We love supporting small businesses and with BDC Small Business Week running from October 20th to the 26th what better way to showcase all the amazing and talented small business owners in the Hamilton and surrounding areas! Here are some of your faves as nominated by YOU on our Instagram stories back in the summer.
1. Taken By Marc
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/takenbymarc/?hl=en)
Website (https://takenbymarc.com/)
What inspired you to start your business, and what has been the most rewarding part of your journey so far?
I did a career change from working in network management at Bell Canada for 12 years to being a photographer. It is the most gratifying line of work and that makes it so rewarding. The reaction from our couples when they receive their photos and video is a great feeling.
What unique challenges have you faced as a small business owner, and how have you overcome them?
Realizing that it is 20% shooting and 80% everything else! Always opening emails,texts, editing, making appointments, going to appointments and selling, selling, selling your service.
How do you engage with your local community, and why is that important to your business?
Being born and raised in Hamilton it’s hard not to engage with the community knowing so many people and circles and of course it’s important so that others learn about your brand.
For fun, what is your favorite and least favourite wedding trend right now?
Personally I don’t like any trends. They are not timeless and that’s the only thing wedding photography should be. Having said that yes, we do know all of the trends we see them come and go and right now my least fav trend is giving clients the photos we used to throw away (blurry, out of focus etc.) but I get it!
2. Siren Events & Co.
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sireneventsandco/?hl=en)
Website (https://www.sireneventsandco.com/)
What inspired you to start your business, and what has been the most rewarding part of your journey so far?
I like to joke that I started my business because I just couldn’t resist the lure of managing seating charts and working under constant pressure. But honestly, I’ve always been inspired by the magic of weddings – the way they bring people together to celebrate love in all its forms. The most rewarding part of this journey has been seeing the look on a couple’s face when they walk into their dream wedding, or how much fun they’re having throughout the day. Just knowing I played a part in making that moment happen.
What unique challenges have you faced as a small business owner, and how have you overcome them?
Well, let’s just say that managing a wedding and managing a business can feel eerily similar—both require an ability to stay calm in the middle of absolute chaos sometimes! One of the biggest challenges, though I wouldn’t say unique, has been balancing the creative aspects of my job with the administrative roles I also have to play.
How do you engage with your local community, and why is that important to your business?
I believe that weddings should reflect the community and culture they’re part of, so I’ve made it a priority to engage with my local community. Whether it’s collaborating with local vendors, hosting exciting and interactive events, or participating in charity events that give back to those around me. I love building relationships with the people and businesses around me. There’s room for everybody in this industry. It’s not just important to my business—it’s what makes the weddings I plan feel truly special and rooted in the place we all call home, even if we do travel all over the map!
For fun, what is your favorite and least favourite wedding trend right now?
Favourite trend – Audio guestbooks! I hear some of the sweetest messages from guests, and after having a bride’s grandmother tragically passed away shortly after her wedding, hearing that the voice message was the last thing she said to her that she could cherish forever, I will forever be a fan of them. Least favourite – Too many outfit changes. Changing into a reception dress for dancing is one thing, but I’ve seen up to 5 outfit changes in a day, and although they were all fabulous, it really takes you away from your guests and your day coming in and out of the bridal suite all day.
3. Delicantina
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/delica.tina?igsh=bzZzeDExZWF1bThk)
Website (https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/Delicatina)
What inspired you to start your business, and what has been the most rewarding part of your journey so far?
I was inspired to start my business when my sister was seeking a bridal hair comb for herself and was having trouble finding what she wanted online. In my attempts to make something she liked, I made many combs she did not love, and when I pondered what to do with them, she suggested I try selling them on Etsy. To my surprise, people bought them! The most rewarding part so far is seeing happy brides, bridesmaids, and mothers wearing my creations.
What unique challenges have you faced as a small business owner, and how have you overcome them
Choosing a price point continues to be a challenge. I don’t always know how to value my own time, and while the materials contribute to the cost of a piece, the main factor is usually how long it took to come up with the design and then make that design a reality.
How do you engage with your local community, and why is that important to your business?
Most of my commissions come by word of mouth, so I rely on my community for the success of my business. I sell exclusively online at the present, but I hope to make connections with local stores to see if they are interested in carrying any in store.
4. LJ events
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/lisajanineevents/?hl=en)
Website (https://www.ljevents.ca/)
What inspired you to start your business, and what has been the most rewarding part of your journey so far?
The inspiration to start LJ Events came from my own wedding planning experience. I loved the process, pouring my heart into every detail and enjoying the creativity that came with it. But when the big day arrived, I found myself unable to relax and enjoy it as much as I wanted. I was too busy worrying about whether vendors would show up on time, if the decor was set up correctly, or who would handle any problems that might arise. That’s when I realized the importance of having someone else manage these details so the couple can focus on enjoying their special day. This led me to create LJ Events, specializing in month-of and day-of coordination, to ensure other couples could have the worry-free wedding day I wished I had.
The most rewarding part of my journey has been seeing the relief and joy on couples’ faces when they know they can trust me to handle everything. Helping them truly savor their wedding day, free from stress, is what makes this work so fulfilling. An added bonus is when the mother of the bride is happy! I always feel my contributions are appreciated when they are happy 🙂
What unique challenges have you faced as a small business owner, and how have you overcome them?
As a small business owner, one of the unique challenges I’ve faced is operating in an industry with an abundance of talented professionals. Standing out in such a competitive field can be daunting. To overcome this, I’ve focused on staying true to my authenticity and building genuine trust with my clients. By ensuring that each client feels confident in their decision to work with me, I’ve been able to create positive experiences that lead to referrals. Happy clients are my best advocates, and their word-of-mouth recommendations have been crucial to my growth and success.
