Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudia Wheeler.
Hi Claudia, I am so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I started in the wedding business when I was 15 in high school. I worked with my father at a country club in New Jersey from Friday to Sunday. I loved it. I got to eat good food, listen to good music, and watch every bride go through the best day. I worked with my dad as a waiter and slowly moved up to help tend to the bridal suite. When I graduated high school, I started college and was told I was supposed to have a real career. So, I went into nursing and loved it. At 21, I had my son, and my now husband and I decided to move to Miami. I worked in the medical field as a medical assistant for many years and now work in corporate as an International patient coordinator. However, as many of us did during COVID-19, it tested our lives, and being an essential worker was hard on my kids. I wanted to be with them as they went through this challenging time, and I decided to go back to event planning and wedding coordination as I only had to do that during the weekend and could be there for my children. I loved it. I have been doing small events, from corporate events to weddings. I love the attention to detail I give each event; my clients see it, they feel it. I work every baby shower, birthday, wedding as if it were my own. I try to ask myself how I would want to feel when I walked into the room for my baby shower, my daughter’s first birthday, or marrying my true love. With that mentality, I plan and execute every event that I do. I’m truly hired to take off each event’s stress and intricacies so that the pregnant mother-to-be or parents of their child or bride and groom can enjoy their special moments. I love what I do. Although I love helping my patients navigate their medical inquiries Monday through Friday, 9-5, I love being an event planner more. I can do it myself, and I would do it for free if I didn’t have to put food on the table.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been relatively smooth so far?
The last 3 years have had their ups and downs. Inflation hit us hard as rent soared, and we had to leave the home in Kendall that we had been living in for 7 years and move to a homestead. That transition was the most stressful time in our lives since my youngest son was born. I lost some great gigs because we lived with my friend for about 2 months while we moved out of one apartment until the next one was ready for us to move in. We spent our savings during that move, and I had to return to work to help my husband with the bills. Now, fast forward to a year. I’m working full time and have done 3 weddings. I pray to be able to make what I do at the hospital into my business to be able to work FT with my clients. I do both for now while still caring for my 3 boys and being there as much as possible for my husband after a long day as a CO.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us more about your business.
I am an event and wedding planner. I thought of doing balloon decor and crafts on my Cricut in 2019, but my true passion is weddings. I know how they operate, what vendors are needed, when, where, why, or why not. I am highly organized and a bit OCD, but I believe that’s a trait you must have in this industry. My attention to small details and time management show as my events are executed to the T, and my compassion for my clients on the big day truly shows. Every event is special and important and has my full attention, no matter how small. Most of my clients are recurring; I know they can trust me for anything. Even if it’s out of my job scope, I can get someone to help them. I want the readers to know that I am a one-stop shop. I plan and coordinate the day of events, do all types of decor and personalized items, and even have many rentals I can provide to my clients. I do free consultations to see if I’m the right fit, and I am always very transparent with my services. You get a detailed invoice and contract. I am certified and buy insurance for all my large events. You can find me on Google with a 5-star rating and read all the kind words my amazing clients leave me that always touch my heart. I am just blessed to have been able to be a part of their big day.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I am working on my health. Not only physically because I’ve always struggled with my weight but also mentally and spiritually. I have turned to my faith this past year and truly am trying to live a more holistic life. I have an autoimmune disease, and I’ve been on a lot of medication. Last year, in July, my very close friend introduced me to Doterra, and I’ve been using essential oils instead of prescription medications, and I no longer have turned down any event due to my health. I had suffered from anxiety for a long time that got exacerbated during Covid, and now I feel amazing. I am now a Doterra wellness advocate and want to help others like me. Show them that you can make changes in your life and open up that business, work 2 jobs, take care of your house, and have fun without being in pain or taking heavy medications.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.impressedeventsmiami.com
- Instagram: @impressedevents_miami
- Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3P1BMtV2jjAjAsH19?g_st=ic
