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 photos to info@plannerslounge.com. We are excited to feature New Jersey wedding planner Tina Carmichael today!

Name: Tina Carmichael

Business Name & Location: Leap Into Destiny Weddings, Jersey City, NJ

Years Working in the Event Industry: 5 years as a bridal makeup artist

Years Owning Your Event Planning Business: 1

Website: www.leapintodestiny.com

Business Facebook Page: leapintodestinyweddings

Pinterest: leapintodestiny

What is your typical day like?

Where do I begin? Aside from being owner of Leap Into Destiny weddings, I am also a wife and mom to four beautiful children including a two year old and one year old. My day begins with prayer, attending to the children, and a nice cup of hot coffee. I must have my coffee. From there, I spend a lot of time on marketing since I am very new to the business. I schedule social media posts, send vendor emails, and read articles on wedding planning.

While the kids are napping in the afternoon, I take time out for myself and read a book, eat some popcorn, or work on ways that I can improve the business. In between all the mom fun, I schedule venue walk-throughs to establish new relationships.

In the evening, I spend quality time with my husband, and we spend time together as a family.  My day ends around 11 p.m. with kids sleeping and a nice hot bath.

How did you get started in the industry?

I attended Empire Beauty School in 2004, and became a NY state licensed cosmetologist in 2005. Since then, I’ve worked at prestigious hair salons such as Dramatics NYC and Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa and Salon. The love of makeup artistry caught my attention over 5 years ago and that’s when I chose to venture out as a makeup artist.

My first client was a bride. Since then, I have been doing makeup for brides. I loved working with brides so much that I suddenly got a desire to plan weddings. In the fall of 2015, I obtained a certification in Wedding and Event Planning.  I also took an online Wedding & Event Design course at the Event Leadership Institute where Lindsey Landman was the instructor. In April of 2016, I registered my business and I am now the proud owner of Leap Into Destiny Weddings.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by my faith, my children, and life in general. To know that all things are possible if you just believe encourages me every day to live out my dreams.

Bridal Magazines, Say Yes to the Dress, and Four Weddings inspire me. As well as Martha Stewart, Colin Cowie, David Tutera, and Lindsey Landman. They are successful men and woman with unique styles that have contributed greatly to the industry. Reading, watching, and following the greats, gives me hope.

What are your favorite online resources for your business?

Planners Lounge is my favorite go-to site for everything concerning my business. Others include Weddings for a Living, Profitable Weddings, and Evolve Your Wedding Business.

Aside from wedding and event planning, how do you spend your time?

When I am not planning, I am spending time with my family, including visiting my parents and hanging out with my adult son.  I enjoy the company of my friends, attending concerts, going to church and going out for coffee.

Tina, 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.