Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandi Ingram.
Brandi, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
In 2011, I graduated from the University of Central Florida in Orlando with a Bachelors in Marketing and minor in Event Management. Since then, I’ve traveled nationwide working with all kinds of events — music tours, promotions, brand activation, sponsorships, trade shows — you name it. I decided that my niche was in weddings so I went back to school in Las Vegas at The International School of Hospitality and studied Wedding Coordination & Design which led to work with the hotels on the strip and also freelance. In 2015, I decided to start my own business, NXT LVL Weddings & Events. I made the move to Houston about two years ago. So far, I have worked weddings at Big Sky Barn, Iron Manor, Jennings Trace, THE SPRINGS, Olde Dobbin Station, The Astorian, Omni Hotel, Post Oaks, Sans Souci, The Revaire… just to name a few of the many venues.
Has it been a smooth road?
Like the saying, “Nothing worth having comes easy”, well, that’s true. It has been an incredible journey. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for my motivation to succeed, time management and networking. Definitely networking! With every event I worked, I was always chatting it up with the person next to me, grabbing business cards and asking for any hands-on opportunities they had available to gain more experience. I am a firm believer in continuing education because you can never have enough information especially when the world is evolving daily… you need to stay on top of your industry’s new trends.
Be prepared for rejection and how you handle it. Every day you are essentially “selling yourself”. From the client you are trying to book to that new person you met and start dating, you are your own brand and you want people to trust and like you. Once you can accomplish that then it’s smooth sailing. Always be genuine and humble. Not everyone will like you and that’s okay.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
NXT LVL Weddings & Events is a full-service wedding and event planning company based in Houston, Texas. Our mission is to provide our clients with the most memorable experience, alleviating any stress along the way from start to finish with our trusted team of Certified Wedding Planners who will ultimately elevate your special day to the next level. We pride ourselves on personalized customer service, meaning we will not try to sell you on the most expensive package to make an extra dollar. We will take the time to meet and greet, get to know one another, learn about your event and suggest a service that meets your specific needs. We also customize packages geared toward your overall budget because every couple deserves their dream wedding.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Houston is very competitive. As any other major city would be. It’s a great place to start because you have so many client opportunities, networking events and a variety of venues in the area. But, that’s not to say it’s a home-run your first year of business. You have to take the time to build your brand and your brand is YOU.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nxtlvlweddings.com
- Phone: 321-749-5474
- Email: nxtlvlhouston@gmail.com
- Instagram: @nxtlvlhouston
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nxtlvlhouston/
Image Credit:
Amber Charles Photography
Just Like Honey by Nadine Berns
Carden’s Photography
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
