Today we’d like to introduce you to Rodriel “Roe” Jordan.
Rodriel “Roe”, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My interest in entrepreneurship started at a young age as my father, mother, and sister are all entrepreneurs. However, my passion for designing sort of stemmed from following my mother’s footstep as she is a Wedding & Event Designer. It’s quite funny because growing up watching my mother haul tons of flowers, vases, candles and etc. in and out of the house, I used to tell myself I don’t see how she do it. But, I always knew I had an eye for design because she would always ask me “how does this look?” “What’s missing?” What would you put with this?” Without hesitation or deep thought, I would naturally respond with ease.
Once I got to college, I found myself being a part of the planning committees of all of the organization I was affiliated with. I was also that person that no longer had to volunteer to take over the decorating aspects for programs, Galas, Banquets, etc., everyone automatically assigned me to those tasks. So, throughout college, I volunteered to help plan and decorate social events. It didn’t really hit me that I wanted to start my own business until after I decided to move to Texas to pursue Law School. I ended up starting my Event Planning company, decided to postpone Law School and enrolled in the University of Texas at Arlington for my Master’s degree. I primarily focused on social and corporate events. I was determined to not to get into weddings.
My interest to pursue wedding planning was when I went to a wedding with a friend. I went to the restroom before the ceremony started and as I was getting ready to come out of the stall, I heard a group of ladies panicking and fussing about the Bride’s cake not being here. I stayed in the stall a little longer to hear the “tea” and of course being nosey. I was just there with a friend, I didn’t even know the Bride or the Groom.
The ladies went back and forth on the phone with the baker. The baker stated that the Bride was going to send someone to pick up the cake, but no one ever showed and that she was already out making runs. At this point, the story was getting good and interesting. I’m thinking surely, they were going to get it figured all out without ruining the Couple’s big day. Nope, not at all! The next thing I remembered hearing was “let’s just go ask her what she (The Bride) wants us to do!” My heart literally stopped. I burst out of the stall shouting “No, Wait!” These ladies looked at me like I was a complete moron and at that time I was felt and looked like one; the tissue stuck under my shoe didn’t make it any better. I’m telling you this whole scene could have been in a movie! I told them that I could go pick up the cake and that if they involve the Bride at this point, they would be ruining her whole day because she would never forget that an hour before her wedding, her cake was 35 miles away waiting to be picked up. I got the details and hopped on the road. All I remember was getting a phone call from my friend asking me did I get lost and me telling him that I’m on my way to pick up the Wedding cake.
It wasn’t until my ride back that I was in my Camaro with a 4-tier wedding cake, sweating, and praying that I don’t ruin this woman (that I don’t even know) wedding day! I arrived back to the venue at the beginning of the cocktail hour with the cake and I literally couldn’t have felt any better. During the reception, as the Bride and Groom cut their cake and fed it to each other, it was that moment with tears in my eyes when I realized that this is my true calling, Wedding Planning.
So, I jumped right into it and took a few certification courses and researched day and night. I ended up booking my first wedding client during my program at UTA. We both were in the same class and she talked amongst our group how she needed a wedding planner. I told her that I had a wedding planning business and she pretty much ended up hiring me right then as her wedding was weeks away. Her wedding further validated that Wedding Planning was indeed my passion and true calling. After her wedding, I ended up convincing her that she should plan weddings with me because she was so detailed oriented and had experience in event planning. That lead to us starting a business together in 2015, Chix & Glitz Weddings and Events, LLC.
After three years of being in business, I decided to branch off and start a company that not only specializes in wedding planning and coordination, but offer decor and design, event rentals, and wedding business consulting. Which is how I ended up today with my own company Leir Dor & Company. This is a company that I am just as excited about as it focuses on a wholistic, personable, and luxury experience for my clients. I am super stoked to watch it continue to grow!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My entrepreneurship journey has been quite smooth thus far. My former partner and I did however experience growing pains under my last company, but I never thought of them as struggles. I viewed them as opportunities to perfect, grow, and adapt. Of course, entrepreneurship isn’t easy and it’s definitely not for the lazy.
The actual wedding planning aspect of my business is the smoothest part. It actually functions as my outlet and break away place. I have been fortunate enough to not have many mishaps on wedding days (knocks on wood) and I have worked with and are currently working with some of the most amazing couples a planner could want to work with! But when it comes to wedding planning, some planners most difficult task could be getting some clients to understand their logic and expertise are what’s best for their wedding day. Many clients should realize that what they think will happen or what can happen on their wedding day can be unrealistic and potentially problematic.
I remember working with a day of coordination couple that wanted to do a DIY taco bar for their wedding. That’s fine, we make happen whatever the couple wants…. it’s their day. Of course, anything DIY Planners aren’t too fund of. The dreading part for me was when they were under the impression that their groomsmen were going to go golfing the morning of the wedding, deliver all the wedding items to the venue, and THEN come back to cook the meat for the taco bar. While they were stating their plans, I wanted to melt in my seat. We assured them that this plan wasn’t going to work over and over and over…. I gave alternative plans, I gave them alternative scenarios. Nope! They didn’t want to hear it. My Groom was determined that him and his fraternity brothers were going to get it done. I gave them the benefit of the doubt and let them keep those plans. I had no choice, they didn’t want to change those plans. And like I said, it’s their wedding…they get what they want ultimately.
