Today we’d like to introduce you to Martine Jiggetts-Tepper.
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 always had a love for decorating and planning. I have planned everything for my family and some friends over the years. I remember someone saying “You’re always finding a reason to throw a party”. I would randomly plan my own parties, just to use my creative side. One time, I planned a tea party for my oldest daughter in the middle of July. The guest showed up with gifts and cards because they thought it was her birthday party. Some of them probably thought I was crazy, but I just wanted to have a tea party. Little did I know, this was only the beginning.
After some years, the parties became more detailed and elaborate. I realized it wasn’t just something I liked doing, but it was a passion. All I could do was think about creating the next event. I would wake up in the middle of the night to write down an idea. Eventually, people started asking if I could do their parties, create things, or decorate and it became a side job, but I knew I wanted more. I had such a desire to have my own events or help anyone who needed help. My corporate job didn’t allow me to work in my creative space. I spent many days sitting there with my notebook, writing down ideas for the next event.
After 17 years, I took a leap of faith and decided to step away from corporate. This was a difficult time in my life personally and professionally, This was a decision that would not only affect me but my family as well. It wasn’t an easy decision, but with a lot of prayers, my husband and my support system I decided to create Bliss.
Has it been a smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges so far has been changing my mindset from hobby to business. With that comes the people around me accepting that mindset as well. I could no longer do things for almost free or simply let them buy the supplies and I set it up. I had to be paid for my time and work. I had to adjust to thinking like the business owner I had become.
Booking business and reaching new clients has been a challenge as well. In Atlanta, there are event planners and stylists everywhere you turn. So, finding ways to make my brand and name stand out amongst the many other talents in the city is something I am actively pursuing daily.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Bliss Creations LLC story. Tell us more about it.
Bliss Creations is an event planning and design company. We specialize in designing and decor. Our goal is to take your vision and magnify it, creating an experience of bliss. Bliss means euphoria, joy, and elation and that’s how I want my clients to feel during their events. I take the frustration and burden of planning and decorating so that they are able to simply enjoy their event.
I’m most proud of not only starting a business, but a business that I’m passionate about and love to do. I’m able to bring my family into my business and show my two daughters that a woman can have a family and still live out her dreams. That’s what matters to me most.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I think the industry will continue to evolve with new trends and changes. People are starting to feel more inspired by apps like Pinterest, which has been fun. It’s helped some clients get a jump start before even having consultations. I think as technology continues to grow and change, it will open the door to new platforms where we can streamline some of the behind scenes processes. I believe that is something everyone in the industry could benefit from.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theblisscreations.com
- Email: info@theblisscreations.com
- Instagram: @theblisscreations.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/blissedbytina
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