Ever wondered how a side hustle can transform into a full-scale business? It's an electrifying journey that Tejinder Singh, the co-founder of Punjab 2000, walks us through. We explore the origin of Punjab 2000, how a striking logo and a dedicated team helped the venture make its mark at global events. We also delve into their foray into the wedding industry, and how they navigated the challenges of turning a passion into a full-time calling.

Life doesn't come without its fair share of risks and rewards. For Tejinder, a significant gamble was transitioning to DSLR cameras for wedding videography. We share the highs and lows of this decision, discussing the impact on the business and the balancing act between family commitments and a thriving enterprise. Our conversation takes a personal turn when we highlight Tejinder's fight against racism, his efforts to promote equal rights and career progression during his tenure at the council.

The episode concludes with a look at the broader landscape of the wedding industry. We discuss the revolutionary impact of Manny Pabla on wedding films and share insights on how the pandemic has redefined the industry. We shed light on the bonds Tejinder forged with families in the industry and his ambitious plans for a community Sikh bank - an initiative that promises to be a game-changer. Join us for a candid conversation filled with perseverance, innovation, and ambition, providing a unique perspective on the wedding industry and the fight against racism.

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Thanks for listening and hopefully enjoying The Wedding Professional's Podcast.
If you're an industry professional yourself and would like to be involved, please email me, [email protected] and I'll try and see how I can drag you aboard.

There's a new Facebook page, I'd be grateful if you followed it and made any pod specific comments there - it's at https://www.facebook.com/WedPodPro/

Say hello to Tejinder Singh, our esteemed guest in this enthralling episode, as we traverse the path of his life since immigrating to the UK in 1985, and his journey through the media industry. Tejinder opens up about his early days of working arduous jobs like offloading lorries and punching data into systems, before switching lanes to programming. Brace for a hard-hitting discussion as he shares his experience of racial abuse, shedding light on the tribulations faced by immigrants and the persistent struggles they overcome.

Immerse yourself in a nostalgic journey as Tejinder elucidates on the evolution of wedding photography and videography. Remember the 90s when weddings were smaller and community music was the norm? Tejinder's personal wedding story paints a vivid picture of the era, complete with his uncle on video duty and a friend doing the photography. Watch as the scene morphs through the years, transforming Gurdwaras and wedding halls, ushering in larger venues and shifting music preferences from community singing to contemporary tunes.

Join this candid conversation as Tejinder takes us back to his early career in media, all the way from Nairobi, Kenya, to the UK. It's a story of passion, with photography at its heart, fostered by the unwavering support of his family. Tejinder's first encounter with the camera was at the Kenya Safari rallies, a memory etched in his mind. But hold on, there's more! Get a glimpse of the flamboyant bhangra music gig scene of the 80s and 90s, as Tejinder gives us a detailed account. He wraps up the conversation with an interesting perspective on the revival of bhangra music at weddings and other events. You wouldn't want to miss this captivating journey with Tejinder Singh!

Support the show

Thanks for listening and hopefully enjoying The Wedding Professional's Podcast.
If you're an industry professional yourself and would like to be involved, please email me, [email protected] and I'll try and see how I can drag you aboard.

There's a new Facebook page, I'd be grateful if you followed it and made any pod specific comments there - it's at https://www.facebook.com/WedPodPro/

Ever wondered how someone transitions from the high-paced world of investment banking to the detail-oriented world of wedding planning? Well, this episode featuring Sharan Kandola from Black Velvet Events gives us an inside look into that journey. Sharan shares her experiences and insights into the wedding industry, highlighting the importance of families being able to enjoy their events and the significance of capturing lasting memories through photos and videos.

As we dive deeper into the conversation, Sharan explains the ever-evolving world of wedding planning. She sheds light on the increased costs of weddings in recent years and the shift in family involvement from serving food to hiring professional vendors. Emphasizing the importance of collaboration with suppliers and venues, Sharan shares invaluable insights and strategies to circumnavigate potential issues on the big day.

