Day 2 of our 8th annual Coterie Retreat 2022 at Half Moon, Montego Bay, had more fabulous speakers, breakout sessions, and an exclusive White Party at our partner property, Grand Palladium Jamaica.
MunaLuchi Brides’ annual Coterie Retreat is so much more than just another conference. It champions inclusion, diversity, and community. With every retreat, it is our mission to provide a platform of growth and collaboration for wedding professionals that caters to the fastest-growing multicultural market (and to have fun, of course!).
Day 2 of this year’s Coterie Retreat was no exception! Attendees showed up bright and early at Half Moon’s Conference Center ready for another full day of inspiration, learning, and networking.
An opening presentation on GenZ by Nikita Miller of The Knot got guests thinking about communication and wedding planning for the next generation. A panel discussion led by Suzette Spann Scarborough on strategic business partnerships followed featuring couples in business together: Linda and Kal McQueen of Linda McQueen Photography & Luxor Wedding Flims, Atosha Barboza-Bennett of Larger Than Life Events, and Kariss and Joshua Farris of Pharris Photos + Films.
Before breaking for a delicious buffet lunch sponsored by WeddingPro, speakers Tisha Holman of MindYourBusiness LLC, Brian Green of By Brian Green Events, and Dr. Paulette Tai Chun Hossman of Tai Flora Luxe took to the main stage to inspire attendees on everything from digital strategy to using empathy in the workforce and creating a brand by design.
Post-lunch breakout sessions were intimate and equally informative. Breakout speakers included Meghan Ely of OFD Consulting, Chef Alain Lemair & Neïma Belancourt-Hereaux of Sensory Delights, Christie Osborne of Mountainside Media, and Pervez Taufiq of PTaufiq Photography. Afterwards, attendees headed off-site for a glamorous White Party at our sponsor property, the Grand Palladium Resort. A late night fire and s’mores by the beach back at Half Moon was the perfect way to end the night!
Keep scrolling for more details from day 2 of this year’s Coterie Retreat 2022, in Jamaica!
- Host: Half Moon Resort
- Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica
- Date of Event: Tuesday, December 6th, 2022
- White Party Host: Grand Palladium Jamaica
Day 2:
Speaker #1: Nikita Miller
Nikita Miller, the Senior Vice President, Head of Product Management for The Knot Worldwide, was our first speaker of day 2. She offered an abundance of information on how to communicate and maintain engagement with different generations and how to build your business through problem-solving.
As many of our speakers from day 1 spoke on the importance of utilizing social media and new technology to your advantage, Nikita enforced that view (particularly within GenZ). She also dived deeper into the trends surrounding those platforms, including where young people are finding inspiration, how they’re planning their weddings, and how to communicate with them.
Gen-Z Weddings
For GenZ, she shared that their number one source of wedding inspiration actually comes from Pinterest, then TikTok. With a startling 8-second attention span, it’s not surprising that GenZ is absorbing information from these platforms where short-form videos and fast imagery reign supreme.
As for wedding planning, she noted an increase in young couples and their guests using apps and wedding sites. Methods of contact are also changing. Whether we like it or not, Nikita admits, “Email is snail mail now. Text is everything. Today, 24 hours is too long of a response time.”
With all of this in mind, she challenged our attendees to audit their own sites, make things as simple as possible, and “be accessible, but also create boundaries.”
Solving “PEOPLE PROBLEMS” with data
On day 1, our Wedding Tech Panel covered how to increase business productivity and solve problems with automation. However, when it comes to solving “people problems” (aka issues from the client’s perspective), Nikita stressed the importance of maintaining a human touch.
If we’re solving the right problems for our business and our couples, then the business will follow.”
– Nikita Miller
When addressing “People Problems,” Nikita suggested asking yourself these 3 questions:
- What “people problem” are we trying to solve?
- Ex: “As a couple, I don’t have time to go through all the details.”
- Ex: “I don’t understand the cost of services, liabilities, etc.”
- How do we know this is a real problem?
- You have examples/customers/feedback.
- How will we know if this problem is solved?
- Think of technical solutions (wedding planning apps for couples).
- Hire a planner to help your client understand the complexity of the problem/task of wedding planning.
