Your name: Melissa M.G Nowakowski
I hail from… Toronto, Ontario
One of your New Year’s resolutions: To get my black belt in karate by the winter!
The website I frequent often: http://www.frugalbride.com/ babbling bride boards and the WPIC Alumni Forum
One local wedding professional in my category that I admire is: Cindy from Platinum Events – the girl has ambition, drive and is just overall fabulous.
One local wedding professional that is not in my category that I admire is: Cathy from Makeup by CC – she started a dream that has exploded into a great success and recently has even opened a spa in the heart of Yorkville. Smart, dedicated and talented – I admire this girl to bits.
My website is: http://www.etlofte.com/ (a new one is on its way!!!)
Why I do what I do… First, at the end of the wedding day there is nothing more satisfying than seeing my clients deeply in love and thrilled with how their day unfolded – that is perhaps the most rewarding part of my job and keeps me motivated and passionate about what I do. Second, I love a challenge. When a couple comes to me and says “I want a unique wedding” I love designing a wedding day that’s beyond their expectations or imagination.
What services do you offer? Full and partial planning, consultations, day-of coordination
Do you have employees? I have fabulous assistants with whom I work on the wedding day.
How did you acquire your skills? Having begun my career in the marketing and event planning industry where creativity, organization and resourcefulness are must-have skills, I adapted my ability to think outside-the-box to follow my passion in planning weddings. I also became certified by the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada and regularly attend conferences, seminars and courses to keep me up to date in the latest trends and planning tactics. But also I acquired skills through the physical act of planning weddings and events.
What has made the biggest difference in your business? The support of the amazing vendors with whom I meet and work -- whether we are in the same category or opposite ends of the industry. To be able to bounce ideas off one another, receive encouragement, support and to learn from one another is invaluable.
Tell us a funny story from your experiences? I had a wedding this past summer and I was loading the altar arrangements into the back of my SUV after the ceremony. I pulled down the trunk door and bent down to pick up my clipboard and for some stupid reason I put my hand in the way of the door. The door completely shut across my left hand where the fingers meet the palm. I was pretty calm as I fumbled with the door handle with my free hand but a lady who was getting into her car next to mine saw what happened and started to freak out, kicking my tires and yelling "open the door! open the *&^%$#@ door!" I had to calm HER down. I worked that entire wedding with one hand and without anyone but my assistants knowing what had happened (I ended up with a fractured finger and two sprained fingers). But what was funny was that those few people who did know were more freaked out about the whole situation than I was.
What are some of your business goals for 2008: To finish the makeover on my web site – it’s been very slow going.
Not now, not ever will I… I will never take someone down to get ahead ………unless I was trapped in a fire. I hate fire. I would likely run over my own husband if I was trapped in a fire.
My life is… almost complete. Just a few things missing that can easily be added in the near future.
3 things you will always find on my desk… 1. my blackberry 2. my client files and 3. a container of black felt-tip push- pens…I won’t write with any other kind of pen but keep losing them, buying more, than finding them again so I am the proud owner of a collection of black felt-tip push-pens (which I am sure I will lose again at some point then find and so on).
What I still wish I knew… how to successfully balance my career and personal life. I have a tendency to let my career overtake “me” time.
My next business purchase will be… a scanner! I’ve never in my life been so excited for a hunk of metal…
I’m happiest when… I’m sleeping. I love sleep. My husband says that when I fall asleep I actually have a smile on my face.
A guilty pleasure of mine is… It’s a toss up between playing ‘Rockband’ and watching Rich Bride Poor Bride
My business style is… unique, funky and what one of my clients likes to refer to as “extremely meticulous but fun”. I’m a firm believer in being organized and getting things done properly and on time. But I also believe that planning a wedding should be enjoyable -- not stressful -- and so I try to keep things lighthearted with a dash of humor while still ensuring that all details are being attended to in an efficient manner.
You can contact me at: 416-885-2497 or Melissa@etlofte.com
Et løfte in Danish means “a promise”. And so, comprised of energy, vision and passion, ET LØFTE EVENTS is a wedding coordination company that delivers on its promise to create a wedding as unique as you are. Known for her vibrant personality and out-of-the-box thinking, Melissa combines experience, knowledge and vast creativity to express the individuality of each couple and add a unique touch to any wedding. ET LØFTE EVENTS provides Full and Partial planning, consultations and day-of coordination.
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