Ep. 65: Behind the Scenes: Our Q1 Wedding Business Update (Wins, Struggles & Reality)

If you’ve ever been on a wedding day where the vibe between vendors felt… off, you already know: it can make or break the entire experience. In this episode of Just Another Biz Podcast, we’re talking about vendor collaboration and what it actually looks like behind the scenes, why it matters more than people think, and how it directly impacts your couples (and your sanity). Because a “dream team” isn’t just about a stacked vendor list, it’s about how well everyone communicates, supports each other, and shows up on the day. Kari is sharing a real-life wedding fiasco that turned out perfectly in the end all because the team of vendors came together to make it happen! Whether you’re a newer wedding pro or deep in your wedding season era, this is your reminder that you’re not doing this alone and you shouldn’t have to. Remember, we're all in this together to make this day special for our couples, this isn't a solo gig. Team work is everything!  We'd love to hear your vendor collaboration stories! DM us on socials!    Just Another Biz Podcast Info:  Website: https://justanotherbizpodcast.com/  Join Us on Substack for More Content: https://justanotherbizpodcast.substack.com/  Instagram for the Pod: https://www.instagram.com/justanotherbizpodcast  Instagram for Kari: https://www.instagram.com/featheredarrowstudio/  Instagram for Gabby : https://www.instagram.com/causewecanevents    

Hey Jabbers! We're back this week with a fun episode where we dive into hot topics in the wedding industry, including custom wedding dresses from Vietnam, the trend of large lab-grown diamond rings, and social media's influence on wedding planning. We share insights, personal experiences, our hot takes and of course our very candid thoughts on all these topics! Come join us as we gab about some fun hot topics in the industry.    Thanks for being here and don't forget to leave us a 5 star review wherever you listen to your podcasts!    Just Another Biz Podcast Info:  Website: https://justanotherbizpodcast.com/  Join Us on Substack for More Content: https://justanotherbizpodcast.substack.com/  Instagram for the Pod: https://www.instagram.com/justanotherbizpodcast  Instagram for Kari: https://www.instagram.com/featheredarrowstudio/  Instagram for Gabby : https://www.instagram.com/causewecanevents    

Hey Jabbers! In this week’s episode of Just Another Biz Podcast, Kari and Gabby are sitting down for a real, unfiltered Q1 check-in. We're sharing where our businesses are at, what this year looks like for us and what's next.  If you’ve been feeling the slow season stress, questioning your pricing or marketing, or just wondering how other wedding planners are navigating this year, you’re not alone. This episode is a candid and very raw look at what’s working, what’s been challenging, and how they’re thinking about the rest of the year.   Come join us for a quick debrief and share with us where you're at in your business this year!    Don't forget to sign up for the Wedding Summit Series and get your FREE ticket! Remember, it’s all happening April 20-24th and you don't want to miss this!  The Wedding Summit Series AI and Tech edition link to grab your free tickets: https://margauxfraise.mykajabi.com/a/2148253283/xfVPL4n3   Just Another Biz Podcast Info:  Website: https://justanotherbizpodcast.com/  Join Us on Substack for More Content: https://justanotherbizpodcast.substack.com/  Instagram for the Pod: https://www.instagram.com/justanotherbizpodcast  Instagram for Kari: https://www.instagram.com/featheredarrowstudio/  Instagram for Gabby : https://www.instagram.com/causewecanevents

What if your birth chart could actually help you run your business? In this episode, we’re sitting down with consulting astrologer KJ Atlas to talk about the intersection of astrology and entrepreneurship and how it can be used as a practical tool, not just a personality test. We get into how astrology works, why it’s more about patterns and timing than predictions, and how understanding your chart can help you make more aligned decisions in your business. A little about KJ. KJ Atlas is a certified consulting astrologer and astrocartographer based in Southern California. She works primarily with celebrity, entrepreneurial, and corporate clients, offering expertise in business and travel advice, relationship compatibility, and lifestyle strategy. KJ blends ancient astrology with her background in behavioral health, psychology, and organizational strategy for Fortune 50 companies to provide personalized, transformative guidance to her thousands of clients. With over 13 years of experience, KJ studied and graduated from the Portland School of Astrology and holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from East Carolina University. She is known for her comforting and friendly demeanor, stunningly accurate predictions, and fun analogies that make complex astrology easy to understand. KJ also breaks down astrocartography (aka how different locations impact your energy and opportunities) and how your chart can reveal the kind of work, environment, and pace you’re actually meant for. If you’ve been feeling off, stuck, or like your business doesn’t quite fit you anymore, this conversation might give you a whole new way to look at it. Trust us, this is an episode you don't want to miss!    You can find KJ's work on her website and many different ways to work with her: https://www.kjatlas.com/ Her Mastermind - Coming Soon! https://www.kjatlas.com/in-tune-entrepreneurmm  The Wedding Summit Series AI and Tech edition link to grab your FREE tickets: https://margauxfraise.mykajabi.com/a/2148253283/xfVPL4n3   Remember, it’s all happening April 20-24th!  --- Just Another Biz Podcast Info:  Website: https://justanotherbizpodcast.com/  Join Us on Substack for More Content: https://justanotherbizpodcast.substack.com/  Instagram for the Pod: https://www.instagram.com/justanotherbizpodcast  Instagram for Kari: https://www.instagram.com/featheredarrowstudio/  Instagram for Gabby : https://www.instagram.com/causewecanevents    