Speaker #2: Tisha Holman
Digital strategist and CEO of MindYourBusiness LLC, Tisha Holman strives to help you “do what you do, better.”
Originally starting out in the wedding industry as Tisha Holman Events (she was actually featured in MunaLuchi before!), Tisha always had an aptitude for social media and marketing that naturally led her into digital strategy.
“The strategy is not the plan”
With her previous experience in the wedding industry, Tisha has a unique understanding of how weddings work and how planners, florists, and photographers alike can utilize marketing to their advantage.
The first step in creating successful marketing is “defining your strategy” and creating a “path to achieve your defined vision.” She explained that more times than not, people will give you tactics (which is what you need to do) but never explain the why.
Tactics without strategy are noise before defeat.”
– Tisha Holman
Often, the “why” is the most important element as it mirrors your business and your brand. So, how do you do this?
Tisha explains that you first have to “lay the foundation of your business.” She advised documenting your policies and procedures and ironing out every detail as these are “the books in the Bible of your business.”
Another tip is to create S.M.A.R.T goals (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, timely) and make them make sense for you and your business. Also, think about who you’re talking to. Who is your audience?
“Brands are emotional”
When creating your brand, Tisha challenged attendees to ask themselves “are you the best answer to the need or problem they have?” If the answer is no, she advised them to work on their business, create a framework, and encouraged them to “be a disruptor in the market you serve.”
More of Tisha’s expert tips can be found in her book The Social Media Makeover and her Digital Day Planner to help with planning online content.
Speaker #3: Brian Green
Brian Green is an elite wedding pro expert and planner extraordinaire of his company, By Brian Green Events. As a repeat Coterie Retreat attendee, he is known for his jovial personality and vibrant charisma; however, during this retreat, he shared a personal story that left many in the audience teary-eyed.
In March 2020, Brian encountered the most challenging event and client he had ever experienced. “Everything that could go wrong went wrong,” he said. For 16 days, his business was dragged online. “I sat in my bathroom and cried.”
At his lowest point, he contemplated ending his life. But after receiving encouraging phone calls from his friend and fellow coterie member, Terrica, and MunaLuchi CEO, Jackie Nwobu, he was reminded who he was.
How do we profess to work in this industry of love without empathy?”
– Brian Green
Looking back on that difficult time in his life, Brian encourages others to recognize the importance of empathy in the wedding industry and beyond. He shared, “Love is compassion, empathy, and growth. Our job is to help instill these things.”
Of course, how we implement and practice empathy is “not a one size fits all solution.” So, how do we implement empathy into our own lives and businesses?
8 steps to bringing more empathy into the workplace:
- Listen
- As Brian’s Grandmother, Kathleen, used to tell him, “listening is not waiting for your turn to talk.” Truly listening with empathy is critical to building quality relationships, trust, and healthy working environments.
- Don’t dismiss concerns
- Pay attention to non-verbal cues
- When someone asks, “how are you today?” many people immediately reply with “Good.” But what is their body showing? Are they hunched over, eyes downcast, or seemingly not “good” in their body language?
- Use the 93% rule
- The 93% rule attests that people’s reactions only show 7% of their feelings; try to look beyond the 7%!
- Use people’s names
- Be fully present
- Absorb the information and be supportive the best you can.
- Encourage your people
- Give genuine recognition & praise
Speaker #4: Dr. Paulette Tai Chun Hossman
I didn’t set out to be in this industry… my entire life by this point has been by design.”
Dr. Paulette Tai Chun Hossman
Dr. Paulette Tai Chun Hossmann, co-founder and owner of Tai Flora Luxe, a lifestyle design company based in Montego Bay, Jamaica, prayed every day as a child: “Lord, please do not let me have an ordinary life.”
Through dedication, talent, and faith, the Lord answered! Her wanderlust life today in Jamaica and beyond is filled with new experiences, learning, and travel, all while bringing people’s dream events to life. Her company’s first-ever client on the island was actually delivering one arrangement to our retreat partner, Sandals, Montego Bay, Resort!
In her business, she is fueled by a “heartfelt need to serve and be by your clients with service beyond expectation.”
Photos of her luxurious events and stunning floral arrangements left our attendees amazed and inspired!
