Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Bercich.
Ashley, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am from the corporate world, spending the last 11 years climbing the corporate ladder from the ground up. I started as a receptionist at the age of 19 years old, single mother, attending college, working a second job, and barely making ends meet. I excelled in my work, was extremely dedicated, and was fortunate enough to have been given numerous opportunities to prove myself early on in my career. Every couple of years I was given modest promotions but was offered my life changing position as the Finance Manager for the US business when I was just 27 years old. This opportunity allowed me to vastly expand my knowledge in business and finance management which has significantly benefited me as I entered the unknown world of entrepreneurship.
In my previous world, I ensured a $110MM publicly traded company earned and reported revenue in accordance to corporate policy and internationally accepted accounting principles within the construction industry. I welcomed the constant challenge and I enjoyed having an influence on important business decisions. But I was missing something. I was missing the satisfaction and fulfillment you feel when you do something great…and by great, I mean meaningful.
Ever since I saw “The Wedding Planner” as a teenager, I dreamed of being a wedding planner when I “grew up”. Cheesy I know, but it’s what sparked my interest in the event and wedding planning hobby. And I say hobby because that is exactly what it was for over a decade of my life. I loved planning events. I would plan events for my family, friends, the company I worked for, professional organizations I was involved with. But it wasn’t until about 2 years ago when a friend of a friend hired me as her wedding coordinator for her destination wedding in Vegas when I realized…this really makes me happy and I can actually make money doing it!!
So here I am… a wedding planner AND entrepreneur. I quit my very successful career of 11 years, which was a huge leap of faith as my career was really the only thing that provided constant stability in my life. And boy was I was terrified…but have since learned that my success lies within me and most importantly, I am happy, and I get the privilege to aid in the happiness of others during life’s special, and unforgettable moments. And for me, that is doing something great!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not always been a smooth road. As previously mentioned, I struggled at the start of my career. But pushing through the bad times, continuously trying to improve myself, and having a constant hunger for success, has led me to where I am today. I am a stronger woman because of the challenges I faced and the road blocks that were presented along the way.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Lillian Gardens – what should we know?
The legal business name is Keeley-Kirby Events, LLC however we are known to the community as “Lillian Gardens”. We own and operate an 1859 antebellum mansion that has been renovated in to a beautiful, full-service, special events facility where we plan, manage, and execute events for any occasion. We specialize in weddings which is our primary focus, but we pride ourselves on the fact that we treat all events, both large and small, with unparalleled attention and care.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Phil Kirby, my business partner and now best friend. He spent many years mentoring and supporting me in my previous career, and has been my most powerful and influential advocate in my life. When I did not believe in myself, he did, and he pushed me…and pushed me, then would push me some more. He knew this was my dream and that I would do whatever it took to make the business a success, and he always said he wanted to invest in something big. Well, I guess I was his something big!
Contact Info:
- Address: 83 Greenville Street,
Newnan, GA 30263 - Website: www.lilliangardens.com
- Phone: 770-251-1206
- Email: ashley@lilliangardens.com
- Instagram: lilliangardens
- Facebook: lilliangardensvenue
Ashley Bercich
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