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Fab Planners Over 40 | Lexis Hay
Over the next month, we are featuring successful wedding and event planners who started their business after age 40. Today we are featuring Atlanta wedding planner Lexis Hay from The Aisle.
Name: Lexis Hay
Business: The Aisle
Website: theaislewedding.com
Facebook Business Page: Facebook.com/theaislewedding
Instagram: @theaislewedding
When and why did you decide to start a wedding planning business?
After my husband died suddenly of a Glioblastoma brain tumor, I lost my house, my savings, and an income. In a matter of months, I had to figure out how to move forward and provide for myself. I needed a job I could jump into.
While I considered what I could do, I quickly realized that I had honed my event planning skills while volunteering and managing a family of six. This combined with my interior design and floral skills positioned me to succeed in the event planning industry. However, I had always loved weddings, and I started to take on wedding clients as a part of my event planning company, ScreenDoor Events and Design. Soon, as my wedding clients started to grow, I spun off my wedding business, The Aisle. Now, I still operate ScreenDoor Events and Design with my best friend. We work together to manage the full wedding weekend for our clients starting with the rehearsal dinner and ending with family brunch Sunday.
What was your previous career or work experience before starting your business?
Before I moved to the United States from New Zealand, I worked as a children’s dentist. I was in charge of 400 children’s oral health and oral health education. When we moved to the US, I stayed at home to support my four children. I supported my husband as he started a business, and throughout the years, I planned hundreds of client events and dinners. For the family, I always helped with the hospitality side of volunteer efforts in the community.
What advantages do you have over younger wedding planners?
I am organized and prepared for anything. Only years of experience gives you hundreds of opportunities to overcome tough situations to become a master planner. Years of practical experience—juggling kids, schedules, marriage, entertaining clients, community involvement, and traveling the world—collectively prepared me for the event planning industry.
I also have a broad network. I have lived in the same community for decades and I have a wonderful group of friends and colleagues. This enables me to connect my clients to the right people for their unique needs. Most importantly, my network provides me with wonderful people who cheer me on every day and encourage me as I grow as a professional in the community.
Does your age present any disadvantages in our industry?
I believe my age is an advantage. The years of experience prepares me to design and coordinate a wedding—large or small.
My age also enables me to connect well with both brides and grooms. Two of my children—my daughter and son—are recently married, so I can relate to many of my clients. My children are often their age and in a similar season of life. My age enables me to offer a bigger picture to my clients when they are concerned or stressed. I can support them through tough situations because I have lived through many seasons of life myself.
I will note that I was not initially an adopter of social media as many of my young peers, but I understand that it is an important part of the industry and I have embraced it!
What are you most proud of in your life/career?
I am most proud of my four children and the young adults they have become. Despite losing their dad suddenly 5 years ago, they have honored him with the way they live their lives.
Second to my children, I am proud of my new career. Every day, I grow more confident, learn new skills, and stay focused in a business that I’m passionate about.
What advice would you give to someone over the age of 40 who is considering starting an event planning business?
It’s so easy to compare yourself to your competition and feel intimidated and inadequate when initially starting your business. Instead of comparing yourself, know your strengths and draw on them. Know your weaknesses and educate yourself. Know when to lean in for advice, for some help, or a hug!
Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your business?
I never thought at my age I would start a business or work harder than I have in all my years. As an older individual, this was supposed to be a time of slowing down. As I build my business, I realize that my previous work in different organizations—schools, church, community events—prepared me and contributed to where I am now. The wedding industry is also a special place because of the diversity of ages. It is part of what I love most. Every day, I have opportunities to meet new people, hear their stories and start new friendships. I am so thankful to be in an industry that invites people to come as they are.
Ready to start your wedding planning business? Learn more about our professional guide: 25 Steps to Start Your Wedding Planning Business
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Hello Debbie
I’m so happy that you dedicated an article on wedding planners over 40!
I am South African and I started my wedding planning business at 57!
I was the oldest of my class but the most determine to succeed.
For me age is actually an advantage: multiple experiences and also playing a coaching role between the bride and groom and their family.
In Africa, the parents play a very important role and they are as well my clients along with their children getting married.
I believe if you love what you are doing and if you are passionate, you can do anything. Age is just a number!
XOXO
FINA
Wedding & Event Planner
NOCES D’AFRIQUE
http://www.nocesdafrique.com
Thanks Fina! Love your story!
Hi Lexis
One of the best inspiring life stories .
Dale