We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Keri Klein a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Keri , 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.
One of the best things I did was find mentors both formally and informally. I work in the wedding business, and there were people who were also in that industry, not necessarily the same field as me (officiating), but people who were thriving. I looked to them as my sound board and I was lucky they were willing to lend an ear when I asked. I also formally took some classes. The most valuable one was during COVID called “The Inner Circle”. The instructors were again female business owners who were powerhouses in their respective fields. There was also about a handful of us taking the course. This formed a community and helped me fine-tune the business end of things in a way I am not sure I would have been able to otherwise – with respect, care, and pushing me out of my comfort zone because I needed that.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am the owner of Flower City Nuptials where we write couple-centric ceremonies and officiate weddings. I love that I get to be with couples on one of the best days of their lives. I started officiating when two friends of mine were getting married and they said they wanted someone not boring to marry them. Jokingly I said, “Well, I’m not boring!” and they hired me on the spot. Nine years and over 350 couples later, I try and bring a fresh approach to couples on their wedding day. What sets Flower City Nuptials apart is that we custom write our ceremonies; because no two love stories are alike, wedding ceremonies shouldn’t be either.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities that have been most impactful are 1) my humility. There will always be people who know more, have experienced more, have honed their skills more. Realizing that can be humbling, but it helps you to look for mentors in your journey and people you want to aspire to be like. 2) Being a life-long learner. There will always be ceremony elements that I don’t know about, cultures and rituals I am unfamiliar with, or trends that I don’t always know about. Knowing that I don’t know everything and can always learn more, improve, grow will keep me from being stagnant. 3) Kindness. It costs nothing and has the biggest impact – whether it is with couples who want to be assured they are making good decisions on a once-in-a-lifetime event, or other vendors who are on the same team as you, a smile, a helping hand, and some kindness goes a long way.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
One of the most impactful thing my parents did was to be my biggest cheerleader. They told me I could do anything as long as I put my heart and mind to it. Maybe that’s not entirely true – I would be a terrible doctor (I hate blood) – but their endless support showed me they believed me even when maybe I didn’t believe in myself. I see that today with words of encouragement from my mom to going with me to my first wedding expo to babysitting for me so I can attend events.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.flowercitynuptials.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowercitynuptials/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flowercitynuptials
Image Credits
NSP Studio, Empire West, Kate Elaine Photo, The Crafted Creative
