Opportunities

Life at the moment has been a little tough. Between working 12-hour night shifts and having your schedule changed by the powers that may be, it messes with a girl. Having just recently gotten back from England and still trying to adjust to the time change on top of shuffling from night shift to days off, it has been rough to say the least. To mix in the real fact of the depression that comes from leaving home(UK) and flying back to the U.S., the feeling of wanting to be back home again is real.

While I was home in the UK, I got to catch up with many family members and old friends. It was lovely! I also want to think that I made progress. The steps & connections that could bring real movement, a step in the right direction, you could say.

My time there was spent volunteering at a venue about an hour from London. It was amazing from the pictures they’ve posted and then to see it in person. The transformation the venue has gone through over the last 4 years, when it first opened is nothing short of spectacular. The amenities they have included and the plans they have for their growth are truly inspiring. I’m excited to see their progress over the next few years.

I must mention how nervous I was prior to my visit to the venue. I wasn’t sure how receptive they would be to me coming in, following them around, observing, & helping, but they were all so welcoming and inviting. I haven’t met a more friendly & approachable team of individuals who never said anything out of the sorts and were all very happy to be there.

The front-of-house staff were all so supportive & attentive in their roles. Even when dropping a tray full of glasses (prior to the event start), the two who helped didn’t make me feel at all clumsy and careless. I worked alongside two sets of front-of-house staff, and they were exceptional with their skills and teamwork, although there might of been some hiccups or variables that were completely out of anyone’s reach, the guests never saw anything other than a flawless evening. That is how an event should be! They have definitely found a fan in me, and I would be honoured to work alongside or run a team like theirs.

I also met two lovely gentlemen who have started an endeavour that I could only dream about. The chat I had with them at this new venue that will be opening next year was delightful. I was not so good with my words as anyone can see with my blog posts… not a writer and not a public speaker by any means, and that is how I saw it. When I was trying to talk about what I could bring to the possibility of the venue, I found myself fumbling over my words and essentially putting my foot in my mouth. I am passionate, very passionate about the things I strongly agree with, and it will show, but when it comes to talking about oneself, I lack the confidence. My husband, on the other hand, does not miss a beat! He is the quick thinker when it comes to business talks, whereas I always think of the perfect thing after leaving the conversation. He is the businessman after all, and I am the creative one. If only he could have been on my shoulder giving me encouragement and support. I’m sure my confidence will grow with more interactions within the wedding industry and the connections I make. Fingers crossed and watch this space, I suppose. Since seeing the venue, I can not stop thinking of all the possibilities, the spaces both inside and out, and the guest experiences they could provide. I am excited to see how the venue grows into one of the top venues in England.