Panel Discussion – Growing Together: Strategic Business Partnerships
Led by Coterie member, Suzette Spann Scarborough of Envisioned Events by Suzette, our second-panel discussions of Coterie Retreat 2022 covered strategic partnerships featuring couples in business together.
Linda & Kal McQueen
Since they first met, Linda & Kal McQueen of Linda McQueen Photography & Luxor Wedding Flims have been making their mark in the wedding industry. With Linda’s extraordinary self-taught photography skills and Kal’s formal training in filmmaking, they are conquering the wedding industry one frame at a time.
Growing their business together
After having their second child together, Linda and Kal decided to take their business to the next level. Initially, in their first year of business, they only did 10 weddings. But after going full-time and implementing tactics like gorilla marketing (posting on bridal Facebook groups), joining MunaLuchi and the Knot, and showcasing their work at bridal shows, their business grew. By their second year they were booked for 70 weddings!
Problem-solving as a couple
Sometimes when solving problems, you have to agree to disagree.
For Linda, Kal was a major component in encouraging her to take photography seriously. He even went so far as to create a website and a logo for her to help set her up for success. However, Linda hated it.
“I made a new logo and site for myself in 15 minutes,” she shared, laughing.
With their own websites and individual interests in film (Kal) and photography (Linda), they each excel in their own fields. However, together, they’ve created a luxury brand that’s taking the wedding industry by storm.
Atosha Barboza-Bennett
Wedding and Event Planner, Atosha Barboza-Bennett, runs her company, Larger Than Life Events, with the support of her husband, Charles.
Anything he can do, he’s going to be there. Me = us.”
– Atosha Barboza-Bennet
On working together, Tosh admits, “It’s not easy.”
Initially, Charle’s role in the company was not clearly defined. Because of this, one of the first steps they took together was defining their roles in business together.
“I found him a way to feel comfortable and feel a part of the company,” Tosh said. “We also separate business and home.” This separation was critical for them and gave them a sense of peace with clear boundaries set between home and work.
Problem-solving as a couple
How you start is not how you finish.”
– Atosha Barboza-Bennet
In the beginning, Tosh and Charles were essentially building a business off of the idea that they “Love to party, so how do you turn that into a business?” However, actually running a business was new territory and a LOT harder than just hosting a party for fun.
Tosh spoke in depth about their struggles with money management. After their power was shut off in 2016, Tosh got serious about her business. They sold their home and for about a year and a half, they were living in a mall. This was a major sacrifice. Yet through persistence and determination, learning how to price her business right, joining the Muna Coterie, and Charle’s relentless support, Larger Than Life Events blew up!
The couple bought their first home together and have grown to be a luxury service company. One of their biggest clients thus far was executing florals for Real Housewives star Porsha Williams‘ wedding to Simon Guobadia earlier this year.
Karriss & Joshua Farris
The husband and wife team, Karris and Joshua Farris of Pharris Photos + Films, began their journey together in college. Madly in love and documenting every moment of their own love story, they decided to take their shared passion for photography and film and created their own business.
On working together, Karris admits, “We’re polar opposites. But it actually makes our marriage better.”
For instance, in their business, Joshua is all about business, strategy, and growing their brand. While Karris is more hesitant to change, Josh (a serial entrepreneur) encouraged her to embrace growth rather than run from it. Josh said, “You have to grow. You have to build.” And together, they did.
Problem solving as a couple
Josh shared that one challenge they faced early on was figuring out “who has the last say in stylistic decisions.”
“Karris does,” he admitted, laughing.
Growing their business
Catering to clients ranging from everyday couples to former First Lady herself, Micelle Obama, the Ferris’s have made a name for themselves through hard work, talent, and building client relationships.
Josh advised business owners to ask themselves, “how can I serve?” and even consider offering free photo shoots for planners (at least in the beginning) to get their name out there. Karris added to remember the importance of “leading with value.”
Sponsored Lunch by WeddingPro:
The details…
Decor…
Cookies & Connections:
This session was all about maximizing the network! During this time, the emcee asked participants to share one connection they made and why they found it to be valuable.
Mini Breakout Sessions:
Meghan Ely – ODF Consulting
Write something worth reading or do something worth writing about.”
– Meghan Ely of OFD Consulting
Award-Winning PR Meghan Ely of OFD Consulting graced the stage to help position attendees for greater visibility for their brands. She spoke about leveraging a solid PR strategy to help access business milestones, such as getting press and being published, which is a huge goal for many wedding pros.
