Today we’d like to introduce you to Leigh Jernigan.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
While at Texas Christian University, studying Fashion Merchandising, I interned at Bella Flora of Dallas, a floral, wedding and event planning company. I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT IT! The hustle and bustle, the attention to detail; I knew planning was something I wanted to venture into, but at the time the company did not have any open positions, and my heart was also calling me in a different direction, which was to become a teacher.
After graduation, I went back to my former high school as a College Adviser and later became a middle school teacher. I love my students and everything about teaching, but my company is the creative outlet that I absolutely NEED in my life. After planning events and helping friends and family plan their weddings and special moments for years, I decided to put the things I learned at Bella Flora and through other experiences into a business of my own! The name Be in the Moment actually came from my own wedding experience. Looking back, I wish I had been more “in the moment”, addressed issues that needed to be addressed, and enjoyed the day a little more. Now, the photography aspect… well, that happened almost by accident!
When I decided to start Be in the Moment, I started with a website and I knew I would need photos for my site. I have always enjoyed photography, yes, I was that kid in high school who always had a camera talking about capturing all the memories! So, I asked one of my beautiful sisters to be my model, asked a local bridal shop here in Fort Worth, De ma Fille, to let me use a gown and Megan, the owner, was so sweet and let us choose a beautiful gown! Well, I didn’t have any money for a photographer so I went out and found a Canon, taught myself how to shoot and edit, and starting using Shoot Proof as my platform for clients to view their photos and BAM! Be in the Moment Events became Be in the Moment Events & Photography! I live for those moments when my clients text or email me about how amazing their photos are or how pleased they were with my planning services. My favorite is when clients become friends!
Has it been a smooth road?
To be completely honest and transparent, my largest obstacles have been a combination of finding the right balance and support financially and being strong as I try to break into a market where a lot of the successful women business owners do not look like me. My advice on business finances is to ALWAYS charge your clients the full amount they owe or if you would like to discount your services starting out to help gain more clients, make sure you are not overextending yourself because the bill ALWAYS has to be covered. Someone has to pay for all of the leaves you bought from Hobby Lobby to create that 6ft by 6ft jungle wall backdrop, so calculate your costs down to the penny and make sure you have the resources to cover all the charges. In reference to breaking into the wedding and event planning and photography market, I feel it has been a constant battle of trying to prove myself, to show that I can do the job just as well even though I may not be of the same “shade” of a human. It is very hard to not give in to giving up. It’s hard to make those genuine connections with people who will really help to elevate you refer you, and help you out. The few women I have met, I keep close to my heart. Their support and advice have encouraged me more than I can express. Advice I would give to other young lady entrepreneurs is be your own cheerleader. Believe in your dopeness until others see how dope you are too!
We’d love to hear more about Be In The Moment Events & Photography.
Even though I started out as an event and wedding planning company, I am most known for and get more clients through my gift of photography. I photograph engagement sessions, bridal, children, families, bloggers, and special events, such as graduation and other milestone events. What I am most proud of and what I feel sets me apart from others is that I really do strive for friendship with my clients and to build lasting relationships. I take their disapproval very personally, especially when I plan events because I know what it is like to be disappointed on a very special day. I also pride myself on only charging what is necessary. I have learned from past financial mistakes to make sure the bill is covered, but I also know what it is like to be a bride on a budget, and I want to make sure I am giving my clients the best service possible but at a reasonable price.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
The biggest barrier for female entrepreneurs, in my opinion, is the lack of women FOR women support. For some women, I feel like community elevation of the next woman and the woman next to her is something we don’t do very well, but women tribes are growing! I am so happy to see more women FOR women organizations, helping to elevate one another as female entrepreneurs.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.beinthemomentevents.com
- Phone: 817-891-3712
- Email: beinthemomentplanning@gmail.com
- Instagram: @bitmevents
Image Credit:
Jazzella McKeel
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