Finally, we head into a candid conversation on Sharan’s dreams and ambitions, and how she manages work and family life. Revealing her aspirations of becoming a tour manager, Sharan shares her strategies for creating memorable events, highlighting the crucial role creativity and collaboration play in bringing a couple's vision to life. Tune in for an eye-opening exploration of the world of wedding planning and event coordination with Sharon Kandola.

http://www.blackvelvetevents.co.uk/

Support the show

Thanks for listening and hopefully enjoying The Wedding Professional's Podcast.
If you're an industry professional yourself and would like to be involved, please email me, [email protected] and I'll try and see how I can drag you aboard.

There's a new Facebook page, I'd be grateful if you followed it and made any pod specific comments there - it's at https://www.facebook.com/WedPodPro/

What happens when a primary school teacher risks it all to chase his passion? Today, we share an engaging conversation with the talented Ricky Kular who moved from a stable teaching job to the unpredictable world of photography and videography. His leap of faith has paid off, as he's not only capturing precious moments, but also guiding couples through their big day with valuable insights on budgeting for a wedding.

Ricky's success story hasn't been without its tests. Balancing his photography career and maintaining his mental health has been a challenge that he overcame with the aid of self-care, balance and the support of his family. This episode offers an intimate look into Ricky's journey, revealing his work ethic, the significance of reliable equipment, and the power of social media in connecting him with clients. Ricky also touches on a life-changing comment from his friend Nicku, and how it turned his focus onto his business.

A fascinating aspect of this episode is Ricky's unique approach to wedding videos. Unlike the long films that are popular today, he chooses to make 45 minute to an hour-long films. He also candidly discusses the generational shift in Asian culture regarding wedding films. As an added bonus, Ricky opens up about his fondness for the DJ industry and how being open to new ideas and opportunities has contributed to his success. This episode is a testament to the importance of passion, balance, and resilience in one's professional journey. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with lessons that go beyond the lens.

Support the show

Thanks for listening and hopefully enjoying The Wedding Professional's Podcast.
If you're an industry professional yourself and would like to be involved, please email me, [email protected] and I'll try and see how I can drag you aboard.

There's a new Facebook page, I'd be grateful if you followed it and made any pod specific comments there - it's at https://www.facebook.com/WedPodPro/

Get ready to uncork the secrets of the wedding hospitality industry, as I sit down with Kesh, a seasoned veteran in the field and the force behind KSB Beer and Bar Supply for over 20 years. Filled with insider knowledge, Kesh spills the details on the complexities of supplying events with custom-built bars, the demanding logistics, and the intricate dance between venues, caterers, and event planners.

I'll also journey through Kesh's unique style of event management, and his unwavering dedication and energy. Discover the essence of his hands-on approach, how he fosters strong bonds with suppliers, and his secrets to mentoring a high-performance team. You'll be fascinated to hear about Kesh's infectious passion for customer interactions and his drive to always put his best foot forward. 

Kesh also shares his refreshing insights into the rising trend of mobile cocktail bars, the subtle art of work-life balance, and the double-edged sword that is social media. He's candid about the hurdles he faces, the fierce competition and the rewards of delivering a memorable event. This episode is a unique blend of hard-earned wisdom, passion, and humor - a perfect cocktail for those with an appetite for event management or those who relish a behind-the-scenes story. Tune in, you won't want to miss this.

You can contact Kesh at his website - http://www.ksb-beers.co.uk/

Support the show

Thanks for listening and hopefully enjoying The Wedding Professional's Podcast.
If you're an industry professional yourself and would like to be involved, please email me, [email protected] and I'll try and see how I can drag you aboard.

