Welcome to our “Day in the Life” series! We feature wedding and event planners from around the world with many different levels of experience. If you would like to be featured, download our questionnaire here and email your responses and photo to info@plannerslounge.com. We are excited to feature Julie from Julie Herman Events today!

Name: Julie Herman

Business Name & Location: Julie Herman Events, Gainesville, FL

Years Working in the Event Industry: 20 years

Years Owning Your Event Planning Business: 1 year

Website: www.juliehermanevents.com

What is your typical day like?

2-3 hours computer time researching ideas, bargains and social networking. My business also includes event cakes so depending on what is on the calendar, I may be making fondant decorations and baking. Most of my client meetings are in the early evening as most of the brides are working during the day.  I try to be flexible to accommodate their schedules. Since I work out of my home and have no other employees, I have the freedom to be available when the client is. Brides find so many ideas on Pinterest but no clue how to put things together so I often help them with some of their decorating projects. When I’m not involved with the event planning, I like to spend time with my 3 daughters and their families.

How did you get started in the industry?

I always loved to entertain and hosted a few weddings at my home before taking event planning seriously. I had inquired as to how much a friend paid for her wedding cake and about fell over!  Being a single mom at the time, I was looking for ways to bring extra cash to the home so I signed up for a cake decorating class at Michaels and started baking cakes. Word of mouth spread quickly and as brides came to me for their cakes, I ended up helping them with all their wedding planning. Two years ago I decided I needed a change from the corporate world and after 33 years as a liability claims adjuster, I took early retirement to pursue what I love doing! I took the online class from  QC Event Planning, a couple courses from Udemy, ordered the Planner’s Lounge Toolbox and officially started my LLC in January 2014.

Where do you find design inspiration?

Well, I have to admit I am hooked on Pinterest and like to combine different elements from the same theme but on different pins. I follow a number of the top designers on Facebook so I don’t miss something they may have on their Pinterest board.  I also like to visit consignment shops and flea markets to find unique items that can be repurposed in different settings for a different look.

What are your favorite online resources for your business?

I visit Craigslist, Tradesy and eBay to research items for event themes or equipment needed for certain events.

Julie, thank you so much for taking the time to share your story and a day in your life. If you are an event planner and would like to be featured, download our questionnaire today and email it to us along with a photo. If you aren’t sure about being featured, take a few minutes to read how it can help your business.