Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Charron.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
“Ashley you have the desire and drive to create something out of nothing, not everyone has that.” I was shocked to hear these words from a dear friend. I was encouraging her to start her own dance company. I had her whole business planned out, I had a name, even a tag line and marketing strategy! She declined. She loved dancing to much to be bothered by the business of it. But her words stuck with me.
“Not everyone feels like that.” What do you mean not everyone feels like this? My thoughts run a mile a minute for new ways to create, to encourage and to add value to all those around me. It’s this passion that’s keeps me awake at night, at times dreaming up new ideas for my business, my clients and my family. It’s both amazing and exhausting all at the same time, what do you mean not everyone gets to feel like this?
She was so right. Right about all of it! I have a desire to create something wonderful yet practical, glorious and edifying, and I want to do it all on my own and out of nothing! So, I did!
I’ve been in the event planning industry for over 10 years, however you could say I happily “retired” my planning shoes in 2015 to allow time to focus on the upcoming birth of our first child Nolan. In early 2017, I decided my work was not finished in the event industry. Thus, I created and founded my company Boxwood Bridal Co. and Event Pod.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Let’s be real here for a second…. I launched a brand new company, with a brand new concept and I’m learning to be a Mom for the first time! So YES, there have been challenges but probably not like your expecting!
The rapid success of the business has been a blessing and a challenge. We have received such a positive response in the form of a high demand for our service, yet we were not positioned to embrace every opportunity presented to us. We have a small but mighty team that works to ensure we are offering a valuable experience for all of our vendors and clients.
Personally, I find the biggest challenge is finding the time to promote, support, engage and just do coffee with a partner. So much so, I can honestly tell you I launched this business from my iPhone, while sitting in my parked car in the driveway, while my one year old son napped! And sometimes, I find my best work still comes from nap times in the car!
Boxwood Bridal Co. & Event Pod – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Easily put… Boxwood Bridal Co. is for brides and clients. Event Pod is for vendors. And, I play match maker between the two!
The Event Pod, is a private networking community for wedding and event professionals. This group grew very large, very quickly and I knew we had discovered a need in the industry. The group spans 3 states (GA, TN, MN) with over 1,600 vendors who enjoy collaborating on local projects with one another, networking together and sharing client leads!
And we love that because the Event Pod exists for 4 reasons….
Grow Your Network – just being an Event Pod member and engaging in the community does this automatically!
Grow Your Skill – in 2018, we will be adding more educational opportunities to the Pod (workshops, coffee w/ an expert, etc.)
Grow Your Business – Boxwood Bridal Co.
Grow Your Good – we love offering our members opportunities to grow their good in the community!
What are your plans for the future? What are you looking forward to or planning for – any big changes?
For 2018, we will be focusing on refining our client and vendor matching process. This will result in more immediate bookings for our vendors and a smoother planning experience for our clients.
Also, for the future of the Event Pod we are continue to expand into cities where there is a need and or we have great connections within the city already!
As a company, we have been so fortunate to work with some really great names in the industry like Weddington Way, who falls within the GAP brand! We look forward to continuing partnerships with great companies like this and many others.
Pricing:
-
BoxWood Bridal Co. Consultation fee – FREE
- Event Pod Membership Fee – see website
Contact Info:
- Website: www.boxwoodbridal.com
- Email: ashley@boxwoodbridal.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boxwoodbridal/ || https://www.instagram.com/eventpod/
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