Alain & Neima – Sensory Delights
Food is a very pervasive part of cultural identity.”
– Chef Alain Lemaire
Chef Alain Lemaire and Neima Belancourt-Hereaux of Sensory Delights spoke on food’s important role in any event – especially weddings.
In spite of food’s importance, Alain shared that “Caterers are often the last to be considered on an event budget list, but food and drinks are always some of the first things guests gravitate towards.”
In order to stand out in the catering industry (and any industry for that matter), the pair encouraged listeners to “Be the driving force behind your brand and product. Own it.”
Ultimately, Alain notes, “When it comes down to choosing your caterer, it all boils down to the following:
- Does the Caterer understand your vision?
- Are they creative, adaptable, quick thinking, and problem solvers?
- Are they able to speak with clarity about your event?
- Most importantly, are they transparent?”
Christie Osborne – Mountainside Media
Data is inert and means nothing without you.”
– Christie Osborne
First starting her career as a wedding and travel blogger, Christie Osborne has always been paying attention to data and analytics. She realized early on how challenging modern marketing is and set out to find simpler ways to solve marketing problems.
After mastering the art of data and analytics, she decided to start her own Marketing and Media company, Mountainside Media, to help business owners measure what actually matters and address marketing problems with simple analytics.
When tackling marketing issues, she prompted attendees to ask themselves two questions: “What’s the next logical step?” and “How can I deepen my relationship with my clients?”
“If you’re not getting clicks,” she says, “engagement is the next best thing.”
To get more engagement (which will ultimately lead to more sales!), Christie shared 4 key categories for businesses to focus on:
- Inspiration
- Research
- Booking
- Planning
In order to analyze your success, she advised business owners to “know their numbers.” She said, “pick one thing and see if you’re failing or succeeding in that category…” and always “…measure and test your numbers.”
Without measurement, you’re throwing spaghetti against the wall in the dark.”
Christie Osborne
She also stressed not getting caught up in the feel-good qualities of “Vanity Metrics.” These include numbers like audience growth and traffic. While these are important, the ultimate goal is to book services.
Pervez Taufiq
When people ask me what equipment I use, I tell them “my eyes and my heart.”
-Pervez Taufiq
Coterie Retreat 2022 photographer, Pervez Taufiq of PTaufiq Photography, spoke on building and scaling an international luxury brand.
He works alongside his wife, Nicole Taufiq, who helps bring out and capture the best in their clients. As a previous cover girl and fashion model in Mumbai for over 10 years, culminating with the Miss India Pageant in 2007, she brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team.
Together, they capture beautiful moments across the globe!
A Special Announcement!
Ending general sessions for day 2, MunaLuchi CEO, Jackie Nwobu, announced MunaLuchi’s newest event, our annual Couples Retreat, launching in 2023 at Sandals Royal Curacao!
Set for August 28-31st, the exclusive experience will give 20 couples in business together the opportunity to visit a new destination for a high-level masterclass experience.
Sign up for our 2023 Couples Retreat here!
White Party – Grand Palladium Resort:
Photo-op…
On the dance floor…
Looking for more recaps from our Coterie retreat 2022?
Click here.
Vendors:
- Event Planning: Tiffany Chalk (Director of Events for MunaLuchi)
- Host Venue: Half Moon Resort
- Photography: Trene’ Forbes | Pervez Taufiq
- Videography/Photography: Pervez Taufiq
- Speakers’ Makeup: Society 11:11 | Master Artists: BJohnBeauty & Candice Hardy
- Speakers’ Hair: Golda-Ann Newton | Tinika Sadiku
- DJ (welcome party) Exeqtive Entertainment
- DJ (white party) | | DJ (awards gala): Finer Touch Entertainment
- Decor Partner (staging, luncheons, welcome party, white party, gala): Tai Flora Luxe
- Gala Floral Designer: Flower Guy Bron
- Digital Strategy: Tisha Holman
- BBQ Luncheon Designer: Events Down Pat
- Stationery Partner: Be Your Guest Jamaica
- White Party Venue Host: Grand Palladium Jamaica
- Speakers’ Dinner Host: Sandals Montego Bay
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