Meet Geovanna Burgess White | Wedding Venue Owner, Accountability Coach & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Geovanna Burgess White and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Geovanna, how do you think about risk?
One of the hardest parts of entrepreneurship is the risk factor. I spent 17 years in retail, which molded me to the business owner I am now. They gave you specific goals, roles and responsibilities to set you up for success. What we don’t realize is the importance of strategy, structure and accountability to be able to run a successful business. Most people are afraid to take risks, the fear of the unknown and I don’t blame them. Not being in control of the outcome can be stressful, especially the first few years of starting a business. Taking risks in my career has helped me shift my mindset in a time where the event industry has suffered during this pandemic. Having to close my wedding venue for 3 months and postpone my clients events was never in my game plan, much less the fear of losing my business. Instead of giving up, I decided to collaborate with my partners and 2 businesses were created on the last 5 months. They both solve a problem, one allowing events to take place safely and the other educates clients and businesses how to move forward with events and help the industry thrive.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My work revolves the wedding and event industry. I own a wedding venue, have an online coaching program for engaged couples and an a virtual accountability coach for Ignite University, program for women entrepreneurs. With in the last month I have started a new business virtual streaming company with my business partners to solve a big problem in our industry, hosting large events. My businesses were born by solving problems within the event space or the needs of my clients. The last 6 years of entrepreneurship has taught me how important it is to keep going. There are more days you feel like giving up because it takes time, failing, trying again and figuring out the formula that works best for you business and clients. You have to continuously invest in your self, have a coach or mentor at all times and understand that success does not happen over night. If there is one thing I would want the world to know about my story is, once you find your true purpose, what you were meant to do for others, nothing can stop you.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Love Htown! Here are things to do: Museum District Hermann Park Kemah or Galveston Beach Day and the let’s talk food…. whatever you want you can find it!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Special Thanks & Shout outs- My former coach Julie Ciardi & Creator of Ignite University. You taught me the importance of serving, building a community and always finding a solution to the problem. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your team and serving your community. My Business Partner Jon, at Mía Bella Houston- the constant brainstorming sessions, flexibility to change and do what’s best for our clients and team. My Partners at Viirtuall Lewis, Mike & Nick- for being able to lead and create a company to help so many industries move forward. Yvette Valdenegro – Owner of Pop Up Wedding Houston & Partner in Just Engaged University, thank you for trusting and believing in me through these last few months. Your support in creating a new way to move forward for our clients and industry. My Mentor – Jonathan Weisman, for pushing me outside my comfort zone and creating a disrupter. My husband Chris, Alex, Bailey & family- for always being my #1 fan and never letting me give up. Favorite Book & Podcast – Building a Story Brand Donald Miller It takes a village!

Website: www.gbwbrands.com
Instagram: @geovannaburgesswhite
Linkedin: Geovanna Burgess White
Facebook: Geovanna Burgess White
Youtube: Just Engaged U&I-versity Podcast
Other: www.MiaBellaHouston.com www.Viirtuall.com Uncut & Unleashed- Supporting Couples & Wedding Industry bit.ly/UU2FB Just Engaged U&I-versity Podcast Apple/Spotify/Google Play/Stitcher

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