that reflects their unique love story, values, and personality is incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s orchestrating a romantic rooftop proposal at sunset or a creative treasure hunt leading to a hidden engagement ring, the possibilities are endless.
What sets my brand apart is the commitment to personalization. Every proposal is as unique as the couple, and I believe in tailoring every detail to make it one-of-a-kind. Moreover, the emotional connections I build with my clients are deeply rewarding. I get to know their love story, their preferences, and the elements that matter most to them. I consider iUltimately, my goal is to take the stress out of planning such a significant event, allowing couples to focus on what truly matters – their love and the journey they’re embarking upon. It’s about crafting not just a proposal but a memory that will be revisited and celebrated for a lifetime.
In essence, my brand is all about making love stories unforgettable, one proposal at a time. It’s an honor and a joy to be a part of this beautiful chapter in people’s lives, and I’m dedicated to delivering proposals that are as unique and special as the love they celebrate.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, there are three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have been incredibly impactful, and I would like to share these insights and advice for those early in their journey:
1 .Creativity and Innovation: One of the most essential qualities for a proposal planner is creativity. The ability to think outside the box, generate unique ideas, and design personalized experiences is what sets you apart. It’s about making every proposal special and memorable. My advice for those starting their journey is to nurture their creativity. Don’t be afraid to take risks and push the boundaries of traditional proposal planning. The more you cultivate your creativity, the more remarkable your proposals will become.
2. Attention to Detail and Organization: Precision is key in proposal planning. Every aspect, from timing and location to the smallest decorative elements, must align perfectly to create a seamless and magical experience. Attention to detail and strong organizational skills are vital. To develop these qualities, I recommend early-career planners
3 .Client Relations and Empathy: Proposal planning isn’t just about creating a beautiful moment; it’s about understanding and connecting with your clients on a personal level. Empathy is a critical skill. It allows you to grasp their vision, navigate their emotions, and deliver an experience that truly resonates with them. To improve in this area, early-career planners should actively listen to their clients, ask the right questions, and put themselves in their clients’ shoes. Building strong client relations is not just about business; it’s about creating trust and a shared journey toward a momentous occasion.
Lastly, never lose sight of your passion. Love what you do, and your enthusiasm will be infectious. This journey can be demanding, but the love and joy you bring to each moment will be what sets you apart and ensures your long-term success.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely, collaboration is at the heart of what we do, and we’re always open to new partnerships and collaborations in the proposal planning business!]
We’re particularly interested in working with professionals and businesses who share our commitment to creating unique and memorable proposal experiences. This includes but is not limited t:
– Photographers and Videographers: Capturing the essence of these special moments is crucial, and we love collaborating with skilled photographers and videographers who have a keen eye for detail and can help us immortalize these memories.
– Venues and Event Spaces: Unique and stunning locations can transform a proposal. We’re interested in partnering with venues and event spaces that can provide a beautiful backdrop for our proposals.
– Decor and Floral Designers: The visual elements of a proposal are often what make it stand out. Collaborating with talented decor and floral designers enhances the aesthetics of our proposals.
– Caterers and Bakeries: For clients who want to incorporate food or cakes into their proposals, we seek partnerships with caterers and bakeries who can help create delightful experiences.
– Transportation Services: For clients with specific transportation needs, such as luxury cars, horse-drawn carriages, or even hot air balloons, we’re open to collaborating with transportation services to make these dreams a reality.
– Entertainers and Musicians: Live music, entertainment, or even surprise flash mobs can add an extra layer of emotion and excitement to a proposal. We’re interested in working with talented individuals and groups who can provide these services.
If you’re reading this and interested in collaborating with us, we’d love to hear from you. You can connect with us through our website, www.Romantic-Essentials.com where you’ll find contact information and more details about our business. Feel free to reach out, share your ideas and expertise, and let’s create beautiful and unforgettable moments of love together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://romantic-essentials.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romanticessentials/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RomanticEssentialsLLC
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbARg7VQFGZ9MYO6ggX-alg
Image Credits
Opulence Media House Juan Casanova
