Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Woody.
Hi Danielle, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Honestly, growing up I never envisioned myself in the wedding industry. I was more of a tomboy as a young girl, playing sports throughout my childhood. I do remember trying to start my own “businesses” in the neighborhood, from babysitting, pet sitting and even a gift basket company that never really took off for a 10-year old. I didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up, and in college, I found myself studying Sociology after changing my major four times. I landed a great opportunity in corporate recruitment and eventually the title of recruitment coordinator. I loved organizing and planning the candidate experience and being their “first friend” that the candidates met, greeting them in the corporate office lobby.
My now-husband proposed to me in 2016, and I was finally able to officially plan the wedding that I had already been planning for years via Pinterest. I was so excited – but so overwhelmed. I just wanted to find a place that I could go to for all things wedding. Wedding dress, accessories, bridesmaids, tuxedo, planning/coordination, design services and rental items. I remember saying “I should totally open up a boutique that does all of this one day!” but never dreamt it would become my reality. During my own wedding planning process, I decided that I absolutely loved weddings and decided to pick up wedding planning part-time. The boutique became my five to ten year plan but still seemed so far away.
Fast forward to 2020. I was a new mother, working full-time in my recruitment role plus wedding planning on the side. Add a pandemic to the mix, and 2020 was a really rough year for me mentally. Between learning how to juggle being a wife, mother, co-worker, now working remote and barely taking care of myself, I decided I needed to do something that would make me happy. I assisted in one wedding at the beginning of 2020 and realized how much I missed it when COVID canceled or delayed everyone’s big plans. So I decided it was time to finalize my business plan. It was not the easiest, but I realized that I have so much to be thankful for, and still amazed that I was able to do this all while only losing my sanity a few times, maybe. Now, I am taking care of myself – juggling wife, mother, coworker and now a small business owner!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The biggest struggle for me is “trying to have it all.” Working mothers have a lot of pressure to be successful in all areas – wife, mother, home, and work. It’s all great when things are going “smoothly,” but as soon as you add a wrench into the mix (example, daycare calling to tell you your son has a 102-degree fever and has to be picked up immediately), then something has to give. Whether it’s calling your boss to let them know you can’t make that 2 pm meeting, or asking your spouse to pick him up because you have an appointment at the shop that you can’t reschedule, something has to be sacrificed. And that’s okay – it doesn’t make you any less of a wife, mother, employee or business owner if you have to say, “I can’t do it all today.” I think there should be more emphasis on it being okay to not “do it all” rather than pressure to have to.
(Disclaimer – I realize that fathers, as well as stay-at-home mothers, also have major stressors, and I am in no way putting down other roles!)
As you know, we’re big fans of Serendipity Bridal + Events. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Serendipity Bridal + Events is a full-service bridal boutique located in the heart of historic Marietta Square. We specialize in designer bridal gowns, accessories, bridesmaids dresses, tuxedo rental and planning/coordination services. We offer private appointments so that our brides/grooms can have the most personalized experience possible from the minute they walk through the door and see our welcome sign with their name on it! We never want a bride to feel pressured at Serendipity – I remember how overwhelming the entire process is, and our goal is to help make it as fun and stress-free as possible.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. I was trying so hard to prove that I could do this on my own and felt like any time I was asking friends/family to help me. I was being a burden. Honestly, my friends and family have been amazingly supportive throughout the process. From childcare to volunteering their time to get the shop ready and helping now that it’s open. It’s okay to say, “Hey, I need help with this!” I promise you’ll be more relieved once help is on the way then worrying about doing it all on your own.
Pricing:
- Bridal Gowns Range from $1,000 – $2,500
- Coordination Services Starting at $1,600
Contact Info:
- Email: info@serendipitybridalga.com
- Website: www.serendipitybridalga.com
- Instagram: @serendipitybridalga
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serendipitybridalga
Image Credits
Shaina Mangino