Hey Jabbers! On today's episode, we are chatting with Liza Spirit. Liza is a spiritual mentor, educator, and day trader whose work bridges the gap between inner alignment and real-world success. She helps people integrate spirituality, psychology, and financial growth to create a life that feels both meaningful and abundant. Throughout her life, Liza has reinvented herself multiple times, changing career paths more than four times in pursuit of work that truly fulfills her and allows her to reach her full potential. Her journey reflects a powerful message: you don’t have to choose just one identity to succeed. With over a decade of meditation practice, spirituality, and a background in communications and educational psychology, Liza teaches that success comes from alignment rather than fitting into societal labels. Through her mentorship, trading education, and spiritual guidance tools like numerology and meditation, she empowers people to embrace all parts of who they are and build a path that reflects their true selves. Her philosophy is simple: when you master your inner world, your outer world begins to transform. Reinventing yourself can feel exciting… and also deeply uncomfortable, especially when you’re worried about losing the parts of you that got you here in the first place. In this episode, Kari and Gabby sit down with Liza to talk about what it actually looks like to evolve your business and identity without abandoning who you are. Liza shares her personal journey of blending spirituality, finance, and personal growth and how she navigated big shifts without starting from scratch or burning everything down. If you’ve been feeling the pull to pivot, raise your prices, change your niche, or simply do things differently, this conversation will help you trust yourself through the process. We’re getting into alignment, identity, and the real-life practices that support growth that feels both grounded and expansive. If this episode hit home, share it with a fellow wedding pro who’s in their “pivot era.” And as always, come hang with us on Instagram for more real talk and behind-the-scenes.     Liza Spirit Website - https://lizaspirit.com/ Spirit Trading Community - https://lizaspirit.com/trading Meditation and Mindfulness Resources - https://lizaspirit.com/meditations   Liza's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liza.spirit    Youtube Video Ted Talk Liza Referenced: https://youtu.be/4sZdcB6bjI8?si=mo8p9N0uAPmV1aza  ---- Just Another Biz Podcast Info:  Website: https://justanotherbizpodcast.com/  Join Us on Substack for More Content: https://justanotherbizpodcast.substack.com/  Instagram for the Pod: https://www.instagram.com/justanotherbizpodcast  Instagram for Kari: https://www.instagram.com/featheredarrowstudio/  Instagram for Gabby : https://www.instagram.com/causewecanevents    

Hey Jabbers! In this week’s episode of Just Another Biz Podcast, we’re diving into the very real (and very debated) topic of pricing transparency in the wedding industry. However, there is a twist: Gabby and Kari don’t actually do it the same way. One of us shares pricing openly on their website, while the other has intentionally moved away from it. And honestly? We both have solid reasons. In this conversation, we’re breaking down what led us to these decisions, how it might impact our inquiries and bookings, and what we're learned about client behavior along the way. Because the truth is, pricing transparency isn’t one-size-fits-all, it’s about aligning your strategy with your business, your market, and the kind of clients you want to attract. If you’ve been going back and forth on whether to list your pricing (or you’re thinking about changing your approach), this episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look at what it actually looks like in practice. Key Takeaways: Why one of us keeps pricing on our website and how it helps pre-qualify inquiries Why the other removed pricing and what she's seeing now The pros and cons of both approaches based on real experience (not just theory) How pricing visibility affects client trust, expectations, and inquiry quality Different ways to share pricing without locking yourself into one rigid structure Questions to ask yourself before deciding what’s right for your business We know there is a lot of debate around this topic and we do think a starting price point is helpful for potential clients and budgeting information listed on your website so no one is wasting their time on either end. However, we'd love to hear from you! What do you do and why? Shoot us a message or DM and give us the insights on pricing transparency for you!    Just Another Biz Podcast Info:  Website: https://justanotherbizpodcast.com/  Join Us on Substack for More Content: https://justanotherbizpodcast.substack.com/  Instagram for the Pod: https://www.instagram.com/justanotherbizpodcast  Instagram for Kari: https://www.instagram.com/featheredarrowstudio/  Instagram for Gabby : https://www.instagram.com/causewecanevents    

