Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Martucci.
Jackie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started my business back in 2011, and have been tremendously surprised at the growth I have experienced both personally and professionally. What started out as just a glimmer of an idea to start my own business, launched into something so much bigger. I had been seeking something else, something MORE, from my career and after years in the hospitality & customer service industry, event planning felt like the right fit. Of course, everyone (my accountant especially) thought I was crazy to believe that I could build my own business in a down economy and work for myself. But with some serious hard work, dedication, passion, and amazing support from family and friends, I did it! And I’m still doing it!
It was important to me to build a brand that I could be proud of. Something that offered me some flexibility and allowed me to feel good about my life. I love to travel. I get to do that while I am working, and during my “off” hours. And as much as I love being around people, and immersing myself in new experiences, I also enjoy relaxing and having some down time. My business allows me to find a balance in that. I get to be authentic with myself and that is important to me. I get to present the best version of myself to my clients, and still be intact when I come home. That’s not to say that every day is perfect. But it can get pretty darn close.
In any business – the wedding business especially- I believe that you cannot achieve success without an unrelenting drive and love for what you do, as well as an incredible work ethic. The long hours, sleepless nights, lost weekends, and the balance of such an important day- it’s a production that doesn’t stop.
I am so proud to say that I have had some incredible clients along the way and it’s been an honor to be part of their life journey. I get invited into one of the most intimate moments in a couple’s life and that is quite a special experience.
Has it been a smooth road?
I feel incredibly humbled by the journey of entrepreneurship. Building and maintaining a business has certainly not been a smooth road, and there have been plenty of bumps along the way (and sometimes, crater-sized potholes that take out your tires!).
I keep an attitude of viewing every event as a learning experience… even the ones that feel flawless! There is always something we could have done better, more efficiently, more beautifully, etc.
I think the secret to success is never being satisfied with your work. Be proud of it, absolutely, and make sure you give yourself some grace. But always be evaluating. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself to do more, do better. You’ll surprise yourself, I am sure.
Struggles:
Some of the biggest hurdles that I have faced have been personal challenges.
Things like:
1. Admitting that I cannot do everything alone. I love the saying “it takes a village” because it really does! There is no one professional that really shines during an event, without every single professional doing their part. It’s always a team effort and I am very lucky to have a great team to lean on in executing spectacular events.
2. Not taking everything personally. I’ve been told that I am great manager of people and personalities.
If there is an issue, I can put on a great poker face so that I can keep a calm front (while internally scrambling to find a solution!) But every now and then (just like most women I am sure!) I beat myself up for things that are not entirely in my control.
I’ve learned over time to recognize when someone is simply being negative, and have to see that it’s not a reflection of me or the job that I have done. I’m also pretty good at getting my clients to compromise. Weddings are emotional events and couples quickly learn that everyone suddenly has an opinion about how they should handle their big day. I can be that balance for them- a mediator really- to act as a buffer with difficult family members and remind them whose day it is!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Events by Jackie M story. Tell us more about the business.
I love what I do!
As a Wedding & Event Planner, I get to wear a number of different hats. It’s earned me the nickname “Jackie of All Trades” as I play many roles throughout the planning process and the big day. We plan all types of events but the majority is certainly weddings. We are primarily focused in New England but we will and do travel for destination weddings. Some of our favorite events have been seaside – from Ogunquit, Maine, to Cape Cod, to Key West. I think my own love of the coast has something to do with attracting those like-minded clients!
One of our favorite components in wedding planning is in the styling and design of the day. We love to learn your story and find unique ways to implement reflections of you into the design and feel for your special day. Not only do those little touches enhance the guest experience, but they help to allow your guests feel more connected to you and your love story. It’s a gentle reminder of who and what they are celebrating.
For us, it’s not about how many flower arrangements you have, it’s about what went into the creation of those pieces. Like forget-me-nots- in your bouquet in memory of a lost grandmother. Or the fact that you’ve incorporated your own favorite recipe into the meal which, in essence, is like inviting all of your guests into your home kitchen for a moment. These are the little things that make up the story of a greater event.
I am extremely proud of the hard work that we put in- quite literally blood, sweat, and tears- to each event and the professional face we put on. My assistants are always quick to jump when a client or guest needs something and they have become experts as soothing last minute worries and jitters, and somehow manage to be in 5 places at once!
And as I mentioned before, we have been really blessed with great clients. We’ve met some incredible people, who have incredible stories, along the way. It is unbelievably gratifying.
Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
Be patient!
Success does not happen overnight and there will be so many times that you want to throw in the towel and quit. It’s an unbelievable *constant* balancing act and, while it may get easier, the work doesn’t go away.
Be prepared to get gritty. It’s going to take hard work, it’s going to take sacrifice, and it’s going to take a really strong backbone. If you are following your passion and you love it, you will be rewarded.
Stick it out and stay strong. Ride those rough waves when they come, and have faith that calm waters will find you eventually.
Oh – and don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s humbling and often, necessary.
Pricing:
- Our average client wedding budget is between $45K-$85K
Contact Info:
- Website: eventsbyjackiem.com
- Phone: 413.218.4819
- Email: jackie@eventsbyjackiem.com
- Instagram: @eventsbyjackiem
- Facebook: @eventsbyjackiem
- Twitter: @eventsbyjackiem
Image Credit:
Brooke Ellen Photography, Bethany & Dan Photography
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