Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia Jones.
Mia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started as a single mom, trying to figure out a way to earn enough money to raise my sons, but also be present in their everyday lives. My children were very small when I started out and it was unbelievably important to me that I was the person raising them. I was able to schedule my virtual consultations around their nap times, and pick and choose how many weekends I wanted to work. I loved the idea of being in charge of which days I would work and which days would be focused just on my children.
As business began to pick up I found myself missing out of the very things that I set out to ensure I was a part of. I can’t tell you how many baseball games, soccer games, first home runs and so many things I missed when my business grew. And it grew fast! That’s when I knew it was time to hire additional help. God placed people in my life who were able to take on some of the clients off my plate and eased my commitment of being in charge of every aspect of my company. Most of our staff are single moms who needed the flexibility and understanding when they needed to bring kids into the office. They have that here. We are all parents first, just trying to give our children the lives they deserve.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Ha! No, nothing has ever been smooth. I’m a mother of five boys and juggling a professional career and a litter of kids is stressful to say the least. God opened doors for me that I prayed to have opened. I’ve been so blessed with the opportunities that I’ve been presented with. However, The more you grow professionally the more you realize you have so much to learn. There were times when the business was becoming more successful, but I felt such guilt of being absent at home. It’s a balancing act of professional and personal life. There’s no guidelines for parenting or building a business.
You always have to be on your toes and constantly adapting. This industry is cutthroat, and it’s an amazing reminder to keep grinding, doing what’s right and treat others the way you want to be treated. This business, as well as being a mother, is constantly humbling, but it’s such an ever changing, exciting experience that I get to be a part of. Weddings are such a fun life event and I’m always honored when we are chosen and trusted to be a part of that. At the end of the day I want my kids to look at what I’ve built, with the help of such an amazing staff, and be proud. I want them to see what it means to work, dream and go after your goals. It may not be easy but it’s achievable with determination.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Our company was the original traveling All-Inclusive event model. With most wedding venues simply renting the facility to clients, the couples were left to piece together everything.
Magnolia Marie’s brings the wedding to life. We include catering, DJ, Photography, linens, staffing, decor, cake, Day of Coordination and more. It takes a load of stress off the clients, and gives them a straightforward price without having to shop around.
Budget is always a concern for weddings. A lot of couples may find a caterer within their budget, but find that company isn’t available for their selected date. It’s like taking puzzle pieces and seeing if they will all fit on the same day within that specific budget.
Our pricing model easy to understand and fits within most budgets. We work with top industry professionals and don’t cut corners with our staff. Everyone is top notch. Since Magnolia Marie’s staff all works together every weekend we are like a well-oiled machine.
When a couple has to hire vendors individually it’s highly likely that they haven’t worked with each other before leaving so much room for error or personality conflicts.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My time in sports will always be my favorite memories. You learn so much with teammates who become best friends. You share the pain, loss, wins, personal and team goals. The team helps drive you as an individual to be better which trickles into the real world.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.magnoliamaries.com
Image Credits
Mustard Seed Photography
Cedar & Sage Studios
