Today we’d like to introduce you to Millicent Butcher.
Millicent, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I always knew I wanted to do events and be involved in this industry. During college I landed a paid internship for the weekends helping at Camp Waldemar for their off-season events. This even furthered my need to be involved with wonderful couples and get to know their families. After college, I took some time for myself in Australia and worked as a staff member at a wedding venue there, The Landing at Dockside. I believe this helped build my appreciation for all vendors during events because busing staff and clean up staff are imperative for a smooth, clutter free event! After returning home I landed a job as an Event Producer for The Bell Tower on 34th. This job taught me time management, since it was strictly commission based, as well as how to produce an event with menu items, floor plans, and contracts/payments with the venue. I launched MJM in 2016 but without all the vendor relationships, it didn’t exactly take off. I started subbing to make money while I looked for a new wedding job. I booked a few coordination gigs, but nothing substantial enough to sustain myself. When I took the job at The Springs in Magnolia it was life changing. The company was wonderful to work for, I had insurance options as well as helpful managers that turned into mentors. This was my game changer job. I was able to transition to from assistant manager to manager of the venue within a few months, as well as get married the same year, 2018. Working with couples and their families again was so fulfilling! I was able to cultivate relationships with brides, grooms, and vendors along the way.
Finally, in 2019 it was time! I felt I had enough experience at this point and enough contacts who knew my work ethic and strengths to ‘re-launch’ MJM. It has been fantastic putting all my energy into these events for day-of-coordination which I have found is my strongest area. I love helping with the planning aspect and consulting with couples, but day of organization is my super power. I know that if I didn’t launch last year, I never would have done it. I am so glad to be working for myself, using all the tools I’ve gathered over the years to produce a wonderful day for the couple and their family and friends.
Has it been a smooth road?
I think for the most part so far it has been smooth. Besides COVID disrupting many lives, and many events, for myself and my business it has been such a blessing. Having brides leave reviews, having other vendors partner with you on things and especially hearing that I personally was recommended to someone is just on another level. The feeling cannot be beat. As far as struggles, besides my feet being sore from walking upwards of five miles on an event day, I have yet to hit a struggle that has brought down my business in any way. Struggles make my company better and I know there are things I can always improve on, professionally and personally.
We’d love to hear more about the company.
My company, MJM Planning & Coordination, specializes in Day of Coordination. Couples can hire me at any point in their planning process to make their floor plan, timeline, and get in contact with all their vendors to have everyone on the same page for the day of. On the day of, I am there most of the day making sure everything stays on track as well as help the couple with anything else they might need. It is hard to list all the little things that go into the day. I am proud to be a self-starter and own my own company. That means I can negotiate when necessary as well as say no if I need to. I am so proud to deliver excellent events to show others that a coordinator makes things so much smoother. The thing that sets me apart from others is that I am really focused on the details of your day instead of trying to sell you the bigger package, or rent you any items. I am only a planner and coordinator; therefore, I only do these things!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I believe the wedding industry will change due to COVID. I think couples will see the bright side of smaller gatherings and have a more intimate experience. I see elopements becoming much more popular as well.
Pricing:
- Friday, Saturday, Sunday pricing is $900 for 12 hours + $100 travel fee.
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday pricing is $750 for 12 hours + $100 travel fee.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mjmplanning.com
- Phone: 2817398023
- Email: millicent@mjmplanning.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmplanningandcoordination/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MJMPrivateEventPlanning/?ref=bookmarks
- Other: https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/mjm-private-event-planning-kingwood/0811cc7c8864e802.html
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