Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Rice.
Hi Marissa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been the mom who was over the top for parties; themed food, massive balloon arches, etc. If my child wanted a fairy princess party, my house was an enchanted forest. My friends in the service industry always told me I should make a career out of it, but I always thought, “oh they’re just hyping me up because they’re my friends.” In 2019, a friend offered to pay me for her daughter’s birthday party, then another for a baby shower and a third to help set up her wedding. I had an amazing time and decided in January of 2020 I would put any extra time I had into trying to pursue weddings and other events. In March of 2020, things took a turn for everyone. I had been serving/bartending for 13.5 years at this point, and I was losing my job and the only thing I had any confidence in besides being a mom. I decided while a pandemic may not seem like the best time, I had all the time in the world to perfect my craft. I started assisting in and then planning a few styled shoots throughout the year with hopes that I would have content to help me get real-life clients when the world opened back up. Between October 2020 and April 2021 styled shoots that I had designed, planned, assisted with had been featured over 25 times, by the end of April I had booked out for the year and I was in absolute disbelief. I wasn’t sure where my life was headed, the career path I would take, or if I would be mixing up drinks at sixty because it’s what I knew. Thanks to the encouragement of my friends and family, I’m almost fully booked for 2022 and now spend my days at home with my kids and my weekends making people’s dreams come to life. Including my own.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We’ve always been a paycheck-to-paycheck type of household, so while I’ve always had a dream of being my own boss, I wasn’t sure it was obtainable for me. Once I decided to give it my all, then COVID happened two months later, I was sure the universe was telling me it’s not the time. Money would be extra tight, no one was planning events and I’d be stuck at home with rambunctious children so how would I get work done!? I emptied my savings building my inventory and planning events that were literally just for photos. I questioned every day if it would be worth it, but it absolutely was. I’ve never been a super confident person, but this whole experience has really taught me to have faith and confidence in myself.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I offer Wedding and Event Planning and Design, many clients that book with me contact me based on photos they’ve seen, but stay with me because I genuinely care about my clients. It’s important to click with the person who is planning and designing you day. We’ll be spending a lot of time chatting and I want to truly know you to make sure your day is everything you’ve ever wanted and so much more.
What matters most to you?
My husband and three kids! Everything I do, I do for them and without them, I would’ve never had the courage to follow my dreams!
Contact Info:
- Email: Marissariceevents@gmail.com
- Website: Marissariceevents.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/marissariceevents
Image Credits
Hazel Club Photo
Sheree Taylor Photography
Margeaux Photo
Moody Mountains Photography
Love in Color Photography
