Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Johnson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve had a love for entertaining guests and creating unique experiences since I was a girl. After college at UNT, I did the status quo and took a job in corporate America as a marketing coordinator working my way up to marketing director later. Even though in my different roles, I got to plan many corporate events, I always knew I wanted to do something more with that specifically.
I found myself being asked by friends and family to assist in the planning of their social events more and more as time went on. I decided to leave the corporate world, get officially certified and have a go at it on my own. I made the plunge after the birth of my son and my intention was to start off slow and gradually build my business. I’m grateful to say my business took off faster than I originally thought and I’ve been planning full time ever since.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Absolutely not. In my first couple of years, training myself how to run the business side of a company was extremely challenging. Being solely accountable for the financials, the planning, the day-of, prospecting business and signing the contracts was a 24/7 commitment. It took many hours away from my family and teaching myself how to balance it has been an ongoing journey. Learning from my mistakes has been key!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the The I DO Girl Weddings & Events story. Tell us more about the business.
I’m the owner/creative director/lead planner at The I DO Girl Weddings & Events. My company specializes in wedding and social event planning and design as well as corporate event planning and design. So basically all social events – baby showers, engagement parties, birthday celebrations, quinceaneras, anniversary parties, and corporate events – conferences, banquets, holiday parties, galas, etc. I would have to say weddings are our wheelhouse.
We are known for taking care of our clients unique needs, getting to show them by truly listening and personalizing their events so their guests see the host’s personality in every detail. This creates an experience and that’s what makes us passionate about what we do.
I’m most proud of the relationships we’ve established with our clients through the planning process and the execution of their events… everyone knows the best way to get business is through referrals and it’s not an overnight process. I had to learn the hard way not every client is the best fit for this company and this company is not the best fit for every client. I have to practice restraint and not take every potential client coming through the door – when your a new company and you need to build a portfolio and get more experience – it’s hard to pass.
Now I know I have to evaluate after each consultation just as our potential clients do when deciding to hire us and it has to feel like a connection on both sides. If it doesn’t feel right – there will be complications in the process and that’s the very last thing anyone needs when planning an important event or wedding. Life is complicated enough. LOL.
We set ourselves apart by going the extra mile with each client- outside of what we’re required to do. As an example, I carve out time for the bride and the groom on the day of their wedding before the reception introduction, following the ceremony to give them a few moments to be husband and wife for the first time alone together before they share the rest of the evening with their guests. During those few moments I make sure they are accommodated with their favorite drinks and small plates of their favorite cocktail hour hors d’oeuvres.
Myself or whoever is lead planner makes sure they are not disturbed. It’s those little moments of customer service that make such a a big difference to our clients. We love to pamper! We get to know our clients during the planning and I often see things that remind me of them when I’m out and about – I love gifting my clients little things I find that speak to me about who they are or where they’ve been at the end of the event. It let’s them know I really care and a lot of times we bond over it.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I believe in hard work, commitment and learning how to react to what life throws our way… good or bad. We all have ups and downs, – Lord knows I’ve had my share of both, but I don’t think luck has played a significant roll in where I’m at in my life or my business now… Trial and error has played the majority part with both… or maybe that’s just something people say when they’re not lucky.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theidogirl.com
- Phone: 4693281529
- Email: jenny@theidogirl.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theidogirlweddingsandevents/
Image Credit:
Double You Photography, Cherie Calloway Photography, Lyncca Harvey Photography, Hampton & Morrow photography, Allen Tsai Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