Hey Jabbers! Ever feel like you’re not just planning a wedding… you’re also managing emotions, family drama, and late-night spiral texts as the planner or the wedding vendor?    In this episode of Just Another Biz Podcast, we’re joined by Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Jen Ottman. Jen is a California-based therapist who works with individuals and couples navigating relationship stress, communication challenges, and major life transitions. She helps people understand the emotional patterns that shape their relationships and approach difficult moments with more awareness and intention.   After recently planning her own wedding, Jen developed a deeper appreciation for how weddings can bring up family dynamics, expectations, and stress in ways couples don’t always anticipate. She helps couples approach these moments with curiosity and honesty while protecting the relationship, not just the event.   Today we are talking about something so many wedding pros experience but don’t always name: becoming the default therapist for your clients. From navigating high-stress family dynamics to holding space for overwhelmed couples, it’s easy for planners to slip into an emotional support role, often without the tools or boundaries to protect themselves.   Jen helps us unpack why this happens, how to recognize when you’ve crossed into therapist territory, and what it actually looks like to support your clients without overextending yourself. We’re getting into boundaries, emotional labor, and how to stay compassionate without burning out or blurring professional lines.   If you’ve ever walked away from a client call feeling drained, responsible for their emotions, or unsure how to respond to something deeply personal, this episode is for you. Key Points Why wedding planners are especially vulnerable to becoming “default therapists” for clients The difference between being supportive vs. taking on emotional responsibility Subtle signs you’ve crossed from planner into therapist territory How to set and communicate boundaries without feeling cold or unhelpful Simple language you can use in real client situations (without overstepping) How emotional labor shows up in your business and how to manage it sustainably Why protecting your energy actually makes you a better planner   So be sure to share this with a planner friend who’s been doing way more than timelines lately. We hope this episode resonates with you Jabbers!   You can find Jen at https://jenottmantherapy.com/ and work with her yourself or refer any clients needing pre-marital counseling. Jen's credentials are listed below.  Jen Ottman, AMFT #153153 Supervised by Joni Lavick, LMFT #31244 --- Just Another Biz Podcast Info:  Website: https://justanotherbizpodcast.com/  Join Us on Substack for More Content: https://justanotherbizpodcast.substack.com/  Instagram for the Pod: https://www.instagram.com/justanotherbizpodcast  Instagram for Kari: https://www.instagram.com/featheredarrowstudio/  Instagram for Gabby : https://www.instagram.com/causewecanevents

Every year, the Zola First Look Report gives us a peek at what engaged couples are planning and what trends are shaping the wedding industry. In this episode, Kari and Gabby dig into the 2026 report and share what actually matters for planners, vendors, and anyone working weddings. Zola surveyed more than 11,500 couples getting married in 2026, making it one of the biggest snapshots of how modern couples are planning their weddings right now. From the rise of Gen Z couples to TikTok’s growing influence on wedding planning, the report highlights some major shifts in how couples choose vendors, design their celebrations, and prioritize guest experience. We talk about what trends we’re seeing in real weddings, what feels overhyped, and what planners should actually pay attention to heading into the next few seasons. Spoiler: couples want weddings that feel personal, authentic, and meaningful, not just Pinterest-perfect.   Key Points:  Gen Z is now the majority of engaged couples, which means wedding expectations and traditions are evolving. TikTok and social media are shaping planning decisions, with about half of couples using TikTok for inspiration while Pinterest remains the biggest planning platform. Vintage-inspired décor and nostalgic details are trending, but with modern twists. Couples are prioritizing guest experience and personalization over strict traditions. Mocktails and more inclusive drink menus are becoming common additions to bar programs. Couples are mixing traditional moments with modern planning tools, including AI for logistics and social-first content. If you’re a wedding planner or vendor trying to keep up with how couples are planning right now and needing to shift your business to serve Gen Z couples, then this episode is for you. You can take a look at the report for yourself at the link below.    Zola 2026 First Look Report: https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2026   --- Just Another Biz Podcast Info:  Website: https://justanotherbizpodcast.com/  Join Us on Substack for More Content: https://justanotherbizpodcast.substack.com/  Instagram for the Pod: https://www.instagram.com/justanotherbizpodcast  Instagram for Kari: https://www.instagram.com/featheredarrowstudio/  Instagram for Gabby : https://www.instagram.com/causewecanevents  

