Today we’d like to introduce you to Diane Wolk.
Hi Diane, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
Hi! My name is Diane Wolk and I am the owner/lead planner of Bustled Events. I started my business in 2017 with the encouragement of family and friends.
I have always loved helping my friends and family stay organized and efficient. It gives me a great sense of satisfaction. I had been a stay-at-home mom for years, raising my four kids, so when it was time to reenter the workforce, I wanted something flexible so I could still be here for my kids.
My initial focus was on gaining experience to build a portfolio as well as making vendor connections in the area. I was fortunate to be able to gift my skills to a few people getting married that first year. It helped me gain more confidence and knowledge of the wedding industry. I also participated in my first wedding show. I met wonderful vendors who have become cherished friends. It has been invaluable to be able to lean on them for advice and support as well as encouragement. I also booked several of my first official wedding clients and a Bat Mitzvah. What had started out as a wedding planning business evolved into an event planning business that encompasses corporate services as well.
My first year taught me so much: I learned how to better prepare myself for various situations. I figured out what I needed to incorporate into my business to make it better. I continue to learn with each and every event.
Today, four years in and looking back, I am proud of where I am. My approach to my business is how I approach everything in my life. Nothing makes me happier than to see others happy. I am always open and willing to lend a hand. I treat my clients and their guests as if they were guests in my home. I like to go above and beyond to ensure they have the best experience possible.
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?
Starting out, I was really nervous about doing a good enough job. I was encountering new experiences with each and every event. There was no guidebook. Just me. That can be really scary. I focused on making sure my clients had everything they needed: whether they knew it or not. I always try to anticipate what will make my clients’ lives easier. Through all the hiccups at each event, I took notes to make sure the process would be better the next time.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My main business comes from weddings but I have also branched out to plan Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, celebrations and some smaller corporate things. I love the variety it brings to my days.
My planning can be anything from starting with a client from the very beginning or jumping in towards the end to tie up those last details to make sure their events are a success.
For me, I think it’s how I work with my clients that sets me apart. My natural instinct has always been to take care of people. I strive to anticipate what my clients need before they realize it. This may be during the planning process or on the day of the event. I even try to make sure my fellow vendors have what they need. It makes a big difference when you show you truly care for people around you.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My biggest cheerleader has been my cousin. We grew up together with my family visiting her family every year in NY. She’s like another sister to me. After years of writing letters to each other, phone calls, and wish we lived closer, she made the move to Raleigh. If she hadn’t been here physically to support me, cheer me on and help with all the logistics of getting my business off the ground, I wouldn’t have had the courage to do it all. She’s very creative so she designed my logo, ordered my business cards, and built my first website. She’s a photographer so she also takes my headshots. She continues to help me and cheer me on when I need her.
I have also made some wonderful vendor friends but one that has been there through numerous phone calls and laughs is my dear friend, Frankie. I met him after my first wedding show and we just hit it off. He has been in the wedding industry as a DJ for quite some time. He has always helped answer my questions – whether it’s about a venue I haven’t worked at yet or help with finding a vendor to fit a certain event I’m planning. I have been blessed by so many others that I can’t possibly list here.
Pricing:
- Events starting at $1750
Contact Info:
- Email: diane@bustledevents.com
- Website: www.bustledevents.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/bustledevents
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/bustledevents
Image Credits
Catherine Nguyen Photography, Vesic Photography, Fabula Photography, Kevyn Dixon Photography, Joanna Sue Photography, Six Foot Photography, Josh Jones Photography, Hans Rosemond Photography, and Catherine Nguyen Photography.
