What happens when wedding planners invest in their education? Co-host Krisy Thomas, Vice President of the CWP Society, interviews three award winning, Master Certified Wedding Planners and Industry Advancement Directors, who reveal the transformative power of professional certification in this candid conversation that goes far beyond basic credentials.

For Brianne Ackerland, certification turned a hobby into a thriving business after she sought education to balance motherhood with entrepreneurship. Now ten plus years into her journey, she continues finding value in ongoing education: "I'm still learning new things, and that's one of the huge things I value about what the group has to offer."

Nicole Martinez brought years of experience to her certification journey but discovered unexpected benefits. "It changed how I viewed myself," she reveals, explaining how validation from peers and structured workflows revolutionized her business approach. Her powerful insight about confidence resonates with planners at all experience levels.

For newer planner Brittney Poole, certification provided critical pricing guidance and client targeting strategies. "I am super confident that I'm charging at the level I need to be," she shares, detailing how education helped her find work-life balance while raising two young children.

Perhaps most remarkable is how these competitors-turned-collaborators exemplify the community-over-competition ethos. "We don't consider ourselves competition," Poole explains about her relationship with fellow Virginia planner Martinez. "We both serve a different clientele and know what works individually for our businesses."

Looking to transform your wedding planning career? Visit https://www.cwpsociety.com/  to explore membership options and join a community where planners lift each other up rather than tear each other down.

As mentioned in this episode, we covered the story of Brianne and her health journey in more depth in a past discussion. Listen to that episode here. 

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