Today we’d like to introduce you to Cynthia Navarro.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began my business to provide another source of income during a time of financial hardship. I wanted to build something I could pass on to my children in the future. By nature, I’m a problem solver and had to come up with a solution to my dilemma. So, I sat back and thought about all the skills I had which could potentially generate income. It had to be something that I enjoyed and would have a low startup cost. Officiating weddings was the perfect solution; it would bring personal fulfillment and alleviate financial responsibilities.
In a short amount of time, I set up my business and dove right in. The artistic, creative side of me flourished with the website design, marketing, and branding part of the startup. The prospect of contributing meaningfully to individuals’ lives was motivating because I place great value on commitment and sincere intentions; it aligned perfectly with my character.
Initially, I officiated small ceremonies like elopements and civil ceremonies. There were times when I wondered if I was cut out for it because people challenged me. Competition can be difficult if you aren’t mentally prepared for it. But something deep down inside of me kept me in the game. Now, I enjoy larger weddings and have added other services. Our beautifully hand-crafted faux flower bouquets have been a hit. Every step along the way has been both challenging, yet meaningful as a new business owner. We recently added Day-Of Wedding Coordinator packages. I remember being so nervous to officiate my first wedding for fear of ruining someone’s wedding day, and now I can’t wait to do the next! The entrepreneurial experience has been a rewarding process of personal growth, marked by significant inner joy. It has literally changed the course of my life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The beginning was the hardest for me because I had to gain the courage to take calls from potential clients and make sales. Sales had never been my strong point. I wasn’t sure I could remember my lines at a ceremony and look comfortable at something so new to me. For months, I dreaded getting a call. All sorts of fears arose from the thought of performing a ceremony, like making a mistake and taking away from someone’s wedding day.
My confidence level wasn’t where it needed be as a wedding officiant or as a business owner. But I had to dig deep to find the part of me I knew was there; the New Yorker in me, the perfectionist in me, and the spiritual self. When I looked back at my past, I remembered all my successes and the valuable work experience I had in my back pocket. Everything I had ever learned in life came rushing back to me. Tapping into my past experiences helped me confront my future as an entrepreneur. It took some time, but I found the missing key; it was confidence. Once I found that, it unlocked the door of opportunity. Then I leaned into my potential as a wedding officiant, refined my skills and turned it into an art form. I absolutely love it!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a professional wedding officiant, my specialty lies in creating personalized ceremonies for couples that genuinely reflect who they are as individuals, and as a couple. I have a natural ability to connect with my clients in such a way that allows me to see the love that exists within them for each other.
In my role as a wedding officiant, I don’t just recite words or write scripts; it goes beyond that for me. It’s about giving my clients a voice, representing their purest love, and honoring their culture and beliefs. A wedding officiant holds the responsibility of conveying messages accurately to guests while providing an experience. You have to have excellent communication skills and understand family dynamics as well. My public speaking skills play a crucial part in delivering a speech that will leave a lasting impression on guests. I work hard to make sure my clients feel seen and heard at one of the most important, yet nerve wrecking moments of their lives.
Personally, marriage is important to me because it nurtures human connection. Loyalty and commitment are values I take very seriously and continuously strive to foster in our society. Most importantly, I believe in love; a love that forgives and understands. I believe in a love that transcends languages, cultures, and religions; it’s a love that can be felt deep within the heart, beyond what is seen.
My background as a writer gives me an edge with script writing, poetic wording, and structure of the script. Another aspect that is vital to my business is the translation of ceremonies from English to Spanish. I’m proud to be a Latina and grateful to be able to help so many families be able to experience the beauty of a wedding ceremony whether it’s in English or Spanish. It feels great to be able to represent my American and Hispanic heritage as an entrepreneur. Bringing honor to both sides is a privilege. As for my business, at its core, it stands for professionalism, outstanding customer service, meticulous planning, and full transparency. That is what sets us apart from the rest.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is officiating marriages for couples that have trust and respect for each other. Marriage can be the beginning of a lifetime of joy and blessings for couples. I have a strong desire to help build families and reinforce the importance of commitment. I want to see the couples grow old together, live the ups and downs of life together, and hold on to each other when the going gets tough. Currently, society has focused so much on independence that it makes divorce an easy option. Marriage takes work and dedication. And I want to see couples in long lasting relationships. My service is long term; it doesn’t end the day of the wedding. I will always be there for couples throughout their marriage. I encourage them to seek me out in times of difficulty. In the end, true love and happiness is what matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://poemsoftheheart-weddingofficia.godaddysites.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poemsoftheheartweddings/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/poemsoftheheartofficiant