There's a new Facebook page, I'd be grateful if you followed it and made any pod specific comments there - it's at https://www.facebook.com/WedPodPro/

Ever dreamed of transforming your childhood passion into a thriving business? Meet Amrit Natt, a young entrepreneur who did exactly that. Starting off as an AV enthusiast helping his dad in his visual screen business, Amrit's journey to owning Mist-FX, a successful special effects company, is as riveting as it gets. His evolution from supplying plasmas and projectors to delivering sparkly, smoky effects, and confetti for weddings and events is not just inspiring but a testament to his passion and determination.

Safety comes first, and Amrit is no stranger to this mantra. Walk with us as we navigate the crucial safety protocols and paperwork that Mist-FX adheres to before any event. From risk assessments and material safety data sheets to understanding the hazards of using SFX like pyro and sparklers, this episode covers it all. Hear firsthand from Amrit about the repercussions of ignoring these safety procedures, offering a sobering reminder of the responsibility that accompanies the glitz and glamour of the special effects business.

The personal touch and family dynamics at Mist-FX sets it apart. Discover how they've carved a unique niche within both English and Asian weddings, and the competitive theater show market. Listen in as Amrit shares his ambitious plans for his business and his creative approach to business growth through social media and word of mouth. Wrapping up the episode, Amrit delves into his work-life balance, the seasonal demands of the industry, and his future aspirations. So, tune in for an insightful look into the world of event special effects, the journey of a successful entrepreneur, and the importance of safety in the industry.

See Amrit's journey on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mist_fx/?hl=en-gb

Support the show

Thanks for listening and hopefully enjoying The Wedding Professional's Podcast.
If you're an industry professional yourself and would like to be involved, please email me, [email protected] and I'll try and see how I can drag you aboard.

There's a new Facebook page, I'd be grateful if you followed it and made any pod specific comments there - it's at https://www.facebook.com/WedPodPro/

Today it's the turn of master Toastmaster Geoff Harris - and what a career swerve he had!  A fascinating look at Geoff's background - from vintage motorbikes to becoming the family toastmaster - Geoff opens up about what brought him to the world of weddings...

Support the show

Thanks for listening and hopefully enjoying The Wedding Professional's Podcast.
If you're an industry professional yourself and would like to be involved, please email me, [email protected] and I'll try and see how I can drag you aboard.

There's a new Facebook page, I'd be grateful if you followed it and made any pod specific comments there - it's at https://www.facebook.com/WedPodPro/

Bhavita is one of those smiley happy people who's story belies their cheery exterior. It seems to me she's a born entrepreneur - never resting, never being content and always out to learn more.  She's one of those people I always look forward to bumping into a weddings - find out why in this episode! (I forgot to ask her about her shoe collection though - maybe next time....)

Support the show

Thanks for listening and hopefully enjoying The Wedding Professional's Podcast.
If you're an industry professional yourself and would like to be involved, please email me, [email protected] and I'll try and see how I can drag you aboard.

There's a new Facebook page, I'd be grateful if you followed it and made any pod specific comments there - it's at https://www.facebook.com/WedPodPro/

Well, the trap was set and Mandy ambushed me into a return episode where Vid-Ego interviews me... Nothing to see here ...

Support the show

Thanks for listening and hopefully enjoying The Wedding Professional's Podcast.
If you're an industry professional yourself and would like to be involved, please email me, [email protected] and I'll try and see how I can drag you aboard.

There's a new Facebook page, I'd be grateful if you followed it and made any pod specific comments there - it's at https://www.facebook.com/WedPodPro/

Episode Eight is here! And it's time for a chat with the irrepressible Mandy Dhillon. One of the very few female videographers to serve the wedding industry, Mandy's story is a surprising one. From Body-Ego to Vid-Ego to a billion YouTube followers (I may be exaggerating a little but you get the idea), she's the one who always has a smile and exudes positive vibes.

Support the show

Thanks for listening and hopefully enjoying The Wedding Professional's Podcast.
If you're an industry professional yourself and would like to be involved, please email me, [email protected] and I'll try and see how I can drag you aboard.

There's a new Facebook page, I'd be grateful if you followed it and made any pod specific comments there - it's at https://www.facebook.com/WedPodPro/