So, let’s fast forward to the wedding day…. Wedding starts at 4:30pm. Why it is 3:20 pm I have only 2 packs of the 10 packs of ground beef cooked, a bowl of grilled onions, and half dressed, drunk Groomsmen walking around. I literally got in the kitchen, kicked everybody out and my partner and I prepared all of the meat before the reception started. Mind you, I am a Wedding Planner and Designer, not a caterer, but for the sake of the success of my client’s wedding day…. I was as caterer. So as a Planner, I would definitely say the most frustrating and difficult task to deal with is when you have a client who are stuck in their ways and bypass your expertise. Luckily, I haven’t had to deal with anything like that in a while. But it sometimes happens, which is why I always stress to my mentees and aspiring Wedding planners, you have to be ready and prepared to take on ANYTHING that may come up! Being quick on your feet is definitely a great characteristic a planner should have because your biggest struggles may come from the unexpectedly things that may come up on your client’s Wedding Day.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Leir Dor & Company – what should we know?
Leir Dor & Company is a wedding and event planning company that offers coordination services, design and decor, event rental equipment, and wedding business consulting. We specialize in providing our clients a luxury and personable experience whether it’s for your wedding day or milestone event. We treat all of our clients like high-end customers. We also specialize in providing a romantic-glam wedding look, which is what I think I am known for. My favorite design element is candles! Designing with candles is so much fun and so romantic. The symbolism of the fire of a candle is so befitting for the occasion. Of course, we can master and design any look a client wants, but I definitely have my favorite styles I enjoy the most.
One thing that set me apart from others, is that I actually gain relationships with my clients. My Instagram name (@yourweddingbestie_roe) was inspired by a client of mine. I also try to highlight my couple’s love story through their decor. I love for guests to be able to walk in my client’s wedding and say they see reflections of my couple’s love stories, background, and personality throughout their wedding. Another thing that set me apart is that I truly believe Wedding Planning is my calling and ministry work, so I work like such!
Some things I am definitely proud of as a company are my ability to deliver and exceed my client’s expectations. I often work beyond the invoice to be sure that my clients have the best and most beautiful wedding in their eyesight. It is truly what the Leir Dor experience is all about!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
First thing first, my God and my support system are AMAZING!!! Without God, my business ventures wouldn’t be as successful as they have been! My husband, Justin Jordan has been my #1 supporter and cheerleader since we started dating. He literally told me to quit my job and solely focus on Wedding Planning! It was the sweetest and scariest thing I’ve ever done! But I am so grateful! He has also become the best wedding designer ever! Yes, I have a 6’3 NFL linebacker looking husband that sets tables, light candles, and now know what votive candles are! (lol!) He’s absolutely amazingly supportive and the most handsome man ever when he’s nervously handling my fragile inventory!
My mother, Dorothy Wells definitely deserves credit! I learned about table runners, chargers, linens, flowers, vases, and etc. at a very young age while watching her work in this industry. She really inspired me to become a designer. My father, Rod Wells has always been my entrepreneur role model! This man eats, sleep, dream, and repeat “all things business.” It used to frustrate me at times while growing up, now I am just like him. (lol) My sister, Shaquita Fairley has also been my cheerleader, supporter, and entrepreneur inspiration! She runs a six-figure construction company and is the most humbled and genuine person you will ever want to meet!!
My God-parents, Big Jim & Diane have been my advocates and cheerleaders since I was having mock weddings with my barbie dolls! And with every business venture I endured they have supported and cheered me on along the way! My best friend, Shemeka Phipps plays a major role in my success. She has been one of my biggest and most genuine supportive friends for the last 8 years! She also was the one that inspired me to initiate my internship program with many Universities!
My business advisor, Coach Spence and his wife, Kim are definitely ones I have to acknowledge as they pour in to my marriage and my company professionally and religiously! Coach Spence sends my weekly business inspiration calls, challenge me to think outside of the box to grow and add to my business, and so much more! I also have a galore of friends and family that supports every accomplish and highlight in my life, which ultimately pushes me to succeed further more! Truth be told, much of my success has also come from my clients. Each client I book become added family and friends and adds value to my business!
Last but surely not least, my former partner, Ashley Omondi was a part of my beginning journey in Wedding Planning in Texas. She was my first Texas Bride and my first business partner! She will forever hold a special place in my heart and in my entrepreneurship journey!! We will forever be “The Chix!” I am beyond grateful for all of my supporter and will always strive to make them happy!
Pricing:
- Full Wedding Planning- $5,000
- Partial Wedding Planning- $3,500
- Wedding Coordination- $2,000
- Design & Decor Package- $1,000 minimum
- Event Coordination- $125/ hour
- Bridal Consultation (1 hour)- Complimentary
- A la Carte Services- $250 minimum
- Event Rentals Packages- $250 minimum
Contact Info:
- Address: Euless, Texas | Mississippi | Louisiana | Destination
- Website: www.leirdor.com
- Phone: 682-772-7631
- Email: info@leirdor.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/leirdor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leirdor/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/leirdor
Image Credit:
Daisy Photography, The 8A Group, Phoenix Michelle Photography, Chix & Glitz
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