How do you engage with your local community, and why is that important to your business?
I engage with my local community in several meaningful ways. Through my kids’ activities and sports, I apply my planning expertise to help organize team events and activities, and I also assist with our local block party. These efforts allow me to stay connected with my neighbors and give back to the community that supports my business.
Additionally, I’m actively involved in the broader events community. I stay updated on social media, keep track of new local businesses in the industry, and support them as they start out. This not only strengthens my ties within the community but also fosters a network of collaboration and mutual support, which is vital for my business.
For fun, what is your favorite and least favourite wedding trend right now?
For fun, my favorite trend right now is the shift towards more personalized and intimate events. I love seeing couples and hosts put their unique stamp on their celebrations, making each event truly one-of-a-kind. It allows for so much creativity and really highlights what makes each person or couple special.
Although all-white florals can be elegant, they do lack the vibrancy that a pop of color can bring to a wedding! A touch of bold hues can make the floral arrangements stand out and add personality to the event. A bit of color can make the decor feel more dynamic and reflect the couple’s unique style- and make it more fun for the photographer!
5. Saluti Wedding Planning & Design
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/salutidesigns?igsh=MWF2Z3pnZm8yOTN4YQ==)
Website (https://www.salutidesigns.com/)
What inspired you to start your business, and what has been the most rewarding part of your journey so far?
Wedding Planning is not just about organizing an event; it is about creating an experience that captures the essence of love, joy, and celebration. My passion for fashion, design, and hospitality has led me to a career where I can use my creativity to bring happiness to others. The satisfaction of seeing clients and their families immersed in the magic of their special day is what drives me in this fulfilling profession. By combining my skills and passion, I can create unforgettable moments that will be cherished for a lifetime. Wedding planning is not just a job for me; it is a way to spread love and joy through my work.
What unique challenges have you faced as a small business owner, and how have you overcome them?
As a wedding planner, one of my greatest struggles is finding the perfect balance between staying true to my unique style and meeting the desires of my clients. It’s important to me to uphold my artistic vision while also providing the exact services that people are looking for. I aim to differentiate myself from the competition by avoiding the temptation to follow passing fads and instead focus on creating timeless and unforgettable events. To overcome these challenges, I approach clients with designs that feature a captivating twist, reflecting the client’s personalities in a truly distinctive manner while balancing the designs they love.
How do you engage with your local community, and why is that important to your business?
Networking with fellow creative entrepreneurs is crucial for me as a wedding planner. I thoroughly enjoy building relationships with local vendors and collaborating on innovative designs.
As a wedding planner, I engage with my local community by collaborating with local vendors such as florists, photographers, stationery designers, caterers, rental businesses, venues, etc. to create a network of trusted professionals. I love participating in industry events, and styled photoshoots, which allows me to connect with fellow creatives to showcase our work to potential clients.
For fun, what is your favorite and least favorite wedding trend right now?
In the realm of wedding trends, individual style is most important, regardless of whether it aligns with popular trends. It’s essential to remain authentic as a couple, rather than conforming to major design trends. Embrace your unique identity and preferences, steering clear of the pressure to follow what’s currently popular. With the overwhelming nature of platforms like Pinterest, I am here to provide guidance and help clients stay true to their personal style. However, if I had to pick a trend I’m loving at the moment, it’s got to be injecting quirky and unique elements into your stationery. Another is unique floor plans which have head tables integrated amongst the guests tables for a dinner party setting rather than a traditional head table location with a backdrop and platform. It feels more cozy, relaxed and aesthetically, very chic.
6. Special Print
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/aspecialprint/)
Website (https://www.aspecialprint.com/)
What inspired you to start your business, and what has been the most rewarding part of your journey so far?
Special Print was born out of a passion for creating unforgettable events with a distinct and memorable atmosphere. With over 20 years of experience in the print industry, we’ve taken that passion and turned it into a business focused on delivering high-quality, personalized decor for life’s most significant moments. From weddings to corporate events, the most rewarding part of our journey has been seeing our work come to life and knowing that we’ve contributed to making our clients’ events truly special.
What unique challenges have you faced as a small business owner, and how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges we faced was during the pandemic when events came to a halt. This forced us to think creatively, focus on building stronger relationships with our clients, and explore new print techniques to improve our offerings. Being preferred vendors at many venues across the city has been a testament to our ability to adapt and maintain trust through our expertise and years of experience. Networking with other professionals in the industry has also played a vital role in overcoming challenges, helping us stay connected and continue growing.
How do you engage with your local community, and why is that important to your business?
At Special Print, community involvement is at the core of what we do. We believe in giving back by supporting various local causes and initiatives. Building strong relationships within the event industry is key to our success, which is why we’re committed to helping other businesses thrive through referrals and collaborations. By being a preferred vendor at many venues, we’ve established trust not only with our clients but also within our network of event professionals. These relationships allow us to create an even better experience for our clients while contributing to the growth and success of our community.
For fun, what is your favorite and least favorite wedding trend right now?
One trend we’re particularly excited about is the rise of grand format seating charts. These large, visually impactful displays serve multiple purposes—welcoming guests, providing seating information, and acting as a stunning photo backdrop. They set the tone for the event and create a lasting impression. While we love the elegance of minimalist design, sometimes overly simplistic decor can feel limiting. We enjoy helping our clients find the perfect balance between simplicity and creative flair, ensuring their event reflects both sophistication and their unique personality.
Oh hey – we love celebrating love and we’re pretty darn good at it! Wedding, social or corporate events let us help you build the event of your dreams! Give us a call (905-525-2410) or visit our website to help get things started for you!
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From all of us at LIUNA Station, thank you for following along!
