Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Payne.
Crystal, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
As I think back on the series of event that are my life I realize that divine order has lead me to my destiny. Skipping past my wonder years, straight to 2017, my 35th birthday. The love of my life proposed to me at the top of the Eiffel Tower! Shortly after I began to plan our wedding. But we ran into a few roadblocks, mainly finding LGBT friendly vendors. It was important for us to attend premarital counseling prior to saying ‘I Do’ but our options were very limited. We finally found someone that was able to provide premarital counseling as well as officiate our ceremony. Our experience with her was so amazing that I was inspired to do my part to bring a similar experience to more of the LGBT community.
I have been providing counseling to families and couples since 2014 so the decision to launch Bows & Knots, providing premarital counseling and officiating services, was not a far stretch from the services I already provide to the community.
It was very important for me to be able to work with someone who could relate to my lifestyle and experience and I know that value is held high amongst most people. Although my focus is working with couples in the LGBT community, many people tend to forget the one of the letters in the LGBT-alphabet-soup is ‘A’ for ally. Bows & Knots happily support all couples under the rainbow.
Today, Bows & Knots is a small business with the potential for amazing growth. We have a small office in downtown McDonough, also providing virtual services for premarital counseling, and traveling the metro Atlanta area and beyond for weddings.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As with any small business, getting started is not always easy. During a time where marriage equality is a popular political issue and same sex marriages are being legalized across the country, there has not been much focus on the importance of nurturing your relationship before making those vows of commitment. My biggest challenge has been bring about awareness to the importance of premarital counseling.
I believe in the spirit of love and I also know it is not always a walk in the park. I know how outside elements such as finances and other conflicts can put an unbearable strain on a relationship. I also know that true love can stand the test, but only when properly prepared to fight the battle.
A couple that is equipped with strong communication skills, conflict resolution skills, and a heightened sense of awareness can successfully navigate the ups and downs of a relationship. Often I find that couples misplace the value of attending premarital counseling until, for a lack of better terms, shit hits the fan.
‘We don’t need a professional to tell us that we are meant to be together’ is what one couple said to me when I asked them had they considered premarital counseling. I have to be clear to share with couples that premarital counseling is not about gaging compatibility but strictly focused on highlighting relationship strengths, building awareness, and developing skills that encourage healthy relationship functioning.
Please tell us about Bows & Knots.
Bows & Knots provides premarital counseling and officiating services virtually and in the metro Atlanta area. We partner with other local businesses and offer a one stop shop for wedding services for couples looking to elope or have a small private ceremony. We specialize in non-traditional weddings and cater our services to same sex couples. We are happy to travel to work with couples outside if the metro Atlanta area. Our premarital counseling services are offered in office as well as virtually which allows us to work with couples around the world.
When consulting for weddings, I’m proud to offer the flexibility and comfort of knowing that there are no rules to what your ceremony should look like. Of course, there is tradition but your wedding day should be nothing short of what you envision. I listen to the desires of my couples and help make their vision come to life by writing a custom ceremony tailored to any unique or extravagant detail they can dream up.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
With even business come roadblocks, obstacles, and struggle. What I have learned from embarking on the journey alone is the importance of partnership and support. Sharing the burden of the investment would have helped to reduce the stress that comes along with being an entrepreneur and possibly increased the growth process. If I were to start over, I would definitely take some classes on marketing before beginning!
Contact Info:
- Address: 2 Maon St.
McDonough, GA 30253 - Website: BowsAndKnotsAtl.com
- Phone: 404-796-7078
- Email: wedo@bowsandknotsatl.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bows.and.knots.atl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bowsandknotsatl/
Image Credit:
EMP Photography, Taun Henderson Photography
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