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

Hi Natalie, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Some people avoid risks at all cost and some don’t acknowledge any risks. I live somewhere in the middle. I’m not risk averse nor intimidated by hard work. If I see the ROI and the risk factor aligns with my values and mission then I am all in and determined to see the pay off. Despite the global pandemic and the risks involved with launching a business during a recession, we were confident the timing couldn’t be better for TBWCreatives to emerge on the hospitality scene offering SAFE, SMART, and SOCIALLY distanced alternatives for live, hybrid events and virtual events.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
In 2006, I launched Two Be Wed, a wedding consulting and event design firm in Houston, Texas. Over the last 14 years we have planned hundreds of weddings locally, nationally, and abroad. I have built a reliable and trustworthy brand and trained a team of planners dedicated to the TBW Philosophy. We are committed to creating a memorable and enjoyable planning experience as well as a stress free and streamlined event. Our creative design process involves customizing and curating the wedding design in a way that tells the couple’s love story through Emotion, Environment, and Experience while taking taste, budget, and style into consideration.

Any new developments at Two Be Wed?
Over the years, we have planned other events besides weddings, but never knew exactly how to market ourselves because “WED” is in our DNA. We wanted a way to share all things non-wedding related so I created the brand TBWCreatives, which, has evolved into its own entity now led by my partner and CEO, Ashley Blake. TBWCreatives is a Corporate and Creative Event Planning and Production company. Our mission is to deliver impactful events for our clients and their guests that: Drive Revenue, Build Reputation, Grow Relationships, and Maximize Brand Recognition. Our commitment to our clients is: “Extraordinary Vision. Excellent Service. Exceptional Execution. Every Event. 

I am most excited about our Virtual Experiences menu that we rolled out in 2020. TBWCreatives Virtual Experiences include Food & Beverage such as live cooking demonstrations and wine and spirits tastings, Health & Wellness including yoga, breathing techniques, stretching & meditation and Arts & Lifestyle incorporating planting, painting, and live concerts and comedy. We handle kit assembly and delivery to the attendee as well as planning & production for the live streamed event. TBWCreatives Virtual Experiences are taking place nationally and growing quickly to serve companies abroad as well.

How have you adapted to change? 
As an entrepreneur, I know well that pivoting isn’t just something you do during a pandemic; it’s something you become very familiar with. I have pivoted many times in my career and each time it yielded an even better harvest. You have to be willing to grow, change, adjust, and even lay something down that isn’t working anymore. I have learned to be flexible in these changing times and to keep the energy and momentum going even when the world around you is coming to a halt.

Who and what has shaped you as a businesswoman? 
My faith in God has always sustained me and shaped me as a woman. My relationship with my husband, Scott, and being a mother to our three children – Oliver, Eliott, and Amelia is my greatest pleasure and purpose. The career choices and risks in business that I have taken have empowered me and afforded me the flexibility to do what I love most – mothering, mentoring, and motivating others to live out their purpose. I want our couples at Two Be Wed and clients at TBWCreatives to know that we are invested in their story and brand and are passionate about bringing their vision to life. We want every person, whether client or vendor, to experience our core values: Creation. Collaboration. Coordination. Celebration.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Breakfast at Tiny Boxwoods. A mid morning walk at Houston Arboretum or Memorial Park.
Lunch at Craft Pita on Fountain View. An activity MFAH and The Menil Collection. Margaritas at Chuy’s.
Dinner at Thai Gourmet on Richmond. We’d explore River Oaks, Montrose, The Heights, and then head outta town to Round Top for a relaxing weekend in the country. Shop around and hit up Ellis Motel for drinks, Lulu’s for dinner, and chill the rest of the time at The Vintage Round Top or The Frenchie!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Everything I am, I attribute to my God and my family. Everything I do, is for Him and them. I am not a self made woman. I would be here all day listing the people who have shown me love and encouragement, and given me the opportunities to live my dream. From family and friends to coworkers and team members to clients and colleagues – all have helped shape my life and I am forever grateful.

Website: www.twobewed.com and www.tbwcreatives.com
Instagram: @twobewed and @tbwcreatives
Linkedin: Natalie Dawley
Facebook: www.facebook.com/twobewed

Image Credits
Studio by Christa Elyce and Composure Studios

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