Finding Community

About a month or so ago, I was talking to a vendor friend about a local group that met once a month with the goal to help one another with their businesses. As usual, I was skeptical. Right now in the wedding industry, there are vendors who will actually go through high lengths to bring their competition down. For example, some vendors type terrible reviews on their competitor's review page on event review sites to ruin their chances at booking couples. Sounds like it's straight out of a movie right?! But this is happening every where and unfortunately small, flourishing businesses end up taking major hits because of these shenanigans. Small businesses also take a hit because "big box or big name" companies within the industry have a monopoly on certain venues and locations throughout the USA.

Needless to say, I was interested to see what it was all about. The group's name is called Tuesday's Together and it is part of a national group called The Rising Tide Society. Their belief is that instead of competing against one another, we should all help each other and grow as a community. 

After our first Tuesday's Together meeting and interacting with the community online through Facebook, I couldn't be any more positive that this was one of the best decisions we have ever made as a business and as people. As Stationary vendors, we don't really get to interact with other event or wedding vendors for a specific client. We may reach out to the photographer of a client's event to hopefully get some shots of our product or even a wedding planner to make connections. Otherwise, we are all by ourselves. 

(Come on...tell me you didn't sing the lyric!! You forced me to do this.)

Now that you get the picture, let's get back to the point of my post. We all desperately need community. Whether it is with people from work, home, school, you name it. We are not meant to live alone. Like it says in Proverbs 27:17, "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." We are meant to live in community and I'm glad we found one that we can turn to when we have happy, sad or challenging moments in our business. Even if it means using Periscope to include us at a meeting because we can't make it.

Tuesday's Together Group for August! 

Until next time!

As September Rolls In...

As September rolls in, I'm really looking forward to getting out some awesome new designs. We are also excited to be participating in the Thalatta Estate Bridal Expo on Sunday, September 27th. Some of you may remember that our first Bridal show was at Thalatta Estate, where we met some of the best clients we could have ever asked for. :D We can't wait to go again and meet some more fabulous couples and vendors. Come stop by and say "Hi". We promise not to hug you, unless requested. Being outside in Miami weather for a few hours will leave us feeling a little sweaty, but its worth it. LoL

I also started reading a book by Lara Casey called Make It Happen. There has been (and still will be) so much change in the next few months for Only One Mark, Inc. and Gus and I personally. Good and sad (if that makes sense). I have reached the point where you just need an encouraging push to take a step into the unknown. I feel like we are right on the dotted line before some great changes and I can taste it. With that being said, I'm freaking out a little over it. I am definitely someone that has anxiety over change and the unknown. It might be as bad as my fear of the Halloween section at most stores...but we don't have to talk about that at the moment. For right now, just keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I hope to have some great news to share soon. :) Back to the book, I will definitely let you know what I think of it once I finish. So far, I'm liking it.

Make It Happen by Lara Casey

I'm also jumping onto a Calligraphy Bootcamp with Boxwood Avenue! I'm really excited because although I can "sketch" pretty calligraphy on chalkboards and such, I definitely don't consider myself to be a calligraphist. And did I forget to mention that it is completely FREE? Wish me luck as I make time to sit and learn this art method!

Keep up with us on Social Media to keep up to date with all of our day to day moments and sneak peaks of our gorgeous, custom designs. 

Until Next Time!

Time for a Change

It's been way too long since I last wrote on the blog....so here goes nothing.

It's been a whirlwind of crazy goodness since February. Honestly, we've been the busiest we've ever been. From participating in some local bridal shows/expos, working with some fabulous new clients, and revamping our site, one could say we are definitely working overtime to make Only One Mark, Inc. the best it can be.

As you may have noticed already, our website looks REALLY DIFFERENT. Like we just got a huge face lift. ;) After joining the fabulous Facebook group,  Website Marketing For Wedding Professionals, I got the encouragement I needed to take our website and make it new.  Let me know what you think. :D There is always room for improvement! 

We have also updated our contact information. New phone number and email with our domain name!! How crazy is that?!? ;) Our info can be found at the bottom of each page on our site. :)

I've also been stepping out of my comfort zone and creating gorgeous, delicate designs like these. 

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View fullsize

Yup, I'm telling ya...things are changing and only for the better. Gus and I are both really excited at the new path God is leading us through. I can't wait for what's next. ;)

Well, until next time!

August: Let's Get Creative

A new month for new adventures. This month, I really want to focus on being more creative with our designs. I've been experimenting with shapes, cutouts, and even sketching out designs from scratch.

 I'm excited to share some images and stories from Real Brides that we've had the pleasure of bringing their ideas to life. I'm also happy to be sharing some new designs and items to make your event and living space unique.

What about you? Do you have any plans this month? Throwing a special event this month?