We have met so many wonderful Welsh businesses and their owners over the last fifteen years and thought it was about time we shared some of them with you. First up is Natalie the founder of Promise Wedding Fayres. I must come clean and explain that I first met Natalie when she was three as she was in my younger brothers class in primary school. We went to a lovely school where everyone knew each other. Our paths then crossed again on many occasions through both of our businesses. It’s Natalie’s relatively new role that I really want to shout about as she is making such a huge and much needed difference to what can be a weirdly miserable and high pressure sales enviroment. She has brought fun, imagination and, dare I say it, romance to wedding fairs in the South and West Wales area. Pinterest is great but go along and meet her hand picked and passionate wedding businesses, speaking to them in person is even better. I have been so impressed by what she has achieved in such a short space of time and can’t wait to see what comes next. To find the next fayre follow https://www.promiseweddingfayres.co.uk/wedding-fayre-dates/ or find out more at https://www.instagram.com/promiseweddingfayres/
Over to Natalie to tell you more with a few silly questions I couldn’t help asking.
What made you set up Promise Wedding Fairs?
Well, I’d managed the marketing for a client who ran a wedding fayre business
for 10 years as a freelance Marketing Manager. So when they retired it
seemed the obvious move for me. Technically it was my husband’s idea as
we’d always talked about it and changes we would make and he has always
wanted to run a business with me. Within 2 hours of being ‘let go’ the
business was born. Name chosen with the help of a friend by tea time,
branding done within 48 hours and our first event as Promise Wedding fayres
within 6 weeks. It was a whirlwind of a time, a big risk, lots of lessons learned
but I wouldn’t do it any other way! The business is just 15 months old and
we’re constantly making improvements and learning from it.
Where is your favourite place to visit in Wales?
It’s going to have to be Pembrokeshire. Since meeting my husband 10 years
ago we’ve made loads of memories down there including getting married in
Tenby.
What advice would you give anyone who is thinking about becoming self employed?
There will never be the ‘right time’ to do it, so just do it. You don’t need to
know the answers to everything or have everything perfect – that’s the
exciting part of it.
If you were stranded on a desert island what three Welsh things would you want to have with you?
Bara Brith
My husband (cause he’s welsh!!)
Melin Tregwynt blanket
What is your favourite thing about your job?
The flexibility. My husband is a shift worker. Having a job where I can, for the
majority of the time work from anywhere means we get to spend more time
with each other which has really strengthened our relationship. I’m currently
writing this in the back seat of my car, with my laptop on my lap tray as we’re
on our way up to London for a few days (Wednesday to Thursday). I always
take my laptop on holiday too and love catching up with emails first thing in
the morning, on the balcony with a cuppa.
Who is your Favourite Welsh celebrity?
It’s going to have to be Tom Jones (because apparently Lee Trundle, although he lives in Wales it doesn’t count!). I love Tom. Love his music and how he is still going. I also used to listen to his music with my Dad when I was younger.
I’d also have to say Michael Sheen too. I now live in Port Talbot and I’ve seen Michael Sheen feature in huge films but also walking around Port Talbot and getting involved with the community like a ‘regular guy’. Love that about him.He’s just genuine, kind and down to earth. Plenty of people could learn a lotfrom him.
What three words do you want your work to be known for?
Quality, Organised, Personal
Who would win in a fight, Catatonia or The Manic Street Preachers?
Catatonia without a doubt!
What is your proudest business moment?
Probably the moment I decided to take the risk and give up paid employment
to go self employed back in 2011. It was a really scary time but I was so
unhappy with the job (and previous jobs) I had and it seemed to be the best
solution. It’s been an amazing 13 years. I don’t think I could go back into paid
employment.
Thanks for chatting with us Natalie