Lyn is what most people describe as a perfectionist. She is particular about what she wants and how it is done. Lyn best describes herself as “a God-fearing young woman who gives 110% to everything that she touches or gets involved in.”
“I suppose that’s why I am termed a perfectionist,” she told The Weight She Carries. “I am very passionate about my work.”
We reached out to her to find out Lyn to ask her about her entrepreneurial journey.
What were your fears starting out?
Being a perfectionist, my biggest fear is my brand not being good enough for the market or not standing out. The industry is quite competitive and everyone pretty much offers the same thing at the same price.
But one thing I have learnt and am still learning is that fear is nothing but a figment of one’s imagination. I have no regrets starting the business and investing most of my money into it.
Although I am disappointed by the rate of performance of my business due to COVID-19, once everything returns to normalcy, business will be at its peak.
What inspired you to pursue these ventures?
Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than knowing that I was part of something as special as the joining of two families. Having the ability to make a bride the happiest person in the world on that day is priceless.
I love being able to have a positive impact in people’s lives and my job allows me to do just that [while] getting paid for it. In a nutshell, my job fulfills me and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
What were some of your biggest challenges before, while you built your businesses and now? And how did you overcome them?
I struggled a lot with anxiety and fear. I used to think of 1,000 things that would go wrong if I started Events By Lyn. The more I focused on everything that could go wrong the harder it became to get started. My greatest challenge was getting started. I took so much time pondering on this and that.
To be honest, I never thought I would be a wedding planner, coordinator or own a business that rents out wedding furniture. I thought I would land up in finance or become a property developer.
It’s only after I quit my full-time job in the finance field that I realized this is what I really want to do. Looking back, I wish I had ventured into the business sooner!
Fear is the biggest killer of dreams. By challenging myself more, I conquered my fears. Not only do I challenge myself when it comes to business decisions but [in] life choices as well. Remember, you give ultimate power to what you divert most of your attention to. I chose courage.
What keeps you going on the tough days?
I focus more on the things that I have control over and less on the things I cannot control. The past three months have been the toughest days of my life thus far because weddings are our core business.
I remember crying for two weeks straight. Once the pity party was over, I stopped dwelling on the numerous weddings that have been postponed indefinitely and chose to look into small intimate celebrations instead, from intimate dinner parties to lobola celebrations.
I also have taken this time to explore what hidden talents I might have, e.g. revamping furniture. It’s something I have always wanted to do but never had the time to do. If it wasn’t for these tough days, I wouldn’t have gotten started.
Most importantly, by taking care of my physical well-being through running and eating healthy, I have managed to keep the anxiety and stress away. God has been so good to myself and the team during this period, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
Did you have any experience?
My parents are in the wedding business, so everything I know now I learnt from them. During my university tenure, I can say I worked for Green Gardens part-time. I used to get commission for handling the social media accounts, receiving payments and being in charge of our SA-based customers.
Little did I know I [was] being prepared for what would be one of my greatest passions. My mother and father were and still are firm believers of being so hands-on in a business that no one can tell if you are the boss or the employee.
What do you consider to be some of your keys to success?
I would definitely say one of my major keys to success is being an empath. It’s given me the ability to understand my clients’ wants and needs fully, especially the ones that are implied.
As a result, I have been able to deliver beyond a client’s expectations and receive constant positive feedback from all the events I have done. If it wasn’t for this character trait, I don’t think my business would be as successful as it is now.
Do you have advice for women who want to pursue their passion?
I know you probably think that the market is flooded and you will never make it, but trust me, you are wrong.
There is something that you have to offer that no one else can, which can give your business the competitive advantage it needs to succeed. It can be your level of efficiency, patience, easy-going attitude, etc. Just make sure you identify your strengths and use them to set yourself apart from the rest. Find your signature and stick to it.
Social Media Handles
Facebook: Green Gardens
Instagram: Events by Lynn (@eventsbylyn_) and Green Gardens (@green_ gardens_events)