Are you a Type A wedding planner… or more of a Type B vibe? In this episode of Just Another Biz Podcast, Kari and Gabby get real about something that doesn’t get talked about enough in the events industry: not every successful planner is Type A. As two proud Type B planners, who recently discovered this, we break down what that actually looks like in real life. From running timelines and managing vendors to keeping calm when the unexpected happens, we talk about how different personalities show up in wedding planning and why there’s absolutely room for both styles in this industry. If you’ve ever felt like you’re “not Type A enough” to be a planner, this episode is your reminder that being organized doesn’t have to mean being rigid. Sometimes a little flexibility, creativity, and calm energy is exactly what a wedding day needs. Type B doesn’t mean disorganized. Many Type B planners are extremely capable, they just approach structure and problem solving differently. Calm energy can be a superpower on wedding days. Staying flexible and level-headed when things shift is often what keeps events running smoothly. There’s no single personality type that makes a great planner. The industry has space for many styles of leadership and workflow. Your planning style will naturally shape your systems. The key is building processes that support how you actually work. Comparison is unnecessary. Just because someone runs their business differently doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. If this episode made you feel seen, make sure you follow, subscribe, and share it with another wedding planner who might need this reminder. And if you’re listening and thinking, “Wait… am I a Type B planner too?” — come tell us over on Instagram. We want to hear your take.  --- Just Another Biz Podcast Info:  Website: https://justanotherbizpodcast.com/  Join Us on Substack for More Content: https://justanotherbizpodcast.substack.com/  Instagram for the Pod: https://www.instagram.com/justanotherbizpodcast  Instagram for Kari: https://www.instagram.com/featheredarrowstudio/  Instagram for Gabby : https://www.instagram.com/causewecanevents  

What if the reason your marketing feels vague… is because your “ideal client” is? In this episode, we’re joined by Emily of Emily Foster Creative to talk about finding and defining your ideal client archetypes not just surface-level demographics, but the deeper motivations, values, and decision-making styles that actually drive bookings. We get into why just branding yourself as a "wedding planner for Austin locals" isn’t enough. It's about how to spot patterns in your past clients, and understanding how archetypes can make your website, content, and consult calls feel way more aligned (and way less performative). If you’ve ever thought, “I just want more of the right clients,” this one’s for you. Your ideal client is about psychographics, not just aesthetics, think values, fears, and priorities and why they are motivated to do something.  Client archetypes help you write copy that actually resonates (instead of trying to please everyone). You probably already have archetype patterns hiding in your past bookings. Clear positioning makes consult calls smoother because clients already feel understood. When you market to “everyone,” you dilute your message, clarity attracts the right ones and repels the wrong clients.  It’s okay if your ideal client evolves as your business grows.   If this episode made you rethink your messaging, take a screenshot while you’re listening and tag us on Instagram. Make sure you’re following the podcast so you never miss an episode and share this one with a wedding pro friend who’s tired of “meh” inquiries and ready for aligned ones. Enjoy Jabbers!  If you want more help finding your client archetype and refining your brand strategy, you can download Emily's Brand Clarity Workbook below.  http://emilyfostercreative.com/brand-clarity-workbook   You can find Emily and her work below if you'd like to work with her!   Emily's Website: https://emilyfostercreative.com/ Also find Emily on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyfostercreative/  on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/emilyfostercreative/ and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilyfostercreative    --- Just Another Biz Podcast Info:  Website: https://justanotherbizpodcast.com/  Join Us on Substack for More Content: https://justanotherbizpodcast.substack.com/  Instagram for the Pod: https://www.instagram.com/justanotherbizpodcast  Instagram for Kari: https://www.instagram.com/featheredarrowstudio/  Instagram for Gabby : https://www.instagram.com/causewecanevents