Own Your Business

Selling to BTS Decision-Makers with Amrit Dhillon‑BainsSelling and managing luxury weddings is hard enough. Add multiple decision makers, deep cultural traditions, and high emotional stakes — and it becomes a true test of your sales and client service skills.In this episode, Sam sits down with Amrit Dhillon‑Bains, founder of Anaïs Events, a Northern California–based planning and design firm specializing in upscale, highly personalized South Asian weddings. Amrit brings a rare blend of creativity, business acumen, and cultural insight to her work, helping families plan multi‑day celebrations with hundreds (sometimes thousands) of guests — while keeping everyone aligned.Amrit shares how she:Identifies and maps out key stakeholders early in the processGains trust and buy‑in from even the quietest or most resistant decision makersHandles sensitive family dynamics with empathy and authorityPrepares clients to make informed budget decisions without alienating themPersonalizes proposals and sales conversations for each unique family and situationBalances flexibility and boundaries to maintain a sustainable businessWhether you work in luxury weddings or simply want to improve your ability to sell and serve complex client groups, this episode is packed with insights you can apply right away.Connect with Amrit Dhillon‑Bains:Instagram: @anaiseventsWebsite: www.anaisevents.com

Welcome back to the podcast! This time of year, so many wedding pros are deep in the ramp-up for busy season juggling timelines, emails, client meetings, vendor questions, and still trying to execute this weekend’s wedding on top of it all. It’s exciting, but it’s also exhausting. And if you’re not careful, it’s easy to say yes to everything… and end up with nothing left in the tank when it really counts.That’s why today I’m sharing a replay of one of my favorite episodes all about the power of saying no.If you’ve ever found yourself stretched too thin, feeling like there’s no room left for the work that really lights you up, this conversation is for you. We talk about how saying no — even during your busiest months — can actually help you prevent burnout, recharge your batteries, and keep you focused on what matters most.Because when your calendar is packed with low-priority tasks, there’s no space left to say yes to the big opportunities that can move your business forward.So as you head into the thick of wedding season, take a breath and listen in. Let’s dive into the replay.

In this episode, I’m joined by negotiation expert Alex Carter and executive presence coach Anne Marie Nest for a conversation about what it really means to lead with presence. We talk about the myths around confidence, how to interrupt negative self-talk, and why executive presence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you can learn and practice. Alex and Anne-Marie share personal stories, practical tips, and simple strategies you can start using right away. If you want to show up with more clarity, confidence, and command in your business, this episode is for you.

Feeling stuck with your pricing or marketing? Discover the vital difference between confidence and competence. Learn why relying on 'fake it till you make it' can hold you back. Get tips on communicating your unique value to attract ideal clients in the wedding industry. Explore how clarity, not just confidence, is key to business success and higher-paying clients. Embrace genuine growth over superficial assurance for more aligned inquiries and stronger sales.

Eleanor Scola, Director of Sales at Nuage Designs, brings over a decade of experience in market development, while Pablo Oliveira is the founder of this luxury event rental company, born from his resilience after a job loss. They discuss how trust and shared values are pivotal in their leadership approach. The duo emphasizes the importance of personalization in luxury services and details their innovative strategies for enhancing client experiences. Listen in as they share insights on nurturing a thriving team culture amid business growth!

Success doesn't happen by accident. It’s done on purpose, when someone decides what they want with clarity and then maps out a plan to make it happen.Today's guest, Twah Dougherty, started her career as a wedding photographer with a very specific intention. If you asked her, she would say it was her vision - and a big part of it relied on building expertise in a few key areas for her business. Today, Twah shares her story of stacking those skills she needed to grow her business into the powerhouse it is now.How to communicate with affluent and ultra-affluent buyersHow to pinpoint your ideal client avatar and create messages that matterHow to identify the soul of your business and remain true to it as you grow

Abby Jiu, a talented photographer and co-founder of Duet Social Media, dives deep into the art of social media strategy. She discusses creating a robust strategy that goes beyond pretty images, emphasizing the power of personal brand storytelling on Instagram. Abby uncovers three misconceptions in the luxury wedding industry, shares tips for engaging your audience, and highlights the importance of authentic content over traditional elitism. Get ready to transform your social media approach and attract your ideal clients!

Julian Leaver, owner of Julian Leaver Events, shares his decade-long journey in the wedding planning industry. He discusses the importance of choosing the right clients and strategic partnerships for growth. Julian reveals insights on evolving client strategies from budget-conscious to high-end experiences and navigating the complexities of securing bookings in the luxury market. He emphasizes the balance between steady growth and innovative client interactions, sharing that real success comes from personalization and understanding client dynamics.

Many business owners in the wedding industry got their start accidentally. Others found their way here because of a passion for creativity or art, and wanted to express it as a profession.But there are a handful of others who had a dream of being an entrepreneur, and found the wedding space as fertile ground for planning the seeds of their business ideas.Today's guest, Brittany Lo, founder and owner of Beautini and Beia, joins me on the podcast to discuss her journey as an entrepreneur over the last decade, including:How she delegates work to a team in order to grow her businessWhat she spends most of her time on as the CEO of the companiesWhere she seeks guidance and support when she's expected to have all the answersRecommendations for spending more of your time working on the business rather than in businessIf you wanna take your company to the next level, you have to know how to be a boss. Brittany shares exactly how to do that.

Join Katie Hendricks, owner of Masterfully Managed, a VA agency that supports luxury wedding vendors, as she shares her insights on maximizing time through outsourcing. Discover when it’s the right moment to hire a Virtual Assistant and how to find the perfect fit for your business. Katie discusses the unique advantages of VAs in the wedding industry, the importance of recognizing communication styles, and strategies for navigating client relationships. Learn how to enhance operational efficiency and leverage the expertise of industry-savvy assistants.