We had the good fortune of connecting with Tessa Brand and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tessa, what do you attribute your success to?
Aside from good customer service and hard work, Tessa Lyn Events grew quickly because of thoughtful marketing. More than half of my clients find me on Instagram, therefore every photo I post on social media must represent my brand and appeal to my specific demographic. Many post haphazardly and don’t give enough thought to the representation. I spend time on cultivating relationships with press outlets and sharing my best work with them which results in free marketing.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
When I founded Tessa Lyn Events eight years ago, it required me to walk away from my career in the film production. I am proud that I took that risk even though I had no idea if I would fail or succeed. I threw myself into a new venture with absolutely no experience, it was truly a ‘fake it ’til you make it’ moment. My first wedding client still has no idea she was my first, which was a reflection of my passion. Within a year of starting the business, I knew Tessa Lyn Events would succeed. When I think of the role of a wedding planner, many responsibilities come to mind, but ultimately we are selling an experience. Being engaged is a little slice of someone’s life and planning a wedding is usually once in a lifetime. I want my clients look back on that time as enjoyable and stress-free. I listen to my clients, their families, and my creative partners and come up with a plan to please all of them. Our biggest challenge so far has been Covid-19 completely shutting down gatherings. We have postponed over 25 weddings in the last 7 months, which requires us to create a new plan that works for the client, the venue, and the vendor team all while trying to provide that positive experience. It is a puzzle with many pieces, Oftentimes this meant re-planning a wedding from scratch at a new location. We learned that there are things we cannot control, but we can adapt and pivot and face the challenge with integrity.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love entertaining guests so I love this question! My favorite restaurants include Malibu Cafe, Elephante, and Nobu Malibu, all off which impress guests looking for the California experience. A day-trip to the beach is a must and we love kayaking from Malibu up to Paradise Cove or hiking in the palisades for some beautiful views.  Wine tasting at Cielo Farms on a Sunday afternoon is a must with their cozy furniture and incredible surroundings. We live in Westlake Village so I love renting the Zin Bistro boat and doing a dinner cruise around the lake.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My first shoutout is to my husband, Rich.  He is the best partner in every way.  Entrepreneurship has always come naturally for me, but running a household and parenting is the toughest job, which he manages with ease all while running his own company.   My other shoutout is to my dad, the ultimate mentor in business and life, an incredible role model for my family.

Website: www.tessa.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tessalynevents/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessa-brand-a57774161/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tessa-Lyn-Events-474686672573557

Image Credits
M. Hart Photo Brinton Studios

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