We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Snell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have worked in the healthcare industry for quite some time now. During this time, I have had amazing encounters with patients, physicians, and coworkers, but also experiences that have been completely draining and overwhelming. I came to a point where I found myself reflecting constantly and really evaluating things that are important to me and my family. I know life is short and things can change constantly, so it became important for me to live in the moments and ensure the moments that I have are spent doing things that bring me joy. These thoughts were heavy on my mind during the same time I was planning my wedding and I began focusing more on the idea of wedding planning. I loved every single moment of planning my own wedding and meeting with different vendors throughout the city of Houston. I quickly realized that this was something I wanted to do all the time and share with other couples as they plan for their wedding day. The Wedding Planning RN was created during my wedding planning process and I am super excited to see how the business grows and thrives over the years to come.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Aside from wedding planning, I am a full-time oncology nurse. I truly enjoy working with and helping patients daily. I have been part of many groundbreaking research studies in the cancer world. Working full-time as a nurse often times makes it difficult to manage my own business, but I have learned how to keep myself organized and the true importance of time management. I have found how to make my full-time and my dream job work, as I want to ensure everyone I work with is happy, both patients and clients. I think people should know that I am always committed to my tasks and I strive to make a persons day, in each of the areas in which I work. I know the importance of customer service and professionalism, which is something I think clients and my patients can attest to. I think my unique set of skills set me apart from many wedding planners as my background is in healthcare and customer service. I think that is important because it shows clients how much I care and will ensure that their wedding vision is executed beyond expectation.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
If my best friend was visiting the area, and new to the city, in order for us to have the best time ever, we would start with happy hour (if this was not a COVID era, of course). Our itinerary would start on a Friday evening at Lost and Found. We would then hangout in discovery green and end the night at The Local Seat. Saturday morning we would head to brunch at Tiny Boxwoods. From there, we would stop by OST Liquor for their double cup specials. We would then hangout at my house with my very cool neighbors, listening to some good music, while my husband fires up the smoker. We would then have dinner on the patio with our double cup drink specials. Sunday morning we would go to church at the Fountain of Praise. We would then have breakfast to follow from the Breakfast Klub. I think that highlights a few of the many cool places in Houston and great places to eat/drink.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my mom and my husband, my biggest supporters. My mom has always been hardworking, driven, and self-motivated. She also played a huge role in helping plan my wedding. Throughout my life she has always owned her own businesses, helped and encouraged others, and displayed the epitome of a strong black woman. She is everything and more! Her lessons, values, and advice have certainly shaped me into the woman I am today, for that, I am beyond grateful. My husband has been such a blessing by supporting me, encouraging me, and trusting and believing in my dreams. He pushes me to challenge myself and he praises all of my accomplishments. He has been by my side every step of the way and gives me the best business advice to ensure my business continues to flourish. I thank God for him daily. I would not have my business today without all of the love and support from my mom and husband. They are both incredible beings.

Website: TheWeddingPlanningRN.com
Instagram: @TheWeddingPlanningRN
Twitter: @WedPlanningRN
Facebook: The Wedding Planning RN

Image Credits
Pharris Photography

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