We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ja’el Mendez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ja’el below.
Ja’el, 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?
Growing up, being the only black woman in the room was a lonely feeling, but it taught me to stand out and be confident. It wasn’t very comforting at first, but I quickly learned how to be effective and thrive even when I was the only one who looked like me. I realized that the key to success was to be unapologetically myself. I didn’t try to fit into anyone else’s mold or conform to their expectations. Instead, I brought my unique perspective and spoke up when I had something to say. I found that people appreciated my honesty and authenticity, which helped me build relationships and gain respect.
As a mother and business owner, being the “only” one in the room has also presented challenges. There have been times when I felt like I didn’t belong or wasn’t taken seriously. But again, I learned to rely on my strengths and abilities and not let anyone else’s opinion of me define my worth.
You notice when diversity is lacking in any space and it can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to stand out and make a difference. I’ve learned that diversity and inclusion are essential and that we are all responsible for creating spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued. I’m proud to be a black woman, and I hope my example inspires others to do the same.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I own the Coordinated Collective, a wedding coordination company, that prides itself on ensuring everything runs smoothly on wedding day, one of the most important days of our clients’ lives. With a team of 22 staff members and over 500 weddings under our belt, we’ve gained a reputation for being reliable, professional, and dedicated to making each wedding experience unforgettable.
What I find most exciting about our work is the opportunity to be a part of something unique and personal to our clients. It’s an honor to help bring their visions to life and witness the joy and love of each wedding celebration. Our team works tirelessly to ensure that every detail is taken care of so that our clients can focus on enjoying their special day.
We would love to hear from you if you’re looking for a wedding coordinator committed to making your wedding day stress-free and unforgettable. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about our services and how we can help make your dream wedding a reality.
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?
Looking back at my journey, the three most impactful qualities for me were resilience, openness to learning, and the ability to seek help when needed. My advice for those early in their journey would be to focus on developing these qualities as much as possible. Resilience is important because you will inevitably face challenges and setbacks along the way, so it’s crucial to bounce back and keep moving forward.
Being open to learning is also essential, as there will always be new things to discover and ways to improve yourself. Don’t be afraid to try new things and take risks, even if it means stepping outside your comfort zone. Finally, don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Whether from family, friends, or a professional, seeking support can be a powerful tool in helping you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals. Everyone’s journey is unique, so be patient with yourself and trust the process.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
One of the areas where I have experienced significant growth and improvement is my ability to read people and look at their potential, not just where they are. Through this process, I can see their attitudes and skillsets and how they fit into my organization. I have been able to assemble a talented team that is dedicated to achieving our mission and delivering high-quality results. Our team is aligned with the company’s culture and values, making it easier for our ideal clients to find us. I am committed to investing the time and resources required to ensure that I am hiring the best possible team members. As part of this process, I provide general orientation and training to new hires, as well as a refresher to returning team members. We all get the opportunity to gather together over a meal and share wedding stories from the previous year.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thecoordinatedcollective.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dayofcoordinators/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dayofcoordinators
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-coordinated-collective/about/
Image Credits
The portraits of the team were captured by Stephen Reasonover Photography. The wedding pictures were captured by Jenny Wagner Photography.
