Welcome to another RWN Vendor Spotlight! This post will be featuring long time member, Michael Barbour. Michael is the proud owner of Hand Tied Creations & Planning, LLC and is a Lead Coordinator and Managing Partner at Top Shelf Event Services, LLC! Check out his interview below!
Q - When did you start your business?
A - My very first wedding was in 2006 and I got the wedding bug! I began doing weddings for family and friends and then started working at The Plantation on Sunnybrook learning even more about the wedding industry and the tips and tricks of the trade. In about 2016 I joined forces with Natashia and Top Shelf Event Services and the company flourished into the award winning company it is today! My role as florist grew out of assisting the lead floral designer at Sunnybrook and then assisting our Top Shelf Brides with their floral needs. Then in January of 2021, I officially began my own floral business, Hand Tied Creations & Planning, in addition to working for a local florist. I absolutely love floral design and helping couples make their big day even more special with flowers!
Q - Tell us about one of your favorite parts about your job.
A - I have so many favorite parts of my job that I am not sure where to begin! I love the initial consultation with couples and learning and exploring their style and personalities in order to create the perfect wedding design. I love composing the perfect floral recipe with unique florals and I always try to incorporate locally farmed flowers in my design. I love the moment when it's all finished and I can have that deep sigh of relief from a job done well. I think my absolute favorite part is when I am the first person in the venue on wedding day and can take it all in as the sun is rising and really center my energy before making the wedding day magic happen!
Q - What would you say is your biggest strength?
A - I would say my biggest strength is that I work well under pressure. I always look at events from not only the beginning to end but also from the end to the beginning. I try to give the necessary information to everyone and not cloud people's minds with information they don't really need. The number one thing a bride needs is a smile and to know things are under control even if they are falling apart behind the scenes.
Q - What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your business?
A - Don't undervalue yourself or the services you provide! There are going to be people who are going to be mean to you, they think their 30+ years of experience makes them the Grand Supreme of the wedding industry. My number one word of advice is, if you don't love chaos and love weddings, rethink your business plan! The wedding industry is a 24/7 job!
Q - What would you/I do differently?
A - I would have more confidence in myself and recognize my talent and self worth sooner! The biggest enemy for any new business is one's own self doubt! A relevant world is created from a variety of perspectives, talents, and creative minds!
