In this episode, host Michael Coombs interviews Samantha Clarke, a wedding photographer who transitioned from being a solopreneur in Toronto to managing a team in Atlanta. Samantha shares her experiences navigating cultural differences in the wedding industry between Canada and the US, her background in law, and how it contributes to her business acumen. She emphasizes the importance of building personal connections with clients, managing a team effectively, and balancing her professional life with motherhood. Samantha also talks about her photogenic brand courses aimed at helping aspiring photographers elevate their craft and service.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:27 Moving from Toronto to Atlanta
03:28 Differences in Wedding Photography: Canada vs. USA
06:42 From Lawyer to Wedding Photographer
15:26 Balancing Motherhood and Business
18:48 Building and Managing a Photography Team
23:38 Creating Trust and Comfort with Clients
26:54 The Photogenic Brand Courses
27:52 Conclusion and Where to Find Samantha

Links:

Samantha Clarke | Instagram

Michael Coombs Entertainment

In this episode, Michael Coombs welcomes Laura Atendido and Ellie Eccleton from Muse Event Co., renowned wedding planners from Toronto. They discuss the evolution of their business, from Laura Kelly weddings to Muse Event Co., and how they managed seamless transitions without feeling the need to fully reinvent themselves. The duo shares insights on maintaining a successful business partnership, handling disagreements, and ensuring effective communication within their team. They also delve into their approach to incorporating fashion and interior design trends into their events and address the challenge of ghosting in the wedding industry. The conversation highlights their collaborative spirit, commitment to growth, and community over competition mindset.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview
00:34 Laura's Journey of Reinvention
04:17 Ellie's Perspective and Partnership Dynamics
06:27 Navigating Business and Creative Disagreements
12:08 Team Dynamics and Growth
17:28 Challenges and Strategies in Event Planning
24:51 Fashion and Design Influence
26:49 The Impact of Ghosting in Business
33:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Links: 

Muse Events co. | Instagram | Facebook | Pintrest | Tiktok

Michael Coombs Entertainment

Host Michael Coombs interviews Beth Chapman, a bridal stylist, author, and founder of The White Dress by the Shore. Beth shares her journey from a corporate position at Ann Taylor to owning a successful bridal boutique. They discuss the pivotal moments and challenges in starting her business, overcoming entrepreneurial fears, and the importance of education. Beth also talks about her role as a bridal stylist, the unique services she offers, and the creation of The White Dress Society for independent bridal store owners. They delve into the necessity of clear communication with clients and the process of connecting with their unique styles. Beth also mentions her books and where listeners can connect with her on social media.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:24 Beth Chapman's Career Journey
01:16 Opening The White Dress by the Shore
03:33 Challenges and Successes
08:14 Becoming a Bridal Stylist
13:45 The White Dress Society
17:50 Overcoming Fear as an Entrepreneur
22:39 Connecting with Clients
26:34 Beth's Books and Final Thoughts

Links:
The White Dress By The Shore | Instagram | Facebook | Pintrest
Michael Coombs Entertainment

In this episode, Michael Coombs interviews Brian B, an international DJ, event producer, and business coach. They discuss Brian's transition from DJ to event producer, the creation of the DJ Collective DJ Conference, and the importance of client research and seeing opportunities where others do not. Brian shares insights on leveraging AI in the DJ industry, maintaining multiple streams of income, and the significance of personal branding. The conversation delves into the necessity of innovation, staying relevant with emerging technologies, and the impact of thorough client research in creating unforgettable events.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:54 Transition from DJ to Event Producer
01:14 Creating the DJ Collective
03:56 Spotting and Seizing Opportunities
08:37 The Importance of Coaching
12:36 Balancing Multiple Ventures
14:11 Daily Routines and AI Integration
15:21 Exploring AI and Music Trends
17:34 The Importance of Client Research
19:59 Personalizing the Event Experience
26:32 The Role of AI in DJing
29:50 Staying Relevant in the Music Industry
30:54 Where to Find Brian B.

Links:
Brian B | Instagram | Facebook
Michael Coombs Entertainment

In this episode, host Michael Coombs interviews renowned international wedding photographer Tara McMullen. They discuss Tara's unique journey from academia to photography, her experiences scaling her business up and then back down, and the core values that drive her work. Tara shares how her background in sociology enhances her ability to capture the essence of relationships in her photos, her approach to maintaining a refined and timeless aesthetic, and the importance of personal connections with clients. The episode also touches on the emotional nuances of wedding photography, the pressures of the job, and the vital need for photographers to create their own special moments apart from their work.

00:00 Introduction and Today's Topics
00:19 Meet Tara McMullen
00:28 Life in Prince Edward County
01:34 Scaling the Photography Business
02:58 The Challenges of Managing a Team
04:19 Returning to Solo Photography
04:54 From Sociology to Photography
06:05 Understanding Client Relationships
07:43 Maintaining a Timeless Aesthetic
10:32 The Emotional Impact of Wedding Photography
13:15 Choosing the Right Wedding Vendors
14:34 The Pressure of Perfection
15:52 Storyboarding the Perfect Wedding
17:41 Building Client Connections
19:37 Handling Wedding Day Challenges
26:16 The Importance of Personal Time
27:57 Final Thoughts and Social Media

Links:

Tara McMullen | Instagram 

Michael Coombs Entertainment

In this episode, Michael Coombs interviews Ashley Pigott, a renowned celebrity wedding planner specializing in tented, multi-day destination weddings. Ashley shares her journey from a background in hospitality to becoming a top wedding planner, emphasizing the valuable skills gained from her diverse experiences. They discuss challenges in executing tented weddings in remote locations, the importance of a trusted and adaptable team, and the art of delegation. Ashley also talks about the significance of saying no to clients to maintain creative integrity and staying true to her niche in the luxury wedding market. The episode wraps up with practical insights into vendor curation and building strong industry relationships.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:52 Ashley's Background in Hospitality
03:22 The Importance of Delegation
06:49 Trusting Your Team
10:05 Finding Your Niche
13:21 Saying No to Opportunities
19:56 Challenges of Tented Weddings
28:01 Vendor Curation and Management
29:25 Conclusion and Farewell

Links:
Ashley Pigott Events | Instagram
Michael Coombs Entertainment

In this episode of The Michael Coombe Show, Michael interviews DJ Malike, an international private event DJ and owner of Curate Entertainment, based in Naples, Florida. DJ Malike shares insightful strategies on growing his business by 'firing himself' from various roles to build scalable systems and processes. He discusses the importance of letting go and hiring the right people to maintain high standards. Malike also talks about his creative approach to events, his distinctive personal style, and how building strong relationships has helped him gain an international clientele. Known for his energy and humble nature, DJ Malike emphasizes staying true to oneself and cherishing the gifts that come with the journey.

00:00 Introduction to DJ Malike
00:49 The Importance of Firing Yourself
04:11 Letting Go and Scaling Up
08:22 Building Relationships and Going International
14:33 Creative Process and Event Preparation
18:59 Personal Style and Energy
26:12 Humility and Success
29:04 Conclusion and Farewell

Links:
Curate Entertainment | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube
Michael Coombs Entertainment

In this episode of the Michael Coombe show, stationery artist Matthew Wengerd discusses his journey from classical jazz musician to pioneering stationer. He explores the necessity of standing out in a crowded market by creating unique, 'holy shit' moments that transform client relationships. Wengerd emphasizes the importance of genuine, disruptive creativity and the need to embrace both praise and criticism. He also highlights the pitfalls of following market trends and offers insights into valuing one's creative work authentically. Tune in to understand how daring originality and empathetic design can redefine the wedding and event industry.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:33 Mastermind Group and DJ Collective Experience
01:16 Embracing Controversy and Standing Out
04:38 Critique of the Wedding and Event Industry
10:09 From Jazz Musician to Stationer
14:17 Creating 'Holy Shit' Stationery
20:33 The Market and Creative Integrity
27:04 Conclusion and Farewell

Links:
A Fine Press | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube
Michael Coombs Entertainment

In this episode of the Michael Coombe show, guest Andrea Eppolito, a renowned Las Vegas wedding planner, shares her journey and unique methods in the wedding planning industry. Known for her in-depth approach to understanding clients through personalized shopping trips, Andrea reveals how she taps into her clients' personalities to create bespoke, breathtaking events. The conversation covers her strategies for building strong client relationships, setting boundaries, and the importance of allowing vendors to do their best work. Andrea also discusses balancing family life with business, striving for excellence, and the profound impact of personal experiences on her professional outlook. For a deeper understanding of Andrea's work and philosophy, listeners can visit her website or follow her on Instagram.

00:00 Introduction to the Michael Coombe Show
00:06 Meet Andrea Eppolito: Life, Luxury, and Love
00:44 The Shopping Experience: Unveiling Client Stories
02:40 Designing Unique and Authentic Events
05:11 The Psychology Behind Event Planning
09:58 Balancing Personal Life and Professional Boundaries
14:34 Crafting a Life and Business by Design
21:26 Pushing Boundaries in Event Planning
26:18 The Importance of Doing Your Best Work
29:26 Conclusion and Farewell

Links:
Andrea Eppolito | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube | Pinterest
Michael Coombs Entertainment

In this episode of the Michael Coombs show, Michael speaks with global event planner, business coach, and brand strategist Kathy Romero. With over 29 years of experience, Kathy shares insights on managing a high-profile career alongside personal commitments, emphasizing the importance of intentionality, solid marriage, and self-worth. Kathy also discusses how setting goals, seeking coaching, and maintaining daily habits contribute to professional growth. She provides valuable advice on achieving a balanced life and growing a business, underscoring the significance of focusing on quality service over mere client status. Tune in to learn how Kathy successfully juggles multiple roles while staying true to her core beliefs.

00:00 Introduction to Kathy Romero
00:52 Balancing Career and Personal Life
02:18 The Importance of Intentionality
03:35 Self-Worth and Core Beliefs
05:08 Setting and Achieving Goals
06:58 The Power of Single Tasking
08:33 Establishing Daily Habits
10:39 Making Strategic Decisions
13:32 Finding Your Direction
16:27 Focusing on Authenticity
19:49 Mindset Shift: Embracing Abundance
20:55 The Comfort Zone: Enemy of Growth
21:55 Raising Prices: Elevate Your Standards
24:15 The Importance of Continuous Learning
25:49 The Value of Coaching
28:43 Working with High-Profile Clients
33:09 Authenticity and Impact
35:04 Conclusion and Contact Information


Links:
Kathy Romero
Michael Coombs Entertainment